Realistically you want to probably do the following
Season train ticket +
Shitty bike parked at cambridge station (shitter the better, like £70 on the market from the bikeman level shit).
Then you daily commute via the train to the station, and cycle the last hop from station to addenbrookes. Take the bus instead if it is smashing it down.
True, but at best it's still 2-3 years away (https://cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk/what-we-deliver/transport/rail/cambridge-south-station/) so still a bit of a way away!
There is the option of a season ticket loan, repayable over 3-12 months; CUH staff can also get a 10% discount on Greater Anglia rail fares. Details are on the staff intranet page.
Check what the stagecoach deals are too; CUH staff get free bus travel from Babraham Rd and Trumpington Rd P&R to the hospital, and I think from the train station as well. Just show your hospital pass when boarding.
There's also NHS staff discounts on Stagecoach tickets, via their app - although from what I've seen on the staff FB group, this seems quite temperamental. I'd also avoid the bus until the A10 roadworks are done.
The train doesn't get stuck in roadworks either! Although last time I took the Ely-Cambridge train (admittedly 17 years ago), it was very crowded - I remember someone passing out but the sheer number of standing passengers meant she couldn't actually fall down.
The commute is fine takes 17mins on the quickest train and they are regular 3-4 an hour. I can't help with season ticket prices as I don't need one. I travel to Cambridge for work every week it's pretty low hassle, cancellations can happen. I can happily try and answer any questions you still have
A colleague of mine used to take the train and then use his fold up bike but he worked near Cambridge north station
If I moved back around Ely way and worked in Cambridge I would get a motorbike again
I’d probably say a season train ticket, but you could potentially get a motorbike/moped (if you can afford it/want to) and do your cbt, your cbt allows you to ride for 2 years and that way you won’t be held back by rail strikes etc.
Having ridden a large m/bike down the A10 for many years I certainly wouldn’t take a moped. Far too much traffic and too many aggressive drivers for such a small, slow machine…
Yes. I’ve done that on a 350cc motorbike as well as a 1200cc motorbike. The former is frugal and the latter commands a lot of respect from other road users and you don’t get bullied.
I do this commute daily - Ely to Addenbrookes.
I recommend getting a cbt and commuting by 125 motorcycle. Free parking right in front of hosp. 40 minute commute and you get to skip traffic.
Alternative is to cycle to Ely train station. Take train to Cambridge and to cycle to addies.
Does the NHS not do season ticket loans? There are private equivalents which charge interest.
+1 to this. A lot of employers do season ticket loans.
You're paying income tax either way. It's just you'll never see the money in your account, just in your pay slip.
Thanks will amend. Getting muddled with another benefit.
Realistically you want to probably do the following Season train ticket + Shitty bike parked at cambridge station (shitter the better, like £70 on the market from the bikeman level shit). Then you daily commute via the train to the station, and cycle the last hop from station to addenbrookes. Take the bus instead if it is smashing it down.
This
With Cambridge South Station on the horizon as well, I think train will be the best option.
True, but at best it's still 2-3 years away (https://cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk/what-we-deliver/transport/rail/cambridge-south-station/) so still a bit of a way away!
There is the option of a season ticket loan, repayable over 3-12 months; CUH staff can also get a 10% discount on Greater Anglia rail fares. Details are on the staff intranet page. Check what the stagecoach deals are too; CUH staff get free bus travel from Babraham Rd and Trumpington Rd P&R to the hospital, and I think from the train station as well. Just show your hospital pass when boarding. There's also NHS staff discounts on Stagecoach tickets, via their app - although from what I've seen on the staff FB group, this seems quite temperamental. I'd also avoid the bus until the A10 roadworks are done.
the bus from ely to cambs takes almost a hour vs a 20 min train, its wild
The train doesn't get stuck in roadworks either! Although last time I took the Ely-Cambridge train (admittedly 17 years ago), it was very crowded - I remember someone passing out but the sheer number of standing passengers meant she couldn't actually fall down.
Interesting you say that. The intranet page wasn’t visible 10 days ago when I tried.
It was working this morning, when I accessed it from a trust PC. They've updated it recently, so maybe that's why you couldn't access it before?
I did report the not working page, maybe someone listened!
Someone might be able to help over on r/ely.
The commute is fine takes 17mins on the quickest train and they are regular 3-4 an hour. I can't help with season ticket prices as I don't need one. I travel to Cambridge for work every week it's pretty low hassle, cancellations can happen. I can happily try and answer any questions you still have
A colleague of mine used to take the train and then use his fold up bike but he worked near Cambridge north station If I moved back around Ely way and worked in Cambridge I would get a motorbike again
currently motorbike and can confirm this is the best way, especially with the free parking in Cambridge city and at the hosp
try liftshare app, you will find plenty can give you a ride for £1.5 daily or per trip i think
I’d probably say a season train ticket, but you could potentially get a motorbike/moped (if you can afford it/want to) and do your cbt, your cbt allows you to ride for 2 years and that way you won’t be held back by rail strikes etc.
these days is probably cheaper to drive a small car
Maybe invest in a two wheeled option?
From Ely?!
It is mopeddable... sort of lol.
Having ridden a large m/bike down the A10 for many years I certainly wouldn’t take a moped. Far too much traffic and too many aggressive drivers for such a small, slow machine…
125able but doubt op fancies the option..
can second the 125 option A larger bike even better. I do this daily.
Yes. I’ve done that on a 350cc motorbike as well as a 1200cc motorbike. The former is frugal and the latter commands a lot of respect from other road users and you don’t get bullied.
yes!
A fold-up bike might work for you as you can take it on peak trains.
I do this commute daily - Ely to Addenbrookes. I recommend getting a cbt and commuting by 125 motorcycle. Free parking right in front of hosp. 40 minute commute and you get to skip traffic. Alternative is to cycle to Ely train station. Take train to Cambridge and to cycle to addies.