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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

If you worked in London

205 replies

LondonIsCalling · 08/09/2021 19:37

And live 40 minutes away from the job, would you drive or take the train?
Job is at a London hospital

OP posts:
SquirmOfEels · 10/09/2021 07:34

If it's 40 minutes regardless of which method, I'd choose train - no parking hassle, less congestion, it's a win for everyone.

You could use your car if there was disruption on the trains (but remember to leave more than the normal 40 mins in that case, as everyone will be doing it those days) Though because 40 mins means you're still pretty close in, if trains were all to cock, you could probably do the journey by bus or a combo of bus/tube/different rail line.

SquirmOfEels · 10/09/2021 07:56

@LondonIsCalling

Obviously I don't want to give my exact location. By car it shows on Google that it takes 40 minutes from my house. I will work the standard hours 9-5.
That'll mean no further out that zone 4 to the S/W or zone 2 to the N/E based on the driving time

Which means there will be a plethora of options on public transport

Presumably OP means Tube or overground when she says train, as there aren't any railway stations near C&W. Even allowing for time to get to the station and then walk eg from Fulham Broadway or West Brompton to the hospital, you could be looking at 40 mins from roughly those areas, even if the actual time on the train is much less.

(Though if coming from the N or E then I think you could get in from much greater distances in 40 mins on tube/overground, but OP says it's similar time regardless of means)

WhateverHappenedToMe · 10/09/2021 08:10

Train.

If you're lucky enough to have parking available it's likely to be very expensive.

Malin52 · 10/09/2021 08:19

If you are coming in via the M4 A40 then train. I used to commute in the opposite direction by car sometimes (Battersea to Feltham) and the queues coming in to London tailed all the way back to my off junction. Seriously. Train. Try both a couple of times though.

NoNotHimTheOtherOne · 10/09/2021 08:25

Given that you're on a consultant's salary, and it takes the same to drive in or go by public transport I'd drive and pay the parking fees.

Did she say she's on a consultant's salary? How would anyone get paid a consultant's salary for working 9-5?

I was a van driver in London about 35 years ago. Even then, 40 minutes' drive from St Stephen's Hospital (as it was then) at peak times would have been no further than Knightsbridge or Hammersmith. OP, have you actually set Google Maps to show you the journey time to arrive at C&W at 08:45 on a weekday, rather than leaving home at 21:15, when you were looking it up?

SweetBabyCheeses99 · 10/09/2021 08:44

I can’t believe that the only info we still have from OP is that it’s a 9-5 in RBKC and 40 min away (not sure what time of day though).
What would OP have done if the interview for this new job required her to make a basic cost benefit analysis? What is she going to do if her new boss asks to her to do a little mini project to decide if the office is better off doing a or b.
I seriously don’t know how some people can function on a daily basis if they can’t figure out what information is even relevant to a decision making process.

Iwantcollarbones · 10/09/2021 08:59

I did a placement at C&W earlier this year. I got the train when doing days as parking is so expensive (£40 a day in the hospital car park) but I took my car when on nights/sundays.

AngeloMysterioso · 10/09/2021 09:12

Train to whichever terminus they go to from where you live and then cycle so you don’t have to pay extra for the tube (unless you’re already within London zones, in which case I don’t think it makes any difference)

ShingleBeach · 10/09/2021 09:31

Also, will you be living anywhere with parking / affordable parking?

Malin52 · 10/09/2021 10:04

Hmm the walk from the nearest tube at Fulham Broadway is 15 mins. You might also have to factor in a bus too.

bookworm14 · 10/09/2021 10:07

@LondonIsCalling

Peak hours morning and evening. Chelsea and Westminster
I work at Chelsea & Westminster. Don’t drive - there’s no free on site parking for most staff. Best option is to get the tube to Earl’s Court and then walk/bus.
bookworm14 · 10/09/2021 10:08

Or Fulham Broadway.

Bear2014 · 10/09/2021 10:11

No one drives to work in London, unless their job is driving a work vehicle. Average commute is probably longer than 40 minutes. Train all the way.

FlumpsAreShit · 10/09/2021 10:18

Train. I don’t actually mind driving in London but would rather have the time to read/close my eyes than drive. Probably cheaper too, especially if you don’t get free staff parking.

Jarstastic · 10/09/2021 10:25

Depends where you live.

If it’s Chelsea & Westminster hospital and you live in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, e.g. at the top end near Wormwood Scrubs would make 40mins you could have a RBKC residents parking permit (which not zone restricted) it makes sense. particularly if you work late. No congestion zone, no parking costs.

But generally in London public transport is best!

Letsallscreamatthesistene · 10/09/2021 10:30

@LondonIsCalling

Peak hours morning and evening. Chelsea and Westminster
Ive worked at C+W. Parking is a nightmare. Id get the train, but there arent really any tube stations super close. Plan for a 10min walk after getting off the tube.
Wandawide · 10/09/2021 11:00

main points for me would be:-
Parking, is it free at work place?
Train, chance of a seat or standing both ways?
Have you considered lightweight moped?

KatherineJaneway · 10/09/2021 12:45

Also take into account there are a lot more vehicles on the road due to Covid. You have people who would have normally caught the train driving as they feel safer, more delivery vehicles too.

GhoulWithADragonTattoo · 10/09/2021 12:48

Definitely train, tube or bus. Definitely not drive.

Rugsofhonour · 10/09/2021 12:52

This reply has been deleted

Withdrawn at the user's request

Disfordarkchocolate · 10/09/2021 12:54

Train if I worked regularly hours. Drive maybe the only option for some shifts.

FatAnkles · 10/09/2021 13:39

Train/tube/bus/bike.

The Mayor of London is anti-car for us plebs (though he goes everywhere in a Range Rover) and what with ULEZ, Congestion charge, and LBHF council parking charges its really not worth it.

I used to cycle to Brixton (20 minutes) but the bus journey was longer. I got to work quicker and I got some exercise in too. I'm now thinking about getting an electric bike so I can go further and arrive less sweaty.

Most people use the Tube and bus. Tube is quick, bus takes up the gaps between tube stations. I combine cycling with the Tube for most journeys (foldable bike).

KittenKong · 10/09/2021 13:56

He goes everywhere in 3 cars...

takehomepay · 10/09/2021 14:15

40 mins in rush hour?

I live in zone 4 and I used to get the tube.

phishy · 10/09/2021 14:19

@FatAnkles

Train/tube/bus/bike.

The Mayor of London is anti-car for us plebs (though he goes everywhere in a Range Rover) and what with ULEZ, Congestion charge, and LBHF council parking charges its really not worth it.

I used to cycle to Brixton (20 minutes) but the bus journey was longer. I got to work quicker and I got some exercise in too. I'm now thinking about getting an electric bike so I can go further and arrive less sweaty.

Most people use the Tube and bus. Tube is quick, bus takes up the gaps between tube stations. I combine cycling with the Tube for most journeys (foldable bike).

Somewhat different as the car is an armoured one from Scotland Yard due to the threats he receives.