What are the rail strikes?
Following ongoing pay industrial disputes, rail workers have, once more, opted into strike action. And those of you who regularly use the train to get to work, may feel that that these strikes seem to be at the most inconvenient of times.
While strike action can be incredibly frustrating for those who regularly use the train to commute to work for those who regularly commute on the train to work, there’s no need to panic.
With a bit of preparation, and pre-planning, you can ensure any disruptions are at a minimum.
Here are some tips to guide you through the rail workers’ strike:
1. Plan ahead
The first thing you need to do is plan ahead. Find out when the strike will begin and end, and how it will affect your daily commute. Check the train schedules in advance, to see if there are any alternative routes or modes of transportation you can take. You can also consider working from home or adjusting your work schedule to avoid rush hour traffic.
Making your own plans is all well and good, but as they may have to change, don’t forget to let others know in advance as well. This could be your employer, an appointment, friends or family. It’ll make things easier for everyone.
2. Use alternative modes of transportation
During a rail strike, it’s best to consider alternative modes of transportation such as buses, bikes, or even walking. You can also carpool with colleagues or friends to reduce traffic congestion and costs. If you decide to drive, make sure to check traffic reports to avoid busy routes and give yourself extra time to reach your destination.
At Veygo we offer temporary car insurance, so you can quickly get insured on a friend or family members car, if you need insurance at the last minute. All you have to do is go to our temporary car insurance page, get a quote and enter a few details, it’s that simple!
Another way to future proof yourself for rail strikes is to learn to drive (if you haven’t already). Again, we can help you out. Just go to our learner driver insurance, this will help you to get extra hours outside of your lessons.
3. Be prepared for crowds
During a rail strike, public transportation can become crowded, especially during peak hours. Try to prepare for this by leaving earlier than usual to allow yourself extra time for potential delays. If possible, try to avoid the busiest times of the day.
The best advice for crowds is to try and remain level headed. It can be frustrating when people are taking too long, just remember it’s purely because of the number of people all trying to use one train.
4. Stay informed
Stay informed about any updates or changes related to the strike. Check with your transportation provider frequently for updates and subscribe to their social media pages or email newsletters for instant alerts. You can also follow local news outlets to stay up to date with the latest news and developments.
The best way to stay ahead of the strikes is to use national rail enquiries, or trainline, both of these offer live updates in the UK and can keep you up to date.
5. Consider working from home
If you can work remotely, consider working from home during the strike. This can help you avoid the stress of commuting and the uncertainty of transportation disruptions. It can also be an opportunity to improve your productivity and work-life balance.
We understand that this isn’t an option for everyone as your role may require you on-site, but if you are able to work remotely, then you would not only help yourself, but also free up space for others who may still need to commute.
6. Stay Calm and Patient
Any strike action can be frustrating and stressful for people that need to use the affected services, but it’s important to remain calm and patient. Remember, everyone is dealing with the same situation as you. Try to be respectful and understanding of others, don’t let the situation get the best of you and avoid taking it out on other. Especially the transportation staff, who are only doing their best to help.
7. Consider Alternative Transportation Providers
If the rail strike is expected to last for a prolonged period, consider alternative transportation providers. For example, you may be able to look at a taxi service, however, if you have a relatively long commute this may be far more expensive. This is why we suggest trying to get temporary insurance on a car.
8. Be Creative
Finally, be creative when dealing with the rail strike. You can try out new routes or modes of transportation, or even explore the city on foot or bike. Use the opportunity to break out of your daily routine and discover new places and experiences.
You may have a friend or family member near your destination and may be able to stay with them prior to your journey, travelling on different days to the rail strikes has proven really useful. Just remember to pack an extra pair of socks!
Considering the above we do understand the frustration around the strikes, but hopefully, we’ve provided enough suggestions to take the pressure off when trying to travel on the designated strike days.
If you decide that temporary insurance is the way forward for you you, check out our temporary car insurance page to get all the info you need.