We're taking the bus!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The number of Wellingtonians taking the bus and train rose by 3% last week compared to the same time last year, according to Metlink.

Not surprising given petrol prices at the moment. But if you're considering giving up your car commute for a leisurely bus ride in the mornings, it would be worth it.

It's about to get even easier: In April, e-pay will be launched, meaning you can tap on with your credit cards as well as smart devices.

It's better on the environment too: With most Metlink trains running on electricity, 25% of the bus fleet being EV’s and the Ika Rere electric ferry, Metlink is able to move more people using less fuel than any other transport option.

With fuel costs so high, it's a good idea to jump on board if you can. If you've become a public transport convert recently, how have you found it?

Poll: Tightening the belt at the pump ... How are you pivoting? 🚌🚲🏠

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Between the headlines about the Strait of Hormuz and the creeping costs at our local stations, the "fuel crisis" has moved from the news to our wallets.

A recent opinion piece in The Post suggested that Wellington Councils should be shifting our public facilities to renewable energy ASAP to keep our rates from being vulnerable to these global fuel hikes. It’s a big conversation for the city, but what about your daily commute?

We want to know: With fuel prices staying high for the foreseeable future, are you changing how you get around the capital?

Tightening the belt at the pump ... How are you pivoting? 🚌🚲🏠

• Yes – I’m a bus/train user
• Dusting off the bike
• Working from home
• Nope, same as always
• Other (Tell us your strategy in the comments!)

Vote View Results

• 19.6% Yes – I’m a bus/train user
  19.6% Complete
• 5.8% Dusting off the bike
  5.8% Complete
• 6.3% Working from home
  6.3% Complete
• 61.4% Nope, same as always
  61.4% Complete
• 6.9% Other (Tell us your strategy in the comments!)
  6.9% Complete

189 votes

Poll: Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Wellington’s identity is built on its cafe culture, but with costs climbing, that culture is under pressure. We’ve seen the headlines about recent closures, and it’s a tough pill to swallow along with a $6+ coffee.

We all want our favourite spots to stay open, but we also have to balance our own budgets ⚖️

We want to know: How are you handling the "coffee math" in 2026? Are you still heading to your local for a chat and a caffeine fix, or has the cost of living changed your habits?

Keen to read more about "coffee math"? The Post has you covered.

Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕

• I avoid spending money on coffee
• I still indulge at my local cafe
• Irrelevant - coffee is not for me

Vote View Results

• 46% I avoid spending money on coffee
  46% Complete
• 39.6% I still indulge at my local cafe
  39.6% Complete
• 14.4% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
  14.4% Complete

424 votes