Splitting season tickets?

[Malton Seadog]

Hi all,

Just done some very basic research into a season ticket for a potential hellish commute (Sheffield to Oxford), to get the general idea of price. Already noticed that the same principle applies as to normal fares - it's cheaper if you split.

Sheffield to Oxford (12 months): £13,108

Sheffield to Chesterfield: £1,072
Chesterfield to Oxford: £6,976
Total: £8,048

Five grand off with the very first split I tried. Anyone got any further tips to save further?

As I said, this is very hypothetical at the moment, but worth checking out the options!

 

[telstarbox]

How about renting a room or studio flat in Oxford for Monday night to Thursday night?

 

[Greenback]

I think that it would be worth staying in Oxford for part of the week to avoid the travel, even if it ends costing a little bit more.

 

[westv]

I agree. Definitely lodge for part of the week otherwise you might end up a zombie.

 

[Flamingo]

Hi all,

Just done some very basic research into a season ticket for a potential hellish commute (Sheffield to Oxford), to get the general idea of price. Already noticed that the same principle applies as to normal fares - it's cheaper if you split.

Sheffield to Oxford (12 months): £13,108

Sheffield to Chesterfield: £1,072
Chesterfield to Oxford: £6,976
Total: £8,048

Five grand off with the very first split I tried. Anyone got any further tips to save further?

As I said, this is very hypothetical at the moment, but worth checking out the options!

Don't forget to check if the services you will probably be using stop at Chesterfield (or wherever).

 

[LexyBoy]

I can't see a cheaper split from a quick look - you'd need to try all the combinations though. I'm sure there will be loophole tickets you could use too, but you might not want the risk of confrontation during a long journey day in, day out.

I'd agree that renting somewhere is probably more sane, unless you live very close to Sheffield station and work is very near Oxford station. I did a 2+ hours each way commute for a while, which was horrible, but I felt it would have been better had it been all in one leg (instead of 20 minute walk, 10 minute train, 30 minute bus, 45 minute train, 15 minute bus). It will be more expensive though unless you find a very good deal with a part time rent - expect to pay ~£700 pm for a studio/1 bed flat.

 

[telstarbox]

As it's Oxford there should be some rooms going spare in shared houses as well as flats.

 

[bangor-toad]

Hi there,
That's a commute of 2 1/2 hours each way between the stations, not including the between the stations and home and work . Even with there being a few direct trains, that's a nasty long term commute.

Why subject yourself to that hell?
Do as many others suggest and look to stay for the week. Oxford is eye-wateringly expensive so what about a little up the line in Banbury. There are 1 bed flats available for about £500 per month and the monthly season is £183. That's only marginally more than the cheap method you mention.

Of course, if you're OK with a flat or house share in Banbury it's even less. You can get something for under £400 per month. Allowing for a few weekend trips back to Sheffield that's the same price as what will probably be 6 hours per day commute. (And the Friday evening Megabus from Oxford to Sheffield isn't too expensive either)

Good luck,
Mr Toad

 

[Deerfold]

Hi there,
That's a commute of 2 1/2 hours each way between the stations, not including the between the stations and home and work . Even with there being a few direct trains, that's a nasty long term commute.

Why subject yourself to that hell?
Do as many others suggest and look to stay for the week. Oxford is eye-wateringly expensive so what about a little up the line in Banbury. There are 1 bed flats available for about £500 per month and the monthly season is £183. That's only marginally more than the cheap method you mention.

Of course, if you're OK with a flat or house share in Banbury it's even less. You can get something for under £400 per month. Allowing for a few weekend trips back to Sheffield that's the same price as what will probably be 6 hours per day commute. (And the Friday evening Megabus from Oxford to Sheffield isn't too expensive either)

Good luck,
Mr Toad

I'll add to this.

Obviously I don't know what time you're working, but if it's 9 to 5, you'll be leaving Sheffield at 0601 and getting back at 2019 (maybe 1941 if you're really lucky). That gives you 5 hours 42 minutes a day at home minus time taken to get to and from the station (and any delays on your trains).

I have a friend who commuted from Headingley to London every day (though at a much lower fare) - it was tough and I really don't know how he did it.

I commute a similar distance but stay in London 3 nights a week - even when I do the journey only twice a week (though my journey is longer at 3.5 hours). Even doing it twice a week, which I do occasionally, really takes it out of me.

 

[Greenback]

I think it's easy to underestimate the effect of making regular trips of this nature when combined with a full working day. It's bad enough doing it a couple of times a week, the cumulative effect of doing it every single day may well affect you quite badly.

When I used to make one business trip in a week of a similar length, it took me a day or two to get over the tiredness that was induced both from the travel and the work that I had to do when I got there.

I hope this situation remains hypothetical, for your sake!

 

[bishdunster]

I'll add to this.

Obviously I don't know what time you're working, but if it's 9 to 5, you'll be leaving Sheffield at 0601 and getting back at 2019 (maybe 1941 if you're really lucky). That gives you 5 hours 42 minutes a day at home minus time taken to get to and from the station (and any delays on your trains).

I have a friend who commuted from Headingley to London every day (though at a much lower fare) - it was tough and I really don't know how he did it.

I commute a similar distance but stay in London 3 nights a week - even when I do the journey only twice a week (though my journey is longer at 3.5 hours). Even doing it twice a week, which I do occasionally, really takes it out of me.

Hmmm, think your maths needs brushing up on !

 

[Malton Seadog]

Many thanks indeed for your helpful and considerate replies.

It is all hypothetical for now, but I agree that staying in Oxford for a few nights a week would make much more sense, and maybe just purchase a series of Advances in advance if the situation arises.

 

[afyutr]

Try AirBnB as well for the possibility of good, cheap rooms.

 

[Deerfold]

Hmmm, think your maths needs brushing up on !

Yes. I think I was rather tired when I wrote that. I won't mention my 2 maths A-levels

9 hours 42 is still not very long when you've the journey to and from the station and fitting a meal and night's sleep in.

 

[bnm]

You may even find that 4 nights a week in a hotel or B&B to be financially viable. No utility bills, council tax, furnishing, housework etc to worry about. Obviously it wouldn't be a place to call your own and self catering is out of the question, but it may be considerably cheaper once you factor in all additional costs associated with renting, beyond the pcm rental figure.

Block booked hotel rooms in advance and you may get discounted rates.