Train commuting – The best money saver
Trains have been getting a lot of bad press over the last couple of years. This has something to do with the fact they’re slow, they’re never on time and often you wont get a seat. I’m sure we all know the feeling of getting off a train with a new head cold because some genius has decided to put the air conditioning on glacial in the middle of July. There is also the feeling of barely rescuing a tardy appendage from ruthless doors. Some days, trains don’ts have much to recommend them. But some days, there is a kind of appeal in the old choo-choo.
I have an aunt who likes to jump on the train. Destination is irrelevant; it’s the adventure a train can bring that she enjoys. She’ll just jump on at one stop, and get off at another. She says it’s a wonderful way to get out of your comfort zone. She also says it’s one of the cheapest ways to enjoy yourself in Sydney.
I have to say I agree with her. The departure terminal is tricky I grant you. So many useless items you might just need. But if you can remain strong and not buy the latest edition of Who Weekly complete with Sealed Section lift-out, you can save yourself some dough. All you need is a ticket and a toilet stop, and off you trot.
Here’s why I like trains as a saving measure.
I can’t buy anything on a train
It’s quite a relief. It’s also why I like riding trains while I’m doing assignments. I can’t waste time browsing the Internet or Twittering, and I can’t buy myself yet another chocolate “because I deserve it”. I grew up in the Blue Mountains. This necessitates a long time of trains. I’ve probably saved thousands of dollars, shed several kilos and finished several assignments because of the stretch between Penrith and Katoomba.
People kindly provide free newspapers
The ultimate train newspaper is mX, which peppers any commuter train around 5pm. If you ride the trains on Saturday morning, you can be sure to come across at least part of the Herald. I get most excited when I come across one of the local rags, and I can catch up on all the community gossip for a place I’ve never been.
It’s all BYO
I honestly think it’s one of the best feelings in the world when you have the time to enjoy a train trip. You’ve got ever-changing landscapes in front of you. You pack yourself lunch, grab the book you’re currently immersed in and a window seat and settle in for a couple of hours. Heaven.
There’s always entertainment
Should you be without a book or feel uninterested in the landscape, there’s always something going on within the carriage. I caught a train a couple of months ago with a gypsy band and they got bored about halfway and played us the whole way to Katoomba. It was wonderful. Less wonderful are the squalling children, squabbling couples or people who feel the need to dissect their love lives on a mobile. These types are less wonderful but are entertaining nonetheless.
If these things aren’t good enough, there is a list of Twenty Things to Do When Bored on a Train.
Some of these suggestions are sensational, my personal favourite is #4 which includes passing out lyric sheets for Kumba-ya.
Please email and tell me if you do any of these things. Best story wins a Penguin Classic for their next train trip.
What’s your favourite money saving advice for train travel?
Sounds silly doesn’t it, but public transport can really save you some money – and not just because the cars at home.
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