Going to Work

Your commute is one of the most regular journeys you'll take, and a good or bad journey to work can make a real difference to your entire day. You want a journey that's as low on cost, stress, and time as possible.

When it comes to planning a journey, your commute will probably be the one you're most familiar with. It can often be the deciding factor when taking up a new job or leaving an old one, so it's important to know all your travel options. Even if you've looked in the past, it's always good to check again, as there are many services being introduced or upgraded, as well as new routes which could make a positive change to your daily commute.

Cost

As you journey to and from the place you work, it's important to consider how much it actually costs to get you there! If you drive, you'll be fully aware of the cost of fuel, as well as the wear and tear on the car that commuting can cause. MOTs, servicing, road tax and high insurance premiums also all add to the cost of your daily commute. If you use public transport, ticket costs are all you need to consider. If you walk or cycle regularly, the only costs you might have to consider are a small outlay for equipment (such as cycle locks or helmets or perhaps a good pair of shoes).

Why not work out your commuting costs per month by dividing any annual fees by twelve, adding your fuel expenditure, and comparing this it against your monthly salary. If the number you see makes your eyes water a little, there are a number of ways you can bring the cost down.

If you drive, find out how you can be more fuel-efficient and reduce wear on your engine, or consider splitting the cost by car-sharing.
If you take the bus, Park & Ride, or train, consider getting a season ticket to save on daily fares
You could also switch the way you travel and try walking or cycling more.

Stress

Money isn't the only cost connected to your journey. The stress of waiting in traffic jams, worrying about being late and travelling during the busiest time of the day all take their toll. Not many people would choose a commute that was more stressful than it needed to be.

Driving can be both the most, or least stressful way to travel. Choosing your favourite radio station and having some time to yourself whilst driving can be good. However, as so many people in York choose to drive, congestion, delays and inconsiderate driving by others can leave us stressed before the work day has even started.

Taking the bus allows you to relax and gives you the opportunity to read a book, catch up on the news, or prepare for your morning meeting. The many bus lanes mean that delays don't have to affect you, and the fact you don't have to drive can reduce your stress further.

Cycling to work is the preferred choice for many in York. Having control over your commute, journey times that are constant, and the ability to avoid road delays are some of the many benefits of cycling. You can also enjoy the bonus of getting some exercise along the way - and get to work on time!

Time

Nobody likes to be late for work, or late home. Given the choice, most people would spend more time in bed and less time on the road, choosing a travel option that gets you from A to B the quickest, with a minimum of delays. Why not visit the iBus, iCycle, iWalk or iShare pages to find out whether your journey to work could be quicker?