Lonely Valentine, nice neighbours and bus benefits

If this email is not displayed correctly, [click here]( to view an online version. Despite commuting by bus for 30 years, it's only since joining Stuff eight months ago that I have become a real believer in our current [public transport system](. The revelation has a simple cause. Less shift work, where a car is needed, means I can commit to a monthly pass - all the buses and trains I can ride for $215. If you live in Zone 3 or further out, the cost is largely covered by the regular commute and everything else you can ride is essentially free. It is the "free" aspect that has encouraged me to use it for work trips during the day, popping along Ponsonby Rd to the post office, maybe the Lantern Festival this weekend. Armed with the Auckland Transport smartphone app and a sense of determination, it is surprising how well-connected and easy the city's transport system is. My new enthusiasm is exactly what Auckland, the council and its transport agency needs to keep people moving but not in cars. But it is a result the council and AT don't seem to be able to afford. There's only one level of pass, and you have to live further out than New Lynn, Ōtāhuhu or Constellation Drive for it to become viable. If too many people did it, patronage might soar, but the revenue would be proportionately less, and money is why we can't have a fare freeze or anything else that further squeezes the budgets. Boosting [public transport patronage]( is not rocket science, and the next cliche is: there's no such thing as a free lunch. Getting the patronage that Auckland aspires to will cost more money than is being put into it now. Politicians should reflect on just how close Auckland is to having a public transport system that people can just jump on without thinking about the cost of each trip. NEWS - DATING - RUNNING Photo of nails in the planter box Nails and spikes put in place to ["protect" planter boxes]( on the sidewalk of an Auckland town centre have raised safety concerns. The preventive measures were put on 14 planter boxes in Helensville by Holly Southernwood in a bid to stop people from sitting and leaning on them, or picking the flowers. But Parakai resident Arlene Barber said her actions were extreme and dangerous. New Zealand Transport Agency has ordered the nails be removed. Sinead Dates If I've learnt anything since becoming a dating columnist, it is that being single is not actually the worst case scenario. The actual worst case scenario is staying in a mediocre relationship just because you're scared. So to my darling singletons, don't be sad you don't have a Valentine this year. Take solace in the fact you're free from the shackles of a dead end relationship - and fill your cup up with [all the other kinds of ways to have love](. Muriwai Beach Running the black sands of the wild west coast is a special kind of magic. Take Muriwai, where you can quickly leave the crowds behind you by heading north, almost as far as you want. Stick to the harder sand for an easier time on your calves, but there is something quite special about charging up the dunes. And you can dip into the surf for a swim afterwards (between the flags, of course). Read Eugene Bingham's latest [running column here](. Enjoying this email? [Check out Stuff's other daily and weekly newsletters](. NEIGHBOURLY - FITNESS - WHAT'S ON Nominate your nice neighbour poster Whether it's Tim and Tina who bring in the bins, Gladys who mows your berm, or Derek who babysits the kids - it's time to recognise the neighbours in your community who are taking being neighbourly to the next level. We’re looking for the unsung heroes in your communities - those nice people who simply do nice things in your neighbourhood. You and your neighbour could win a $25 voucher each for your efforts. [Nominate your Nice Neighbour here](. Woman doing yoga tree pose If you're struggling to maintain your "new year, new you" exercise mantra, you're probably not alone. But if pulling on your running shoes isn't for you, meridian exercise could be just the ticket. In the same way as meditation, yoga and tai chi, it is said to increase flexibility and improve circulation and alighnment. A study of students in Korea also found it could help ease anxiety and depression. But you don't need to hop on a plane to give it a try, see what we thought of a class running [right here in Auckland](. Chinese lantern in the shape of a dragon Aucklanders heading to the 20th annual [Auckland Lantern Festival]( this weekend will be treated to an Oriental feast for the eyes, stomach and soul, with live music, dance performances and nearly 100 street stalls on offer. Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend the festival, celebrating the Year of the Pig, which runs until Sunday night at Auckland Domain. Attendees can expect a spectacular display of handmade Chinese lanterns as well as performances celebrating traditional and contemporary Chinese culture. [Click here]( for Stuff Pix competition terms and conditions. Did a friend forward this to you? [Sign up to get Your 09 to your inbox]( [Unsubscribe]( [Newsletter Settings]( [Privacy Policy]( [Advertise]( [Feedback](