Sunday: As if the TV wasn't bad enough, this week I have to give up my car in favour of public transport around Derbyshire. Looking through the bus timetable, I will need to leave the house at 6.20am instead of the usual 7.30!! It's too late to back out, the car is in the garage and the keys have been confiscated. Monday: I got the number 10 from Newbold into Chesterfield and whilst waiting for the Red Arrow into Derby, I couldn't feel my feet – I think we should have tried this experiment in June, definitely not January. Could I get away with getting a taxi everyday? After all, that IS public transport. The temptation to just call a taxi is unbearable, but I think that might be classed as cheating.
 | | Claire studies the bus timetables |
Tuesday: I missed the bus from Chesterfield to Newbold this evening so I had to wait an extra 30 minutes for the next bus. In my fit of rage, I have decided tomorrow I will catch the train. It looks like it will only take an hour, which is less time than rush hour traffic in a car. I was supposed to be seeing some friends tonight but I can't get there by bus, so one of them has had to pick me up. The worst part of this week is having to rely on other people. Hopefully tomorrow will be more positive. Wednesday: A day return ticket cost me £9.30, which isn't as much as it sounds when you consider the costs of petrol, tax, insurance and the cost of the car itself - I could get used to this. I haven't been shopping all week because I usually stop off at the supermarket on my way home - I don't think the train driver would be too happy to do that so I'm having to do my shopping in the City Centre and carry it home – I'm starting to rethink buying those bottles of wine! Thursday: I'm converted! I'm enjoying the train; I get to talk to lots of different people in the mornings and after work instead of being isolated in my car. I take a pair of headphones on with me so I can still keep up to date with the news when I want to. Friday: I have surprised everyone by arriving without the car again, another successful week though it was extremely difficult. I think from now on I will carry on using my car for work but I met someone on the bus that I can car share with, which is cheaper and much better for the environment. I'll also stop being lazy and try not to use my car as much on short journeys. As usual, any suggestions for what I should deprive myself of for a week are more than welcome, please email me from the link below.
And don't forget to listen to Claire's audio diary on Sally Pepper's show on BBC Radio Derby every Saturday 12-2. | 
