Tuesday morning. First day back for quite a few people, as a number of schools across Hertfordshire had an INSET day on Monday, 6th January. Our household was no different. Although I returned to work on Thursday, 2nd January, the rest of my family started their various work and school commitments the day after, on Tuesday, 7th January.
We live in a beautiful Welwyn Garden City, however my daughter goes to a Catholic school in St Albans. We have to pay for a private bus as the public bus provision is not always the best. We accept it; it was our choice to do it and therefore we need to “embrace” some of these financial challenges. However, I find it absolutely staggering how much you often have to pay for some of these services. Moreover, the first day in and the bus breaks down. It is often delayed. The cost of quarterly transport (6.4 miles each way) is £300 – £350 per term/ quarter. Too much? I think so.
In my experience, in many countries across Europe, some of these costs, especially if they include children, are subsided. Furthermore, even adult transport are much cheaper. According to the European Ferry Travel, in Paris, A single fare price on the London Underground between zones 1-2 will cost me £3.20 at peak times, and £2.60 off-peak. Travelling around Paris is much cheaper; a single fare comes in a saving of £1.58. Travelling around Madrid on a single fare in Zone A is almost half the price, and would save me £1.22. In order to use the metro services in Lisbon, you must purchase a prepaid card for the value of €0.50. A single ticket allows you to use the network for 60 minutes. These tickets can be used on the metro, trams, and buses. For a 24-hour ticket, costs start at €6.40; a saving of £2.25 compared to the London Underground.