Rants & Raves: 'I don't feel safe on the train'

Photo / Jason Dorday

Tell us what you love about life in New Zealand - and what needs to change. Email rantandrave@nzherald.co.nz

Rant

For many years I have travelled on the trains and have always felt safe doing so as a woman travelling on my own. That was until recently - there are now often large numbers of undesirables loitering around the stations and riding around on the trains without paying, as no one seems to check tickets. There always used to be a train staff member in every carriage, now there is only one per train, and they seem to be just as intimidated by these groups of youths. The new electric trains are getting vandalised and I don't feel safe anymore. AT and Transdev don't seem to care.

- K. Greene

Rave

This Sunday we parked at the main entrance to Farmers Pakuranga Auckland and needed to bin some rubbish. There was no bin outside and I knew I needed to walk through the store to dispose of the rubbish. As I was saying to the kids, "let's find a bin", a Farmers rep overheard me and said he would take the rubbish away for me ... I just thought wow, what a really nice thing to do -- thank you to the gentleman.

- Tee

Rant

My early morning waterfront walk is frequently ruined by arrogant runners with aggressive, unrestrained dogs who harass my elderly, well-behaved leashed sheltie and sometimes me. "He doesn't do it to every dog", is not a defence! Also, coffee-carrying, mobile-chatting women in Ponsonby Rd who don't notice their dog is winding its retractable lead around pedestrians' legs. A little more responsibility and we can all enjoy keeping fit with our canine friends.

- Caroline

Rave

I love the public interaction on using the left lane at all times and passing in the right lane. Keep posting. This way we will keep educating our motorway users and speed up the traffic.

- Wilhelm

Rant

As lovely as the TVNZ weather presenters are, I don't want a lesson in meteorology every night. I just want to know what to wear and if I can hang my washing out.

- Ross

Rave

On Monday morning my 11-year-old daughter left her sports bag on the school bus. She texted me in a panic. I phoned Auckland Transport who were super friendly and helpful and put me on to Metrolink. Within three minutes I found out the driver had left the bag in the school office. Thank you to the lovely and conscientious driver.

- Julie