> On 19 Jul, 18:27, "Dr Zoidberg" drzoidberg.co.uk>
> wrote:

>> "Doug" riseup.net> wrote in message
>>
>> news:bbddf384-6f28-480e-a344-1ef3d3edf266@a70g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
>> On 18 Jul, 16:03, "Dr Zoidberg" drzoidberg.co.uk>
>> wrote:
>>

>>>> But given that I already have (and need) the car , and many of the
>>>> costs
>>>> are
>>>> fixed irrespective of how many miles I drive then the important figure
>>>> *is*
>>>> the extra amount that it costs me to make a single journey compared to
>>>> not
>>>> making it.

>>

>>> Yes but if you didn't have the car then there would be no fixed costs
>>> and that amount could go towards using PT.

>>
>> But then I'd have no job.
>> I work in IT and as part of my job I need to be able to visit customer
>> sites
>> to fix problems at short notice , and these can be anywhere in the
>> country.
>> When I have to go to london on my own on a planned trip it is cheaper and
>> more sensible to go on the train so that's what I do.
>>

> So, the only reason you chose such a job is because you had a car?

>>
>>

>>>> In addition , the journey will take me about 2 hours plus 20 minutes
>>>> on
>>>> the
>>>> tube each way.
>>>> By train , it's about an hour longer each way so it's quicker , more
>>>>convenient and more comfortable as well as being cheaper.

>>

>>> Except when you are held up by traffic jams. What is the rush anyway?

>>
>> I don't go at peak times when traffic jams are likely and almost never
>> get
>> held up.
>> As for the rush - if it's a day trip I can start and end the day at the
>> same
>> time and have two hours more doing whatever I want to do rather than
>> travelling , or if I'm going for a particular event such as to see a band
>> then that's a start time that I have no control over and less time spend
>> travelling *is* a benefit for the vast majority of people.
>>

> It is even better if you stop travelling so much.

>>

>>> How can it be more convenient and comfortable when you have to
>>> concentrate every second all the way instead of being able to relax on
>>> a train?

>>
>> Yes , you have to pay attention while driving but that's not something I
>> find stressful.
>> I mostly drive at off peak times where there isn't as much traffic and I
>> spend most of the journey driving with the cruise control on.
>>

> So if a ped jumps out in front of you and gets run over while you are
> not looking and are on cruise control it is their fault?

>>
>> That I have to concentrate also has absolutely nothing to do with it
>> being
>> convenient or not - the car goes from my door direct to my destination
>> whereas the train is a 30 minute walk from my house , hence it is more
>> convenient to drive.
>>

> Or it could be just a 10 minute cycle ride to the station instead
> instead.

>>
>> My car seat is also more comfortable than the one on the train and I can
>> listen to my choice of music without the potential annoyance of a whole
>> carriage full of other passengers.
>>

> Ever heard of earphones? Also being able to read while travelling is a
> definite bonus.

>>
>> The last time I caught the train to london the journey back was in the
>> company of a group of very loud and very drunk and aggressive football
>> fans
>> shouting and swearing continually.
>> Hardly a pleasant journey.
>>

> I can sympathise because the same has happened to me but it is rare
> and with a bit of foresight could be avoided.

>>
>> I also notice that you didn't disagree with my calculations showing the
>> car
>> is cheaper for me than public transport
>>

> Your calculations are highly suspect. The AA reckons the average car
> costs about 100 quid a week to run and you are claiming less than 30
> quid. Nice try but motorists always seem to be much too optimistic
> about their costs. I suppose it makes them feel better.
>