The 'new normal' work commute options that aren't public transport

While we're being assured public transport has been thoroughly cleaned, that peace of mind that you can control the environment in which you travel to and from work is always more appealing. While this is a very different and overwhelming time for everyone, we have put together some helpful advice around how to look after yourself and your car during the pandemic.

To help you start the process of planning for your 'new normal' return into the office, we’ve listed a handful of options to get you there.

This option may not be for everyone but if you live within a 5km radius of your workplace, the run or walk into the office and back home should be a breeze (weather permitting). The benefits of commuting on foot are that you don’t need to be in close proximity to other commuters squished into a train or bus, you get to see your area in a new light and exercise is a great way to get energized and motivated for the day ahead. The downsides are that if you’ve had a long day you may be too tired to jog on. Also there always seems to be a massive hill on the way home and sometimes the weather is either too hot, too cold or too monsoonal.

Dedicated bike lanes are popping up across cities around the country as more Australians embrace pedal power. Riding to and from work on a pushbike or on a scooter is a great way to be mobile and agile on your daily commute away from packed public transport. Plus being out in nature (smog permitting) is always a positive thing. Again, like the walking and running option weather plays a big part in this transport option as does your own faith in sharing the road with cars and trucks.

This may seem a little fancy and over the top, but a personal driver who takes you to and from work isn’t unheard of in other countries around the world including the UK. Having a dedicated driver who collects you at a consistent time daily is a good option to avoid the exercise based commute options and public transport. The option is not as cheap as the train or bus but once you add in any tolls or parking costs it might work out to be your best bet. Also you get to sit in the back and work on your laptop or just look out the window at your running and bike riding colleagues as you commute in comfort.

Renting a car may be your happy medium between walking and owning a car to drive to work. While you can rent a car from the usual car hire companies, there are other options from the likes of GoGet, Car Next Door and even Uber. At the start of June, the rideshare and food delivery company announced a car rental option for those in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide. You are able to book any car from a small hatch to a large SUV using the existing app which connect to hire cars available to pickup and drive from around $160 a week.

This is certainly on another level from your regular pushbike but commuting to and from work on a motorbike or scooter could be exactly what you’re after. You do need to have a license for a motorbike or scooter but it may be worth the extra work to have a socially distanced commute. Live your European city fantasy as you scoot your way through the city streets on a Vespa or grow out your handlebar mustache and hop on a Harley on the highway. Our friends over at bikesales.com.au have all the details on how to get your bike licence as well as recommended bikes and scooters to buy.

Car travel is by far Australia's preferred choice when it comes to commuting to work. Personal car travel and ownership is expected to rise due to the pandemic so this might be the best time to upgrade your current or buy your first car. The prospect of being in your own little bubble, rolling into work after listening and singing along to your favourite songs or listening to your favourite podcast is very alluring. Finding a fuel efficient and comfortable car should certainly be at the top of your list with commute travel times varying across the country. We've got you covered with everything you need to know about buying your first or your next car as well as the most economical and futuristic cars too.

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