Transport - Getting to work the easy way

Over land, sea and air - getting to work for some can be as demanding as their chosen career.

Depending on how far you live from your place of employment you must evaluate which is the most cost effective and efficient method of getting to work.

The method of transportation you choose must deliver you at your destination cool, calm, on time and ready to begin the day's duties, as we all know…things aren't that simple.

Trains planes and automobiles

Aeroplanes are comfortable, safe and quick. So why don't we use aeroplanes to travel everywhere, from home to the office, by plane to the sandwich shop at lunch time and then via plane home again at 6:00…?

Well, for starters not everyone lives within easy distance of an airport. To get to the airport would possibly mean an additional journey using some other form of transport. By the time you had checked in at the airport, your boss in the office would probably be wondering where you were.

Secondly air transport is expensive, imagine how much it would cost to travel to your office everyday by plane?

This unlikely example illustrates the main criteria that need to be assessed when choosing how to get to work. You have to balance cost, convenience, and reliability - will it get you where you want to go on time?

Rail travel

Rail transport has the potential to be the perfect form of commuter transport - Quick, easy and punctual. When travelling by train you have the time to read a book, perhaps catch up on some work or you can just watch the cows whoosh by. When you catch a train, you can forget about the journey and just concentrate on the destination.

The Bullet trains that link Japan's major cities sets a rail standard to which the rest of the world can only aspire. Travelling at an average speed of 170 mph the trains are clean comfortable and offer a selection of excellent foods to eat en route.

Back in reality - The UK Railway system is in a mess. A series of rail disasters, strikes, and service cancellations this year have highlighted the need for better management and huge investment in basic rail infrastructure.

Having said that, rail transport is still the best way to get to work for thousands of commuters each morning.

Main considerations should always be the proximity of your home and office to a station. Will you have make additional arrangements to make the connection?

Rail transport as it stands in the UK is far from cheap, find out about season ticket discounts, perhaps your company will chip in something to the cost.

Mind the gap and hope there's no leaves on the track!

Car

Most people in the UK get to work each morning in their privately owned car. If you are one of these people then you will have experienced first hand the stress that can be related to commuting by car.

Top of the list has to come traffic congestion. In an ideal world businesses would stagger working hours so that office staff left work at a range of times. As it stands 5:30 comes and the world and his Rover hit the road, a recipe for disaster and lost tempers.

In the summer months road congestion leads to inner city smog, breakdowns and more short fuses being tested to breaking point. God protect the traffic light squeegee man who gets on the wrong side of an irate driver and a tyre iron.

Unlike public transport travelling by car provides you with your own private space. You can listen to the Today programme at whatever volume you choose or sing alone to the best of 'The most disastrous compilation of music album in the world ever volume VI'.

Cars are expensive to run, they require constant maintenance, tax and insurance. Petrol prices continue to rise so you should consider car sharing with fellow colleagues who live in your area.

It is a good idea to become a member of a national emergency breakdown service. You never know.

Bicycle

The bike is the transportation of choice for fitness fiends and the environmentally conscious. If you live near enough to your place of work so that you can cycle there then you are very lucky and it is greatly recommended.

Cycling is cheap and you will be doing your bit for the environment. Many cities and towns have extended their cycle lane networks, so hopefully there will be reduced chance of getting run over. Just in case make sure you get kitted out with a helmet, lights and possibly some reflective clothing.

When cycling to work you will inevitably arrive hot and sweaty, however some modern offices have shower facilities so that you can freshen up.

Possibly you will have to get up a little earlier than you would have to if take the car, but for your effort you will nip through the static traffic, save money and keep fit.

Just make sure you get a large bicycle lock or else sadly taking the bike could prove expensive.

Aeroplane

Some people have to travel great distances to get to work others regularly travel a long way during the course of their job. Hot towels are one the many attractive perks of air travel. Face masks, free boiled sweets and sick bags are other delights.

Air travel is expensive but if you have to fly to get to work regularly then your company should be prepared to pay for, or contribute to, your fare.

Flying to anywhere in the UK or Ireland will take no more than an hour, in aeroplane snack terms this equates to breakfast, or biscuits and tea.

If you are flying to mainland Europe, or intercontinental then flights can extend up to about 20 hours before the pilot has to refuel. On longer flights you will be served a meal, drinks, and will have a range of entertainment's including movies, radio and possibly video games.

If you travel regularly by plane you will rack up Airmiles which can be cashed in for other flights (just in case you are not sick of them) to holiday destinations.

You're getting there….

This is a brief cross section of the various forms of transport available to commuters. To avoid routine and complacency try varying the way you get to work. When the weather is good you could try cycling, when the weather is bad then don't rule out investing in a skidoo.

If all else fails get yourself a flash pair of trainers a Walkman and try power walking - there's no such thing as pavement-rage… Yet!