I commute every day from Omokoroa to Tauranga and cannot speak highly enough of the Bay Hopper service. It is prompt and reliable, the driver is helpful and cheerful.
It makes the journey to work so much easier and I arrive in a relaxed frame of mind, all the better to do my job. I can mentally plan my day while enjoying the glorious landscape. It is also a popular theory that using public transport is ‘greener' - it is certainly cheaper. When I have to start early or work late I take my car. Another advantage of taking the bus means there is a professional driver at the wheel. I don't have to watch out for reckless petrolheads whose only aim is to get there faster than everyone else.
Whose desperation to be in front means they tailgate vehicles they can't overtake. Oops - I let my prejudice get the better of me there! Of course not all drivers are thoughtless speed-freaks; neither are they ‘crocheting squares on their way to bridge'.
Most are considerate and tolerant and willing to share the road. Life is stressful enough without getting wound up over something so trivial. Otherwise you'll stress yourself into a heart attack - which certainly would slow you down.

Alison Badger, Omokoroa.