Organising transport for a group can be a challenge, especially when trying to keep costs down. For those setting up their own Trials & Tribulations challenge, it’s important to find a mode of transport that’s both affordable and practical.
This guide explores a range of transport methods, giving a breakdown of potential costs to help you make an informed decision.
Public transport
Public transport is often the most budget-friendly choice for groups, particularly in urban areas.
- Buses: Local buses tend to be inexpensive, with fares typically ranging from £1.50 to £3.00 per person for a single journey. Many cities offer group discounts, especially for larger groups.
- Trains: Rail fares can vary widely, but there are group tickets available. For instance, a group of three or more travelling together can get a 34% discount on off-peak fares. A ticket for a short journey might range from £5 to £15 per person, depending on the distance.
Estimated Total Cost: For a group of 10 taking a bus for a round trip within a city, expect to pay around £30–£60. For a train journey to a nearby town or city, costs could be £50–£150.
Carpooling
Carpooling is a practical and eco-friendly option that can save on fuel costs.
- Cost Sharing: With a car seating five passengers, pooling can significantly cut expenses. Assuming petrol costs around £1.40 per litre and a 100-mile trip requires around 10 litres, the total fuel cost would be approximately £14. If four people share the cost, that’s just £3.50 each.
- Rideshare Apps: Apps like BlaBlaCar make long-distance carpooling easy, allowing passengers to contribute towards the driver’s expenses. Prices vary, but expect to pay around £10–£30 per person for longer journeys.
Estimated Total Cost: For a local carpool with fuel costs shared among 4 people, the cost would be around £14 total or £3.50 per person. For long-distance rideshares, budget around £100 for a group of 5, averaging £20 per person.
Minibus hire
Hiring a minibus is a good option for larger groups and offers more flexibility.
- Hire Costs: Renting a minibus typically costs between £70 and £120 per day, depending on the vehicle size and hire company. Additional fuel and insurance costs may apply, usually around £20–£30.
- Driver Options: You can either drive the minibus yourself or hire a driver. A driver may add around £50–£100 to the overall cost.
Estimated Total Cost: For a day hire of a minibus for 12 people, the total cost could range from £100 to £200, averaging around £8.33 to £16.67 per person.
Coach hire
For larger groups, coach hire can be an economical solution, particularly for longer journeys.
- Hire Costs: Coach hire costs vary based on distance and duration. On average, expect to pay around £300–£600 for a day hire, which can accommodate up to 50 passengers.
- Per Person Cost: With 50 passengers, the cost per person can be as low as £6–£12.
Estimated Total Cost: For a coach hire for a day trip with 30 people, expect to pay around £400, which works out to approximately £13.33 per person.
Taxi services
While generally more expensive, taxis can be a good option for smaller groups or short journeys.
- Taxi Fares: Standard taxi fares usually start at £3 to £5 for the initial drop and then around £1.50 per mile. For a group of 4, splitting the fare may make it more affordable.
- Ride-Hailing Apps: Services like Uber provide competitive rates, especially for short journeys. Prices vary based on demand and distance, but are often between £5 and £20 for city rides.
Estimated Total Cost: For a 10-mile trip costing £15, if shared among 4 people, it would be £3.75 each.
Conclusion
When organising transport for your Trials & Tribulations adventure, there are several affordable options to consider. Public transport, carpooling, minibus and coach hire, and taxi services each offer different benefits depending on the group size and journey length. By weighing up the costs and benefits of each option, you can select the best solution for your budget, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for your group.