BUGGY, YEAH NAH
You can take a dog on public transport trains and buses in the Wellington region so long as the dog can be secured (enclosed) in a carrier bag.
But you cannot take a dog in a three-four wheeler buggy (designed for small-medium size dogs) in public transport even if the buggy compartment was secured (enclosed).
But you can take a baby in an equal sized or larger buggy in the train or bus with or without a secured compartment.
Does all this seem fair and sensible? No, it's plain stupid. I don't think Metlink have thought it through.
In Auckland on public transport you can have a dog in a carrier bag or a dog of any size fitted with a muzzle and on a leash otherwise "free-wheeling".
Wellington's Metlink should think again. When I phoned them, I had to wait 15 minutes while the person I dealt with queried my query with the powers that be.
I have taken Corgis into Wellington many times in a train in a pet carrier - from one of only two manufacturers in the world able to supply such a carrier to fit a long backed Corgi with Corgis weighing up 16kg (without being obese).
We're taking the bus!
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? 🚌🚲🏠
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?
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18.8% Yes – I’m a bus/train user
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6.1% Dusting off the bike
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6.1% Working from home
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62.4% Nope, same as always
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6.6% Other (Tell us your strategy in the comments!)
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