Useful transport information

We all know how convenient it seems to travel by car, but sometimes we forget how expensive it is; we can forget that fuel is not the only cost. Below are some comparative figures for guidance...

  • Car - 33p per mile, for 10,000 miles per annum in a small, new car. This includes the ‘fixed’ costs of almost £2000 per year, plus 13p per mile for other running costs.
  • Bus - 17p per mile, return ticket for a 30 mile trip, no annual costs, no parking problems, and season tickets are much cheaper still.
  • Taxi - £3.15 per mile, based on a daytime 30 mile trip, one way so includes ‘dead’ mileage. No annual costs, no parking problems for user. It is almost as cheap to do this trip once every fortnight by taxi, than having a cheap new car for the same journey.
  • Bicycle - a fraction of 1p per mile, very small fixed costs, no parking fees, and healthy.
  • Walking - virtually free, no fixed costs, no parking, little maintenance, and healthy.

Sharing a car, or taxi, reduces the cost per person of each journey (see section on Car Share schemes).

  • No bus? Community Transport is now available to many people in the more remote rural areas. It is not just restricted to older people or those with disabilities who may find it difficult to use some buses. For more information (phone 01395 266662), or visit TRIP - Community Transport information.
  • Traveline is a single information point for all your local public transport needs in the South West and beyond. You can find out fares, plan routes, and obtain timetable information. Visit Traveline or phone 0871 200 22 33 to plan your train journey.
  • Text a bus; did you know that you can get timetable information about the next bus due, via your mobile phone, when you are standing at the bus stop? Just text message the number on the pole of the bus stop followed by 84268. You should then get the times of the next buses texted to you. Soon there will be a system that will also tell you the likely time of arrival if it is delayed.
  • Cycle and footpaths; if you are worried about traffic, or just want to get away from it, and would like to cycle or walk there are a number of traffic-free, 'light traffic' routes, and rights of way you can use. East Devon District Council publishes some local cycle journeys and walks leaflets (free via Tourist Information Centres). Also cycling information and public rights of way information is available on the Devon County Council website.
  • Car share Devon; you can save money, reduce your amount of driving, and have someone to talk to, if you car share. Car Share Devon is the opportunity for you to find someone from your area who wants to share. This service is available via Carshare Devon, or phone 01392 382089.
  • Community Transport; there are a range of options, particularly for people who cannot use usual forms of public transport for whatever reason. There are many types that might be available; ‘Ring and Ride’ and voluntary car schemes are probably the best known. There is usually a small charge, and it usually needs to be booked in advance. For all types of community transport just visit TRIP - Community Transport information.
  • Walk this Way. Many people would like to get out more and do some gentle walking; maybe you are unfit, have mobility problems, or are recovering from illness. East Devon organises special walks for you in 4 towns across the district to help you get some gentle exercise. Not only can you can get out for some gentle exercise, you can meet some new people, and maybe explore some new places. To find out more contact Lisa Schofield by e-mail at lschofield@eastdevon.gov.uk or by phone on 01395  516551.
  • People with disabilities and train travel may visit National Rail Enquiries for their section on ‘Passengers with disabilities’ giving information about facilities (and limitations) of stations across the country.
  • Bus Timetables and maps; Devon County Council publishes comprehensive, and free, bus timetables and maps for Devon.  These are usually available from Tourist Information Centres, Libraries, Council offices and other outlets, or you can visit JourneyDevon.
  • Transport to your places. If you are involved with a school, workplace, community group etc, why not make a travel plan of how people can get there both by car and other means? How do you prefer people to reach your organisation? Why not tell them the options. Remember that most journeys need a mixture of means of transport, a small part is almost always by foot (or wheelchair). Perhaps you can publish on your website, or in your newsletter alternative means of getting to your organisation, or is it better if your organisation goes to your customers, or better if it provides the transport?
  • Getting to school; You might have seen the ‘walking bus’ schemes that local schools help to organise with parents, to reduce car journeys to school – why not ask? Visit School Travel Plans to find out more.
  • Youth Travel to Work; You may be aware of the YETI scheme which started in Honiton to loan motorscooters (and give training and safetywear) to young people who otherwise could not get to employment. To find out more e-mail theyetiproject@aol.com, or phone 01404 549186.
  • Medical travel; You may not know of the many small (often informal) groups at doctor’s surgeries or churches that will help older people to get to their GP, or service, by car. Why not ask your local surgery if they operate a volunteer car scheme?

Page last updated on 11 March 2011