Do you catch the bus (or train) to work, or school, or for fun?

Public transport in Auckland isn’t that great. Actually the bus drivers are pretty good, and the buses are not too shabby, it’s just that most Aucklanders choose to travel ALONE in their gas guzzling cars. I’m all for improvements to public transport but not just because it’s probably better for the environment, and will improve the city’s traffic congestion. I think buses and trains are good for our well-being.

Catching the bus and the train, or both, can take the stress out of getting to work. Also the stress of snarling round the narrow streets in the fight for a handful of expensive car parks. And the stress of worrying about the over enthusiastic towey waiting around the corner in his shiny red tow truck.

But even more important is what we can gain from travelling with our fellow bus and train goers. We can engage in interesting, lively and entertaining conversation. I’m not sure why most Aucklanders tend to be so in love with their ipod’s or the incredibly boring NZ Herald when next to them or across from them are the most interesting and amazing people in the world.

Why don’t we talk to each other?

Sometimes I think we miss the most wonderful opportunities in our lives because we don’t talk to each other. Having returned recently from living in China (where buses are significantly more crowded than in New Zealand, and also come so regularly that buses on the same route overtake each other and race to get to the next stop first – bring it on Super City!!) I immediately noticed how significantly quieter Auckland buses are. At first I thought quieter buses meant more opportunity to relax, enjoy the wonderful scenery, or even read. Well that’s true, but I also noticed that people miss so many great opportunities to talk to each other because of this quite bus syndrome. To be fare it’s not just on buses or trains is it? We have a tendency to just not talk to each other full stop. And us Kiwi’s tend to look at people from other cultures who are quite comfortable having a good old rowdy conversation with disapproving glances or even rude comments. But what if not talking on buses is making us unwell? What if talking to the guy or girl next to you on the bus in the morning or on the way home improves you well-being? How about we try it and find out?

The bus experiment

I want you to try an experiment. If you think reading or listening to your iPod on the bus relaxes you on the way to work or on the way home I want you to instead talk to whoever you happen to be sitting next to on the bus or train. If you walk to work, try walking besides someone and having a chat. Talk to more than one person if possible. Just talk about anything. Keep the conversation going as long as you can. Ask lots of questions. Be interested. Share your own stories too. And let’s share our experiences and see if talking changes anything.