Return to Campus Special Edition 1 
Transport Anxieties  

CONCERNS 

“I am anxious about having to start catching the train again and waiting with crowds of people on platforms etc.”

"I think the main concerns do surround the commute to work (especially when using public transport)."

“I normally travel by train and could usually get into work in the morning without any problems but returning home in the afternoon was a different story…. for two days I was in that week my train or trains in the afternoon were usually cancelled which meant I had to get the bus home.”

"On the one occasion when all trains were cancelled because of an accident, all travellers had to use the bus.  On that day the bus driver kept letting people get on the bus so that people were standing in the central isle between the seats."

"In short, my main concern is that we are asked to return to work whilst public transport is not operating a full time table.  This could result in overcrowding of the transport that is available."

"My concern is around public transport , I haven’t been on a train for a year and can’t ever imagine travelling on “sardine trains” at busy times or when problems occur causing trains to be jam packed  maybe this can in part be addressed with flexibility in working hours when in the office ?"

PROBLEMS

1. Unreliable travel timetables (bus, train) inc. cancellations.
2. Crowded trains and buses
3. Unexpected events that can’t be controlled ergo forced onto buses
4. Waiting on crowded platforms and bus stops
5. Unreliable time keeping - family commitments / work responsibilities
6. Worry and anxiety of the above happening

TIPS

• University of course will not be able to influence public transport arrangements or timetables. 
• There is no punitive actions for staff who are travel delayed
• The University wants all colleagues to work productively to provide a valuable contribution.
• Number of practical steps and psychological tools could help

1. Plan journey time and explore timings ahead. 
2. Avoid peak times if possible
3. Keep socially distanced and masked as best you can
4. Factor in a window for travel delays
5. Communicating potential problems is essential - Make sure your manager knows beforehand if any problems are anticipated
6. Make sure that, if you have any concerns about being able to get to BCU on time that you let your manager know. Accept there will be unplanned events that nobody can control
7. Managers need to understand the issue preventing returning to work on campus and colleagues need to recognise that they can propose workable solutions. 
8. Get regular updates on travel situations (use apps & web)
9. Approach travel journey positively - use visualisation to help
10. 10. Mitigate and control what bits you are able to