Avoiding public transport

a_fierce_bad_rabbit

Hi all, I’m somewhat new to the forum but have been reading for yrs!
I would like some advice and info regarding the latest lockdown rules relating to the use of public transport. 

Tonight, we were told that most people are being ‘actively encouraged’ back to work, yet to ‘avoid public transport’. 

This won’t be an issue if you work locally, or run a vehicle, but my partner who is self employed would like to know when/how to negotiate the need to travel via train 70 miles, twice per week, relating to his work. He can’t cycle that distance!

Is this to be avoided at all costs do you think? He has no other way to do the commute. He has been avoiding the commute since the lockdown began in March, but would like to resume it ASAP. And although it’s only twice per week, we have no idea if there will be issues relating to how many people are allowed on the trains, or if there will be large groups of people hanging around there. Will it even be safe to do so with a mask?

Any advice and/or knowledge on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

lisyloo

Can your partner shift their hours to less busy times?

a_fierce_bad_rabbit

lisyloo said:

Can your partner shift their hours to less busy times?

They already are less busy times, around 7pm there, and 2pm on return journey, usually. It just seems there’s little info about this issue out there right now.

bradders1983

There is nothing stopping him using the train to be honest. They arent banning people from public transport. No sane person would expecting him to cycle 70 miles to work.

The government encouraging people to cycle or walk is all well and good but doesnt account for the disabled who cant, or those who maybe have to go 40/50 miles into London every day, totally absurd. 

a_fierce_bad_rabbit

Thanks. That’s true, we’re just mighty confused. Requesting people to go to work yet avoid public transport is unfortunate for many I suppose. 

bradders1983

a_fierce_bad_rabbit said:

Thanks. That’s true, we’re just mighty confused. Requesting people to go to work yet avoid public transport is unfortunate for many I suppose. 

They are just wanting people to use it less if possible but clearly this isnt feasible in all cases. Be even less feasible in winter when it is absolutely siling it down.

I live 2 miles from the centre of town here, up a hill, yet people still go into work on the tram. Those are probably the kind of people all this is aimed at.

lisyloo

A number of people in London are driving rather than using the train. Parking is cheap/free and congestion charging dropped. Could your partner drive?

you are meant to avoid public transport if you can. I’ve been using a rush hour train fr9m Paddington and there have been about 1 or 2 people per carriage so it’s been virtually empty. I’d say get the train unless ultra risk averse in which case stay at home.

a_fierce_bad_rabbit

I wish I still had that little motorbike from when I was six with its groovy little sidecar 😁

bradders1983

lisyloo said:

A number of people in London are driving rather than using the train. Parking is cheap/free and congestion charging dropped. Could your partner drive?

you are meant to avoid public transport if you can. I’ve been using a rush hour train fr9m Paddington and there have been about 1 or 2 people per carriage so it’s been virtually empty. I’d say get the train unless ultra risk averse in which case stay at home.

Those carriages wont stay empty for long, in my opinion.  Asking people to cycle into work from the London commuter belt into the City is plain absurd. Wont work unless people are forced to.

lisyloo

a_fierce_bad_rabbit said:

Thanks. That’s true, we’re just mighty confused. Requesting people to go to work yet avoid public transport is unfortunate for many I suppose. 

My office reckon they can only support around 30% safely.
i don’t expect everyone to be rushing back next week.

calcotti

a_fierce_bad_rabbit said:

Tonight, we were told that most people are being ‘actively encouraged’ back to work, yet to ‘avoid public transport’. 

You missed out the words 'if possible'.