How to get the best from train and bus fares?
Transport is becoming increasingly expensive with the cost of petrol still very high and the cost of cars and insurance only increasing, it can seem like many students have to devote larger portions of their weekly budgets to transport. However, there is a way around this without having to increase your travel time or force yourself onto a bicycle. Here are a few methods –
Booking early
Booking early for both trains and buses can save you a minor fortune, especially if it is for long journeys such as holidays or returning home from University. Booking early can save you up to 80% of the fare compared to if you had bought the ticket on the day. This can be done on websites such as thetrainline.com for trains; however you will have to look on the individual sites for bus travel.
Off Peak Fares
If you know you are not going to need to travel during peak rail times then be sure to see if they offer an off-peak fare to save yourself a large portion of cash. However, you must consider the chance that you may need to travel back during a peak time, if so; you must either wait for the peak time to end or upgrade your ticket and pay the full price.
Day/Weekly Saver Tickets
These tickets are perfect if you intend to travel long distances on trains or buses, or intend to use them frequently in a day or a week such as journeys to, from and around the town centre. They will most likely be more than your standard single or return, but as previously mentioned, if you intend to use transport numerous times in the same day or week then it can be very beneficial.
Railcard/Bus Pass
These are perfect if you are a regular commuter and the train or bus is your only method of transport. Again they will seem like a huge expense in the beginning, often costing £100’s for a 3 month term, however the cost effectiveness if you use them regularly enough, will far outweigh the original cost of purchase. Be careful, as often railcards and bus passes can limit you to certain areas of the line or bus route. This is fine if you’re only using it for commuting to work and back, but if you intend to go further distances, you are likely to still have to pay full price for your ticket.
Investigate every option and find out which is the best for you and your circumstances, whether it’s a one off train journey or a daily commute.