Shift workers, such as warehousing, who don't drive how do you get to work for evening and night shifts and get home?
Posted by darybrain@reddit | miltonkeynes | View on Reddit | 18 comments
A 33f friend needs work, but has no experience in anything other than a bit of cleaning, does not drive, no confidence, and English is okayish. Unskilled warehouse work such as packing, conveyer belt sorting, or online grocery picking always seems to be available but I don't believe it is possible to specify what shifts can be worked. Given the time of year restaurants only want experienced staff as it is too busy to train anyone up. I'm looking at supermarkets, but again getting there very early or staying very late might be an issue unless they can walk there. House cleaning is a possibility, but that might only be a small handful of hours per week.
Bus services becoming less frequent and starting later and finishing earlier - might just be the ones I use, but the issue seems more general. MKConnect is unreliable to get somewhere at a specific time. Taxis would be much more than the hourly wage so pointless. Carpooling is a possibility but can't be counted on and definitely not in the beginning.
I'm not sure what to suggest to them. Having access to a motor would make the world of difference.
catetheway@reddit
Redways
darybrain@reddit (OP)
I get what you saying, but I doubt a single woman on her own will be willing to walk or Lime in the middle of the night. Day shifts would be okay I suppose but then the bus would be available anyway.
Miphaling@reddit
Bike, E-scooter services or the bus. Arriva might be dogshit but at least it keeps you safe from the elements. Your mate will probably have to walk half an hour to somewhere at some point, thankfully it's not horrible to do due to the way MK is designed.
Ok-Zookeepergame-324@reddit
The 3A bus for Magna Park appears to be scheduled with warehouse workers in mind. The first leaves MK Central at 0510 and last leaves Magna Park at 2330.
Only problem being if your friend isn’t anywhere near the route.
FinalEgg9@reddit
I can't drive due to eyesight issues, it's always been buses for me
darybrain@reddit (OP)
Have you been able to do evening and night shifts via buses? I suppose it will depend on your work hours and location, but they get work in a 24h warehouse and can't specify working shifts then I'm presuming they'll be screwed.
Sedulous280@reddit
Walking, scootering, bicycling, Do a CBT and get a moped, scooter or light motorcycle.
SomeoneBritish@reddit
Quick, easy, and relatively cheap to get a provisional moped license and bike. That’s what I’d consider.
darybrain@reddit (OP)
I've bene trying to encourage them to get the provisional and start lessons, but first need to get money to cover rent and bills and build up somehow to pay for it all.
antitrollpatrol@reddit
It’s a one day cert and costs £99 and lasts for two years - it’s really worth it.
DinkyTwix@reddit
Bike. I cycle commute to/from the station and also cycle for fun. The redways near the warehouses/distribution centres are well used at shift changeover times. Also the perception of crime on the redways is far greater than the actual incidence of crime. I’ve never had a problem.
darybrain@reddit (OP)
A possibility. I'm not sure how confident they would be doing it alone. I first need to teach them how to ride a bicycle. Lime rentals are not that far off from the taxi cost so will need to check how worthwhile they are. Similar to taxis if they work out to be the same or more than the hourly wage it wouldn't financially make sense.
weeblekin@reddit
I can't drive (medical reasons) but cycle everywhere - MK is pretty quick to get around and you don't have to go on the roads at all so it's much better for someone who is new to cycling. Plus it's pretty easy to get hold of a cheap second hand bike
DinkyTwix@reddit
Loads of bikes available on FB marketplace and other selling sites for under £50. I’ve seen them given away for free in some groups. The council give out bikes for free if you meet the criteria. Have a look at the getaroundmk website for details of the council scheme, free lessons and maintenance workshops.
AvadaBalaclava@reddit
When I was without a car for a while I cycled everywhere and it took far less time than I expected to get across MK
darybrain@reddit (OP)
Unfortunately they never learned and their English level is not good enough to pass the theory let alone not having money at the moment for lessons, licences, and the motor. I've been trying to encourage them to do so - even found an instructor who can speak their language, but need to build up the cash first.
vivalaalice@reddit
Electric scooter or bike, red ways everywhere in MK
pronoobmage@reddit
Maybe an electric scooter or something like that? She can use red ways, those have 15-20 miles range. Just an idea.