Laura uses the train to commute as it’s cheap, convenient and helps her relax on the way to and from work.
The 22-year-old works as a transport planner in Blackburn lives close to her local train station in Walton-le-Dale.
She said: “As I can’t drive the train is the best form of transport for me but even if I had a car I would be tempted to continue travelling this way to reduce emissions and avoid the traffic in the morning.
“The train fare is actually cheaper than me getting the bus and if I travel after 10am I can use my young person’s railcard. Northern Rail also have deals for cheaper travel when you book in advance and discounted prices for a season ticket.
“Getting the train allows me to get exercise, as I walk three miles every day to and from the train station.
“After a day in work I do not have to worry about battling through the traffic on the way home. I can jump on my train, read a book, listen to music and let someone else do the driving. I see the same people daily so can catch up with some friendly faces. My train to work also has some amazing staff who give great service.”
“I use the train some weekends too when visiting family and friends.”
Laura also enjoys the fact that travelling by train can be unexpectedly entertaining.
She said: “I was getting a train with my boyfriend a few years ago and the conductor came over the tannoy and began to quote Lord of the Rings. When he came to check tickets, we asked for, ‘a ticket to Mordor please’ which he replied, ‘one does not simply buy a ticket to Mordor’.
“On Christmas Eve last year when I was still working in retail, I was coming home after a stressful shift and the two conductors on the train were singing carols and shouting ‘HO HO HO’ down the tannoy. That made my stressful Christmas Eve a lot better, and made lots of children even more excited.”
Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Connect project was set up to promote and encourage sustainable transport in the borough. It aims to help reduce congestion on the borough’s roads. It works alongside six main employers including, Royal Blackburn Hospital, Blackburn with Darwen Council, Capita, Barbara Castle Way Health Centre, Evolution Park and Blackburn College.