Transportation alternative- Rail vs Car/Rail

Ken Wong · #1 (**permalink**) 12th August 2008, 04:44 AM

Hello.

I am new to the forum, and will be relocating from New York City to Surrey in about a month. I plan on taking the SouthWest Rail line from Woking to Waterloo.

The issue is that although there are non-stop trains, the seasonal monthly cost is about $230 GBP. In NYC, I commute 22 miles and the rail costs $146 USD per month. The cost difference is huge....

Its about 32 miles to commute, and the only other alternative I can think of to reduce the cost, is to drive part of the way, and catch the rail closer to London.

Any ideas? Thanks for your expertise.

Bevdeforges · #2 (**permalink**) 12th August 2008, 07:10 AM

Don't forget that gas prices in the UK are the highest in all Europe (or so they say). Last I knew, it was close to $10 a gallon (but have been coming down a bit liately), so do check first to see if you really will save anything by driving part way. Don't forget you'll probably have to pay for parking at the closer-in rail station.
Cheers,
Bev

Loki117 · #3 (**permalink**) 13th August 2008, 10:38 AM

Hey Ken,

I do a Similar trip from Reading to London (£360 per month) and you might find that most of the cost is on a zone pass for the underground? Check that out. If there is cost on the zone card perhaps get a fold up bike and cycle once you get into London.

Failing that I would say that your driving and parking option would cost ALOT. Railway carparks close to London are always pretty expensive and driving in to London isnt really a viable option.

Nick Surrey · #4 (**permalink**) 17th August 2008, 04:58 PM

Hi Ken,
I don't feel you can reduce the cost of the travel from Woking to Waterloo. Driving isn't really a viable option, as the cost of car parking closer to London is high, there is also the London Congestion Charge.
Depending on where in London you will be working, check to see if it will be viable to get from Waterloo station to that location on foot. That would save the cost of travel on Tube/Bus.
Ask HR at your work if they have any suggestions as to what other people do... for example they may have schemes in place to subsidy the cost of travel season tickets, or to give a 0% loan for season tickets. Also you may find that colleagues club together and get a taxi from station to work.