Two men in the UK have devised a unique travel hack to circumvent the high cost of train tickets by purchasing a car for their journey to London. Rob Adcock and his business partner Tyler Odell needed to travel from Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, to Central London for a meeting at The Shard. They were taken aback to discover that the return train tickets would set them back a staggering £311.50 each, prompting them to joke about buying a car instead. In a bold move, Rob, 31, decided to drive to London in a 16-year-old Citroen C1 he purchased for just £400. After factoring in expenses for tax, insurance, fuel, and parking, the total cost came to £484.04, saving them £138 compared to the train journey.
The duo chronicled their car journey on TikTok, which gained over 400,000 views, showcasing their cost-effective alternative to traditional train travel. Despite initial concerns about the reliability of their inexpensive car, they successfully completed the 340-mile round trip without any issues. Rob highlighted that in addition to the cost savings, their venture was a lighthearted way to shed light on the exorbitant prices of train fares, particularly for ordinary working individuals. By opting to drive, they were able to attend their meeting in London and return home on the same day, only taking half an hour longer than the train journey would have.
Rob emphasised that their decision to drive to London was not just about the financial aspect but also aimed to raise awareness about the challenges of affording train travel for average citizens. He stressed that while booking train tickets in advance may offer cheaper rates, it is not always feasible for those with last-minute commitments. Despite some comments suggesting alternative strategies for booking train tickets, Rob maintained that the current pricing structure of train fares can be prohibitive for many commuters, necessitating creative solutions like purchasing a car for travel.
The pair’s unconventional approach to travel garnered both amusement and criticism, with many individuals expressing frustration over the high costs associated with train travel in the UK. Rob’s TikTok video, accompanied by a detailed breakdown of their journey expenses, sparked a conversation about the affordability and accessibility of public transportation for everyday commuters. While acknowledging the operational expenses involved in maintaining a car, Rob highlighted the importance of exploring cost-effective alternatives for travel, especially in situations where train fares pose a significant financial burden.
In response to the viral attention received by their journey, Rob reiterated that the primary goal was to initiate a dialogue on the affordability of transportation options for working individuals. He maintained that while train companies have their operational costs, the current pricing structure often leaves regular commuters facing steep expenses. By sharing their experience in a humorous manner, Rob and Tyler aimed to draw attention to the practical challenges faced by individuals navigating high transportation costs, encouraging others to consider alternative modes of travel when feasible. Ultimately, their journey exemplified a creative and cost-efficient approach to tackling exorbitant train fares, sparking a broader conversation on the accessibility of transportation for the general public.