An Indian woman living in New Zealand has shared her experience of navigating the country’s public transport system, describing it as the “real struggle” she has faced since moving there.
According to a report by the Hindustan Times, Shefali shared her experience on Instagram after missing a bus by just a few minutes. In the video, she said, “It's 7:55 am right now. I was supposed to catch a bus at 7:43. A bus came, and it left.”
Calling public transport the “only struggle” she has experienced in New Zealand, Shefali advised people planning to move to the country for work or studies to prepare for the cost of owning a vehicle.
“Please make sure that before you move to New Zealand, you are prepared to buy a vehicle within the first week of you moving here,” she said, describing it as “the most important thing” newcomers should do, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
Shefali also recalled being warned about public transport by friends before relocating.
“Hate to admit, but my friends were right. They warned me before I moved here that the only challenge that you will face will be the public transport,” she said, Hindustan Times has quoted.
She further encouraged students and workers to consider a car when planning their initial expenses.
“If you're coming here to study, to work, please make sure the first budgeting that you're doing is for your car,” she said, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
In the caption accompanying her post, Shefali described public transport as the “real struggle in New Zealand”, while also acknowledging the country’s “peaceful lifestyle” and scenic surroundings.
“Buses can be late, routes can be limited, connections can take time and sometimes a simple journey feels like a mini adventure,” she wrote, Hindustan Times has quoted.
She added that newcomers should learn to navigate the public transport system quickly and “make peace with Google Maps.”
“If you're new to New Zealand, public transport is definitely something you need to learn quickly. But maybe that's part of the experience too... You learn patience, planning and how to make peace with Google Maps,” she wrote, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
Social media users share mixed experiences
The post sparked a discussion among users, with several sharing their own experiences of using public transport in New Zealand.
One user wrote, “Mujhe apna time yaad aa gaya.. Kitni baar I use to run to catch the bus for Clg r mere samne se Nikli hai.. I know it's a struggle for now, but after a few years it will be a core Memory for u and u will laugh ... u got this girl,” as quoted by Hindustan Times.
Another user commented, “Pls tell abt weekend ot public holidays situation. Aakho se aasu nhi khoon aa jaega bhar. You need at least 1 car in your home in Nzl if you don't want the hassle of living your life according to bus timetable,” as quoted by Hindustan Times.
However, not everyone agreed that public transport was a major issue across New Zealand.
“It depends where you stay in NZ. I live in Auckland, and I don't see any issues with the public transport here. Maybe you live on the outskirts of NZ. Pls include the name of the place before generalising it,” a third user wrote, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
The reactions highlighted how experiences with public transport can vary depending on where people live, while Shefali’s post resonated with other newcomers who have faced challenges getting around without a car.
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