Simon C

Just phoned a train company to get the cost of a monthly travel card annd ask about bikes as they made an offer to work (they were looking for a discount on our service).

Discount on the ticket yes, but sorry sir, you can't bring your bike on the 2nd train you need.

So its a 4 mile cycle to the train station and then

1)leave my bike at the change over point

or

2) cycle the remaining 14 miles down what is effectivly a 60 mph race way and narrow road.

Thought the govt wanted everyone to leave their cars at home??

gpssti4

iTrader: (6)

3) Take the car

Yes, train companies are pants

Simon C

Option 3 is the option I will be taking

The ticket would only work out £50 for the month cheaper that the car, but with a 14 mile dangerous ride or a 4 mile walk at other end plus the chances of my bike not bing where I left it. Trains a no go.

cookstar

iTrader: (6)

My Brother drives his 4.0 Jag to London everyday from Edlesborough, he reckons it's quite a bit cheaper than using the train.

Well so he tells his wife anyway.

Gordo

The trains I commute on are busy enough without bearded eco-warriers bringing their bloody bikes on board as well - in essence I'd have to subsidise the space they take up if they get it for free. No chance. The more that use the car the happier I'll be

Jamz3k

trains are for paedo's and ugly people.

davyboy

I didn't think you could take bikes on trains during peak times anyway?

You could always get a fold up one?

Simon C

Some used to. I used to get to work that way during the summer when I was at uni.

I ain't buying 2 bikes.

CrisPDuk

Back in the days of proper trains with luggage compartments I used to take my bike to Uni and later work.

Now I use my car as it's quicker, easier and cheaper

ahar

iTrader: (3)

Well said that man - my peak time trains are stuffed full so bikes are not welcome !

Butty

iTrader: (2)

I used to do this - so do trains carry small amounts of goods anymore, or does it go by road like royal mail do after getting rid of the post trains

Go train - go green

DYK

I haven't been on a train in yrs,won't use public transport in this country always take the car.If i can't use my own vehicle will either get a ride from someone else or a taxi.Infact the last time i went on a train was in 1998 to London to have some medical check during my Army Recruitment.I remember sitting on the train on the way back home,the ticket guy said you should not be on this train,this ticket is not for this train you are on,i was like I said look i just got on the next available train that was heading home was nothing said to me when i purchased it about only being able to get on certain trains at certain times..He said i should throw you off at the next station but will let you off with it this time.When i go to Czech we often leave the car and just jump on the tram and is no bother effortless and easy....

pimmo2000

iTrader: (6)

The bus costs £2.70 to get to the other side of the tunnel .. the car costs £1.40 .. I would then need to jump a train and then another bus ...

Its just not worth the extra cost ? straight in car, straight to work .. job done ..

Diesel

150 mile x2 train journey: £140. Cost in Diesel for same journeys £25. Utter non starter. Believe it can be cheaper if you keep clients waiting 3 weeks for a meet and book the ticket in a month that doesnt have a Saturday?!

Public transport is an oxymoron in this country yet they still bang the drum.

D

Markus

They've got the right idea here about commuter trains. If a station has a car park then it's free parking (some spaces are reserved if you wish to pay $70 a month for a guaranteed spot). Double decker train carriages, and very frequent trains during rush hour time periods. No bikes allowed during rush hour either. A return trip is about $14.

If you were to use the car as an alternative then you're looking at 1 1/2 hours drive time each way compared to 45 mins on the train. Cost wise the petrol might not be as much as the ticket, but when you factor in at least $10 - $12 for parking it would probably work out more expensive.

Compare to good old Connectix, or whomever runs the Hastings to Charing Cross line these days, it's actually a pleasant experience commuting to work on the train.

Leslie

There was a recent instance where a man in an invalid car was refused entry to a train, apparently because the railman concerned could not be bothered to put the ramp down so that he cuold get on the train. There was no good reason to refuse him as far as I know.

Les