Travelling by bus or train is less stressful?

[GodAtum]

Walking to work reduces stress and improves brain power, researchers say.

Adults who swapped the car and started walking or cycling became calmer and found it easier to concentrate.

A study of 18,000 Britons also found that commuting by train or bus improved well-being compared with driving.

Lead researcher Adam Martin, from the University of East Anglia’s Norwich Medical School, said that despite the crowds and disruption, walking to bus stops or stations and being able to relax on the journey ‘cheers people up’.

Two-thirds drive to work, 18 per cent use public transport, 11 per cent walk and three per cent cycle.

The study, published in the journal Preventive Medicine, also found the longer people spent walking or cycling, the happier or less stressed they were.

However, stress levels and inability to concentrate worsened if they spent more time in the car.
Research earlier this year found that commuters had small but statistically significant lower scores on all measures of well-being.

The worst effects were witnessed in those whose journeys last between 61 and 90 minutes. But when commuting time reaches three hours or more, the negative effects disappear, the report said.

‘The effects of commuting on personal well-being were greatest for anxiety and happiness, suggesting that commuting affects day to day emotions more than overall evaluations of satisfaction with life or the sense that daily activities are worthwhile,’ the report stated.

Dr Daniel Newman, from Cardiff University's Sustainable Places Research Institute, said at the time: 'This report says what many of us who spend our mornings and evenings sat in traffic jams or packed like sardines on a rail carriage already know: commuting can be a chore.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/a...g-bus-train-better-driving.html#ixzz3DNACtDoT
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Interesting, I dont drive but I find commuting on the train and bus very stressful and have to take anti-depressants if there are delays.

 

[stut]

Interesting, I dont drive but I find commuting on the train and bus very stressful and have to take anti-depressants if there are delays.

If that's true, then there's a strong placebo effect involved, as that's really not how they work...

I walk, take the train and then cycle. The walking is pleasant, the train is generally pretty relaxed (always get a seat, then read or watch a film), but it's the cycling that makes it. It turns a chore into a pleasure, and isn't bad for my health either. I'd hate to have to trade this for four wheels - I can't imagine anything more tedious.

(It's quite easy to let cycling in the city to be stressful, but it's as much about your attitude as that of other road users. Ride with a smile and a forgiving attitude, and you won't regret it...)

 

[47802]

I think it depends, if you have a car journey to work that doesn't involve to much queuing in traffic and you don't have problems finding a parking space at the end of your journey then the car is the least stressful in my book.

Obviously if you have a journey that's one long queue and then you struggle to park at the end of it then that's a different kettle of fish.

I'm not a big cycling fan and the only time I would ever consider cycling to work would be if I could make most of the journey by cycleway, certainly not on the main roads, I do think that all major cities should have separate cycleway into the city centre

 

[glbotu]

As someone who's commuted by car for the last year, with no significant traffic issues (contra-flow commuter, empty car park at work) but took the train/walked the year before, I can say the train + walking is considerably less stressful. While there were occasional issues with late trains etc, it's so much nicer to be able to totally switch off after work, rather than have to focus for an extra hour (ish) each day. It's more of an average effect rather than a specific one (as in, I just feel that as a whole, my having to drive every day increases my overall level of stress).

 

[Class377]

As always, it completely depends on circumstances.

If I'm going into London during the off-peak, obviously hopping on a train for a half-hour journey (and knowing exactly when to get off the train etc) is much less stressful than driving through the rat run and trying to park. Likewise, if I'm undertaking a 200+ mile trip, I'd prefer to sit on a train and read a book than spend several hours focusing on the motorways.

However, some journeys (to the east or west of London) I'd much rather drive, as not only will they be quicker but I can stay in the same seat and keep moving rather than jumping between trains and going on an unfamiliar route. The same sort of thing applies when there's disruption - at least in traffic I can stay put and put the radio on, but with rail delays and cancellations I'm going to have to hang around listening out for potentially last-minute information and still not have a clue when I'm going to get wherever it is I'm heading to!

 

[Greenback]

As always, it completely depends on circumstances.

Agreed. Some people like driving more than others, so will find it less stressful in general anyway.

If I'm going into London during the off-peak, obviously hopping on a train for a half-hour journey (and knowing exactly when to get off the train etc) is much less stressful than driving through the rat run and trying to park. Likewise, if I'm undertaking a 200+ mile trip, I'd prefer to sit on a train and read a book than spend several hours focusing on the motorways.

Indeed. I feel the same - I'd never even consider driving into London!

However, some journeys (to the east or west of London) I'd much rather drive, as not only will they be quicker but I can stay in the same seat and keep moving rather than jumping between trains and going on an unfamiliar route. The same sort of thing applies when there's disruption - at least in traffic I can stay put and put the radio on, but with rail delays and cancellations I'm going to have to hang around listening out for potentially last-minute information and still not have a clue when I'm going to get wherever it is I'm heading to!

Absolutely. Some journeys down here can't be made by bus or train at all, and the others can be so tortuous as to be unfeasible. As an example, one of our favourite country pubs has one bus a week passing it, and that runs from the opposite direction to the one we are coming from.

So, sometimes, even if driving is more stressful, it is the only option. But some people love driving and will choose to use the car no matter how good the buses and trains are. Also, let's be honest, the flexibility of the car to go straight from work to the school, the doctor's, or the supermarket is worth a lot to many people with busy lives.

 

[47802]

As someone who's commuted by car for the last year, with no significant traffic issues (contra-flow commuter, empty car park at work) but took the train/walked the year before, I can say the train + walking is considerably less stressful. While there were occasional issues with late trains etc, it's so much nicer to be able to totally switch off after work, rather than have to focus for an extra hour (ish) each day. It's more of an average effect rather than a specific one (as in, I just feel that as a whole, my having to drive every day increases my overall level of stress).

I would totally disagree in my case the car was much less agro than waiting for frequently late and overcrowded trains, possibly helped by the fact I like driving anyway.

 

[Greenback]

I would totally disagree in my case the car was much less agro than waiting for frequently late and overcrowded trains, possibly helped by the fact I like driving anyway.

Yes, some people love driving but I've never really enjoyed it. We are all different and people's circumstances will always affect how they feel. It all depends on the journey as well, if someone has a parking space at work then that will remove one of the big frustrations of driving.

 

[Welshman]

As has been said, it depends entirely on the prevailing conditions.
A quiet country drive can be a lovely way to unwind, whereas a drive into a city centre can be a nightmare. Then I'd prefer to use public transport or park & ride.

You can't beat a comfortable, fast train ride. But if it's a pacer, or short-formed stock and every inch of space is taken, I long for the privacy of my car.

 

[dzug2]

For me, getting to my former place of work was a 25 to 35 minute car journey depending on traffic and route

To get there now by bus takes nearly two hours with two changes. I couldn't get there before 1000 and would have to leave at 1630 to get the last bus home - with a significant risk of missing it.

In the car I could wind down on the way home listening to a choice of half a dozen radio stations

So yes it depends on the person and the journey

 

[Tibbs]

Yes, some people love driving but I've never really enjoyed it. We are all different and people's circumstances will always affect how they feel. It all depends on the journey as well, if someone has a parking space at work then that will remove one of the big frustrations of driving.

As soon as I discovered online Supermarket shopping my car became superfluous. I haven't done a 'main shop' in a Supermarket for almost 5 years.

I haven't driven regularly in 3 years, and I haven't owned a car in well over a year. I don't miss it.

 

[overtonchris]

As virtually everyone has said this topic is very personal and subjective. I have not "commuted" as such for a long time as I work on various contracts as ever and wherever.

BUT in the past I used to find very regular car runs into both Maidenhead and London and absolute pain from Overton and would always take the train....parking probs, aggressive driving stance and roadworks always out-weighed the occasional late/ busy train for me.

Now if I've got work in a "big city / bloody awkward place to park" I'll take the train every time (and bag a cheap advance and walk / taxi or even bus if I'm skint!!!

As said.... all down to personal circumstances.

 

[bangor-toad]

I agree with all the previous posters who say it's abut personal preferences...

There's one issue not mentioned so far which is the stress (perceived or actual) of missing the train/bus/plane. If you've got a regular commuter service it doesn't matter.

For me, there's 6 trains an hour to work in the morning peak so if I miss the one I want, so what? I just get the next. However, if you've got one an hour or less then there's a perceived stress in having to be there on time.

With a car trip you can feel in control and this worry doesn't crop up. Odd really as there are many, many issues that can disrupt a car journey...

Cheers,
Mr Toad

 

[Chapeltom]

I commuted pretty much throughout my education from secondary school onwards. The 10 mile bus journey to/from 6th form could be somewhere between absolutely horrid and absolutely awful. It just dragged, it was just a very dull and boring experience.

I commuted by train to University, and a typical day involved anywhere between 4 and 7 miles walking. Typically the journey was 2hr 15 to 3 hours each way, taking into account walking/changes I was on trains 1hr 20-1hr 40 of each trip. The walking certainly helped me relax and for the smoothness of a train ride even on a pacer beats any bus. I can't believe I did it, often 5-6 days a week towards the end of my degree but I strangely very much miss it.

 

[GodAtum]

Question; would you rather drive for 10 mins or walk for 10 mins?

The reason I ask is that I would chose to live 10 mins walk from the office rather then 10 mins drive.

 

[Bishopstone]

Having done it for a few years, I'd say the stress in my rail commute (Seaford to City of London, average four days a week) is the need to change at Lewes on most services. Particularly in the evening, connections are regularly broken and it can be pretty depressing to have to wait another half an hour on a cold winter night, pushing the journey time over two hours. I guess the same can be said for any long journey involving mixed modes of public transport (eg bus and train) or where branch connections are involved.

If I only had to get to and from Lewes town, I think it would seem a breeze. No wonder house prices there are so high.

Prior to 2007 I commuted between Barking and Canary Wharf, which due to the crowds and regular collapse of the Jubilee Line service could be equally soul-destroying, despite the short distance. However, at least in London there are alternative options if one line is out of action.

I think my ideal commute would be about 1.5 miles on foot, to get some exercise at both ends of the day.

 

[overtonchris]

Question; would you rather drive for 10 mins or walk for 10 mins?

The reason I ask is that I would chose to live 10 mins walk from the office rather then 10 mins drive.

My personal preference would be to walk "come rain - come shine", but for me, with Rheumatoid and Osteo Arthritis it rather depends on how the "pins" are holding up on the day!!!!!! ......If you're fit to walk - then perhaps you should.....use it or loose it as they say......but as it's a (sort of:roll free country it's up to the individual....

 

[Greenback]

I think my ideal commute would be about 1.5 miles on foot, to get some exercise at both ends of the day.

Agreed. I used to walk 1.2 miles each way, which increased to about 1.5 miles if I detoured on the way. I found it helped me relax after a day at work, as I was able to empty my mind of work related things on the way home!

I did find it easier when it wasn't pouring with rain, I must admit!

 

[21C101]

Mines about 40 miles on Thameslink. Pretty stress free most of the time and rare not to get a seat (unlike the poor souls at St Albans who pay three times the house prices for a 15 minute shorter journey) and since I got a smartphone passes much more quickly as 3G mobile most of the way.

Commuting out of the southern termini is much worse, indeed not having to exit through a grand termini at all makes life a lot easier

 

[GatwickDepress]

My former commute was a 1.2 mile walk to Ore station, or a 2.5 mile walk to Hastings if I needed to leave early, with 1 hour, 20 minutes on the train to Brighton, and a 0.7 mile walk to where I went.

Nearly 4 miles walking a day with a couple of hours on quiet trains with which to read, write, or relax/do yoga on. Pure bliss.

 

[VauxhallandI]

Cretins with loud music have been really annoying me lately making me want to vote car!

 

[yorksrob]

Quite nice and relaxing to read a paper on the train to and from work. That is, when it's not a short formed pacer like today

 

[stut]

Cretins with loud music have been really annoying me lately making me want to vote car!

Noise-cancelling headphones (or at least insulated earbuds) are a godsend...

 

[Abpj17]

As soon as I discovered online Supermarket shopping my car became superfluous. I haven't done a 'main shop' in a Supermarket for almost 5 years.

I haven't driven regularly in 3 years, and I haven't owned a car in well over a year. I don't miss it.

Ten years (the only time we do a 'main shop' is xmas eve). I can do a shop in 15 minutes on the train on my phone vs. one hour plus round a shop with one or more kids in tow.

So vote for train > car for commuting - I can read and nap which I obviously couldn't do with driving. A nice coach can be good too and a lot cheaper, but unfortunately it only runs once a day and doesn't go near enough to my current house.

(Or rather, a good train service - FCC can be an awful experience on those days with mass cancellations / train faults/late night post-pub train)

 

[The Ham]

Question; would you rather drive for 10 mins or walk for 10 mins?

The reason I ask is that I would chose to live 10 mins walk from the office rather then 10 mins drive.

I'd rather walk for up to 30 minutes rather than drive for 10. If I had a 10 minute drive I would be keen to investigate the options for cycling, especially if it means that I don't need an extra car. As even buying a half decent bike and all the kit needed (lights, waterproofs, etc) would be at least comparable if not cheaper than the fixed costs (i.e. those costs which do not really change no matter how many miles you do such as tax, insurance, servicing, etc).
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Cretins with loud music have been really annoying me lately making me want to vote car!

I find that they tend to be fairly scarce on my commute, but I could see that if there was the same few people doing the same journey whose paths cross yours that it would be frustrating.

 

[Busaholic]

I only started driving because my train journey took so long. I was travelling from S.E. London to Maidstone West against the commuter flow, three separate trains and 2 hours plus with a fifteen minute walk at the Maidstone end. So I took driving lessons, bought an old banger and 40-45 minutes after leaving home I was at work. I missed reading books and a newspaper, but gained an extra three hours a day, so no contest.

 

[Greenback]

Some journeys are just so long or impractical by rail that they can't compete with the car. It's horses for courses!

 

[AM9]

In my commuting years, I was disadvantaged by not working in London. My journey from Colchester to Ilford involved a walk of over 2 miles to the station, (too early for buses), then three trains, 1) 06:42 to Chelmsford, 2) 07:21 to Shenfield the 3) 07:40* to Seven Kings or Ilford, followed by a 15-20 minute walk. Generally things worked OK in the morning even in the snow, but in the evening it was frequently a difficult journey from Seven Kings: 1) 17:07 to Shenfield, 2) 17:40 to Colchester. That connection often failed. The next train to stop at Shenfield was the 18:10 which didn't get to Colchester until 19:10 which meant 2 buses home or the 2 mile walk after a long day.
Had I worked a similar distance from Liverpool Street, I could have caught a train after 07:15 and got back to Colchester before 18:00. Such was the benefit of the frequent fast trains.
I didn't drive at the time but when Ray Buckton was playing games with the trains, I did sometimes get a lift. Even without driving, I found that journey far more stressful.