Fa11on

And the comments and stares are always away from the station actually! But I seem to get harassed anywhere in the uk so you know

5-7.30pm, up to even 8pm. There's a standard walking route

I am a small blond person and I am fine. Occasionally I get stared at and comments (even at 7.30 this morning! Ridiculous) but 5-7.30 there are loads of people walking a particular way into town. I tend to avoid going via Midland Road as that's generally one of the worst roads in Bedford. I walked home all the way to Bedford park for months some winters (live closer in now) and nothing happened. It's just the same anywhere sadly, it was sketchy around the station in Tulse Hill where I lived in London. I wouldn't worry

Good news. My company made an exception to their usual travel loan rules for me, so I'll be able to get an annual ticket after all.
I have another question for you. We've seen a few stories about attacks in the streets around the station recently. Do you feel safe around that area on your way home each day? I guess there'd be plenty of other commuters getting off the train at the same time.

A loan wouldn't tie you down - if I leave my job, I simply get a refund on the remaining portion of the season ticket and give it to my company. Job done! It's a very standard way of working. And most places lend up to 5k at the very least (the bedford annual is less than that) - my company just increased to 10k loans!

Hey, thanks for the reply. That's all very useful info. I probably will sign up to use the Boris Bikes and then 'treat' myself to a bus or tube journey if it's raining. My company do offer travel loans but their quite strict on how much they will lend. I may look for a new job after the move anyway so I don't really want to tie myself into a loan that'll keep me there for 12 months. Maybe a 0% interest credit card is an option. Definitely something for me to look into anyway.

Thanks again.

Hi!
If you can, do get the annual. It's 40 weeks of travel, the last 12 are 'free'. Otherwise do the month +1/2/3 days thing. Overall it works out cheaper. I spent an evening working it all out for the rest of my year, taking leave into account, and figured out a set monthly cost out of my salary - the 'true' cost other than what I was paying every ~5ish weeks which can feel like a lot at one time!

I don't pay for the tube, I walk to Moorgate from farringdon but occasionally 'treat' myself from St Pancras if I'm tired or late. an extra 80 odd quid or whatever per month on the season for packed tubes is just not worth it! Have you considered an annual boris bike thing or even taking your own bike on the East Midlands train to St Pancras? My boyfriend does that every time he stays. Depends if you mind the rain - I do it vary rarely. It is quite convenient though, there is always room on the 7.55 and 8.30.

Good luck with the move, it's a nice town with some nice restaurants etc.