It happens – you start out with a blog with the best intentions of keeping it up to date, but it’s far more difficult than it seems!

Since my last post, I have continued with using Auckland PT as my primary means of travel.

Modern Newmarket as seen from the train. Watching the system develop from the hell-hole it started out as, into the beginnings of what will be a world-class system has been interesting, and I have high hopes for the system post-electrification.

I am now using Remuera’s buses to access a new client out there, usually from Newmarket Station.

One thing I’m beginning to enjoy when out on some of these trips to casual or on-call clients is exploring the local cuisine in the nearest town centre to where I’m working that day. Last week it was Nuffield St in Newmarket, the week before that it was a little cafe at the Remuera shops. (Oops, I’ve forgotten the name of both.)

I also enjoy the random conversations that happen with fellow commuters. The other week I got chatting with someone involved with Good magazine while at Kingsland Station.

And as much as it seems to scare people, I’m beginning to enjoy the walks.

I carry my toolkit and equipment needed in a single-strap backpack over one shoulder and my lightweight ultraportable laptop over the other shoulder. They usually balance out quite well.

Wet-weather gear – an umbrella and jacket – live in the backpack.

While the weight of this got heavy after a while when I first started out, I’m no longer noticing this so I guess I’ve built up a bit of back strength. I haven’t had any need to go to the chiropractor this year either. He’s probably wondering where I disappeared to.

I’m also getting more comfortable with walking longer distances. I’m now occasionally walking directly to the nearest station at Mt Albert – a 2.0km walk – rather than catching a closer-by bus to get to/from Kingsland or town.

Another recent development that I think is great is that Google Transit now covers all of Auckland’s public transport – bus, rail, and ferry. It works brilliantly on my cellphone (a Nokia N97 mini) and although it uses a bit of mobile data, Vodafone’s $10 per month data plan more than accommodates it.

Google Transit does assume an integrated, transferable ticket – for example it often suggests catching a bus closer to where you’re standing which goes partway to where you’re going then transfer to the correct route. While this works for those of us with Monthly Discovery passes, that’s not many people. It’s less than optimal for most other users with single-operator monthly or per-ride passes, or those paying cash. Roll on integrated ticketing!

I’ve had a couple more outings using Cityhop cars too, once to transport computer equipment and once to collect an item after-hours. Worked out smoothly both times.

I’m still annoyed at the loss of the GPS display at the Kingsland Station stop on Sandringham Rd, and I hope it’s not long until it and the bus shelter there is reinstated. Having the screen there is so much less stressful than craning your neck and keeping alert for when your bus suddenly jumps out from around the blind corner. Indeed that was one of the push factors that had me start to walk home from Mt Albert Station instead of attempt the bus transfer.

My fitness level seems higher from the walking, and I’m getting to the point where I dislike when I do have to drive. Overall getting around Auckland has become far less stressful for me so I’m more aware of those times when it is stressful. Dealing with traffic is high on the stress list.

Monday March 29 was WOF and service day for my car, and I was going to drop it off for that on my way to meet up with Jon Reeves from CBT to attend the Waikato Trains NOW! petition (I was photographer), but I hadn’t used it in so long, the battery was flat and it wouldn’t start. That was kind-of amusing. Fortunately I was able to just leave it behind and catch a bus in instead.

Overall it’s continuing to go well. I’ve somehow managed to escape a number of rail meltdowns that have affected other people, and one even worked out in my favour. Friday March 26 was a dream run when it felt like everything was timetabled to fit around me! (more in a separate post later).

Sorry for the lack of updates, hopefully there’s still a few of you still around to read these!

No tags