Why the train won't take the strain

Sep 16 2009 Harriet Ridley

SALES of 125cc bikes are continuing to skyrocket. As the recession forces most of us to re-assess our finances, scooters and low-capacity motorcycles have emerged as the cheapest and easiest way to get about, turning an expensive and stressful journey into a money-saving pleasure.

But for those of you still not convinced, I've delved into the costs of public transport versus scooter for the daily commute.

I live in Hatfield and frequently work shifts at BBC Television Centre in London's Wood Lane. The public transport route is fairly direct:- one train into King's Cross, then the tube to Wood Lane or White City.

Research into the tube and train fares reveals that the cheapest way to complete this journey on a regular five-day week is to buy a £303.40 monthly travel card. This includes train into London then a six-zone London travel card.

It's a long walk to the station, and not a very nice one in winter when it's cold and dark. This means paying either £5.30 a day, or £25 a week, to park there. That adds £100 to the monthly cost. So in total, I've spent £403.40 on public transport a month. That's £4,840.80 a year to travel on overcrowded trains that only turn up when the right kind of leaf lands on the tracks, and where smelly armpits and rancid breath are shoved up my nose on a regular basis.

On a good day, it will take me 1 hour 15 minutes to get to work. On a bad day (that's every morning rush hour), I'll spend an extra 20 minutes queuing outside King's Cross tube station as the entrance is shut regularly to ease platform crowding. Then there's the battle to squeeze on to that stuffed carriage. And frequent delays on the line mean even more overcrowding

I reach destination more exhausted than if I'd already done a day's work. Still, at least I'm not carrying a heavy purse around with me all day.

Now let's hop on two wheels.

As an example, I chose the stylish Vespa GTS 125 Super from Piaggio. The 125cc engine is all you need for a decent commute involving motorways: it has a top speed of 70mph with decent fairing for weather protection. Being Piaggio it's high quality and won't rust with a winter's commute. And it's reliable.

This bike costs £3,399 new, although you can buy a 125cc scooter for less than £2,000.

And the beauty of this is while an annual travel card leaves you empty handed, buying a bike means you own a valuable asset that will last many years.

Road tax costs £15 a year, and we're looking at £150-a-year insurance if you're living in London in your late 20s with a clean licence and a garage.

The bike averages 65mpg and with my commute from Hatfield to Wood Lane being 26 miles each way, that means a massive 260 miles a week which translates into £17.80 a week in petrol - or £925 a year.

The only maintenance is the regular service - the first at 600 miles costs £85, the second at 3,500 miles costs £35, and the third at 7,500 miles costs £170. Because I'll be doing 13,000 miles a year, I'll spend £290 in maintenance.

That's a grand total of £4,779 for the first year, falling drastically to £1,380 in subsequent years once the bike's paid for.

However, I'd definitely take advantage of the 0 per cent finance deals most manufacturers are offering to spread the first year's costs.

On the Vespa GTS, this would mean £99.6 a month over three years with a £99 deposit.

In total this equates to £2,538 for the first three years - almost half I'd be paying with public transport. Treat the bike to its regular services and it will last much longer than the finance agreement.

On a good day, it takes me 40 minutes to ride into work. On a bad day, it takes me 45 minutes. Traffic doesn't affect the agile Vespa.

I store my waterproofs and bag under the seat and leave my helmet here once I arrive at my destination.

And there's no waiting around for trains. The scooter's ready whenever I need it, giving me so much freedom.

The amount saved by commuting on two wheels is more than enough to buy all the stylish and functional kit I need.

Remember, there's no bad weather, only poor clothing. And with November's International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the NEC providing a one-stop shop for all your bargains, there's no better time to get on two wheels!