Commuters crowded onto buses and traffic came to a standstill this morning as widespread rail strikes got underway after last-ditch talks failed to resolve a dispute over pay, jobs, and working conditions.
But one man has found a way to beat the travel chaos and save himself some money in the process - by travelling to work in an inflatable kayak.
George Bullard, 33, spent £74 on his blow-up watercraft and has said he no longer has to worry about rising costs of fuel or further train strikes, as he knows he'll always be able to get to work by paddling down the river.
He said: "It is an exceptional way to get to work. I paddle in and back like any normal commuter and because the kayak is blow-up I can just deflate it and put it in my backpack although it’s a stretch to say I blend in.
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"It cost me £74, and I reckon it has saved me thousands.
"I commute completely differently because adventures are part of my life."
The explorer travels down the River Lugg for half an hour each morning to reach his office in Presteigne, Radnorshire, Wales, and would encourage others to find alternative means of commuting.
He added: "I kayaked across the North Atlantic Ocean from Greenland to Scotland, and when I came back, I wasn't quite ready to go back to a normal 9-5 job.
“Occasionally the weather isn't great but I guess that’s part and parcel of being an adventurer. Sometimes getting to work and getting wet can be empowering.
"I would encourage everyone to find different means of commuting to work and ditch the public transport and cars.
"Whether it be walking, cycling, rollerskating or scootering, it is so good for your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing."
And while George would love to see more people cycling or rollerstaking to their offices, he doesn't recommend people try out his own methods - as kayaking can be dangerous for beginners.
He said: "It does take a lot of experience to be able to do this. The river is exceptionally dangerous and shouldn’t be entered without a qualified instructor.
"It is nice to not have to worry about being stuck in traffic and if I was in a car it would cost me a fortune.”
George's kayaking commute comes as millions of Brits are facing travel chaos today after the biggest rail strike in a generation began.
An estimated 50,000 members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union at Network Rail and 13 train operators are walking out over the course of the three-day demonstration, with usually packed stations pictured either almost entirely empty or gated-off completely.
Have you had to travel in a unique way due to the rail strikes? Get in touch at zahna.eklund@reachplc.com
