Public transport alternatives | Blog

Getting around has changed significantly since the outbreak of Covid-19 and with the government and TfL advising against the use of public transport- what other options are available? Here are some that everybody can try out.

Walking

Walking is a great way to explore and get to know your local area. It’s also really beneficial for your health - did you know it provides all the same benefits to you as running? Although you burn half the calories doing it, your calorie burn post walk is much longer than running. 

Cycling

For those lucky enough to have bikes, riding across London is great exercise and allows you cover a few more kilometres than walking, without too much effort (unless you live up a hill). Cycling is often quicker than public transport options if you’re not close to a tube and gives you the freedom of the city once you’ve embraced it. 

Remember your visibility and safety is important on a bike, so make sure you have lights and a helmet as a minimum. High vis jackets are a must as the days start to shorten. If you’ve not ridden in a while or feel daunted by London roads, start with a short journey to a park to get your confidence up and as you start to cycle more it will feel a little less daunting every time.

Car sharing

Whilst walking and cycling are fantastic, we know it’s not for everybody, especially when it’s wet and windy, you have far to go or you’ve got a lot of... stuff to carry around.  Car sharing gives you the opportunity to rent cars by the minute, hour or day. 

Zipcar is the UK’s biggest and most popular car sharing club. We have two options to make it easier and more flexible to get around the city: Roundtrip, where you pick up and return the vehicle to the same designated bay. And Flex, our one-way service. Providing you’re travelling within our Zipzone, you can. Both services are available 24/7 365.

Commuting with Zipcar

As more people look to get back into the office, Zipcar Flex gives you the opportunity to travel safely without risking public transport. Our Zipzone covers all central London boroughs apart from the City and Camden, but whilst you can’t park in those areas you can drive to the edge of the zone and walk the rest of the way.