PUBLIC transport has again come in for its ritual mauling, with the projected inflation-busting increases in fares announced by Boris Johnson for the new year.
But even with the increases, travel by train or bus still beats travel by car on cost and time grounds.
A return rail ticket to London is still less than £10. That would barely cover the cost of petrol to do the same journey by car. Then consider the raft of expenses of running a car, such as road tax, congestion charge, insurance, parking fees and fines, none of which applies to public transport.
A train from Harrow takes a quarter of an hour into the heart of London. A rush-hour commuter would be lucky to do the 10 miles in an hour in their car.
It's easy to criticise the train, but blaming public transport for using the car is a lazy, worn out argument. We all have to take responsibility for our actions. Perhaps a local job on less pay is preferable, with lower travel fares and a shorter working day.
DAVE DEGEN
Watford Hertfordshire
