transport to and from walk

[Blue29]

Hi - newbie first post here, thanks to all for adding info to this forum it's been of great help as I fathom out RM.

I'm part-time25 and I'm soon to be given my first walk. What are my options for transport from the DO to and from the walk?

The route to/from the walk is about 5 miles (an hour plus on foot) away from the DO and it seems likely I won't be driving a van for a while as none are spare. My own car has been mentioned as has getting the bus to the DO at the end of the walk - both at my cost. I anticipate overtime to be out of the question. As I don't live near to the walk nor the DO I expected to be commuting to the DO, fitting in with RM until the end of the shift and then return commute.

What options can I argue/hope for that doesn't cost me money to do my job?

Thanks for any pointers.

[R5Rich]

Don't use your own car.
I refuse to use my own car it was not mentioned when taking the job, far to many people imo use their own car and there is no need for it. They make the job look easier than it is and it does no one a favour. Plus you need to declare it on your insurance, more chances of dings and accidents to happen and the responsibility of the mail.
Also drivers will then expect you to use it more often so the don't have to drop your bags off! Sorry fella its your job.

I have used a pushbike since I started except for the last 2 weeks where my bike went in the back of the van, I got dropped off and then cycled back. Talk to the driver who will be dropping your bags off he might be able to give you a lift out there if not will probably be a pushbike.

Don't take the bus either, not at your own expense. It is down to you to get yourself TO work but for work to get you to where you need to go.

I heard conflicting reports on OT when being a newbie, I got told I won't get paid for it as being new it's taking me longer than it should. People on the forum said they have an 'allowance' of sorts and at least expect you to take longer but don't like paying it.
I started over 2 monhs ago and try to claim for OT when I can, another guy who has been there 5 months now I think has never claimed OT since he has been there :o They must love him.

[spen]

we get bus fares at our do but they dont cover the full cost of getting the bus

[ebbzie]

we get bus fares at our do but they dont cover the full cost of getting the bus


Are you mad???? REFUSE to get the bus its thier responability to get you to your walk if its a distance away

[Blue29]

Are you mad???? REFUSE to get the bus its thier responability to get you to your walk if its a distance away

{edit -just realised ebbzie wasnt suggesting i am mad just a newbie and a bit slow perhaps... will leave the post the same]

No, not mad as such clinically speaking - and I'm in complete agreement with you. It is the RMs responsibility to give us the tools for the job. I have the foresight to see this conversation looming and want to be prepared with options. Thanks for all the info so far. I wonder about cover for my personal cycle when locked and vandalised at the walk start, but it is something I hadn't considered.

[crezz]

they have to drop you off and provide you with transport back, do not use your own bike or car

[clashcityrocker]

There may be local agreements regarding the use of buses and there may be local agreements about finishing on the street.
It should never cost you to get to the start of your duty.

[slave]

Van (be it p&l or driver taking you out), taxi, bus, bike - all options, depends on your DO.. (oh yes there is the car option, which I use but only because it would be a complete ball-ache getting home after I've finished on the street, I'd rather not add another 30mins+ on to my day pissing about with public transport!)

Whatever, it's up to them to provide a means of getting you out on delivery, and if it's bus/taxi then definitely not at your expense!

Not sure on getting back, as said below some offices have a policy of finishing on the street - nice idea in theory (or was when job was easier) but in practice a pain in the arse and just means they can put more on you! You'll have to check local agreements on that.

[chunk]

1 mile away you should be looking at accelerated delivery thats rm speak for a lift there and back!
with an hct in the back of the van if its a trolley job.

[redruby00]

do not use your own transport
do not use your own bike
do not use your own money

if u are out there and have to get public transport back.. finish half hour before to get back to the office at your finish time.. bringing the mail with you.. its not your responsibilty to pay or use your own means to get to your first point of delivery... if you start doing that then they expect you or others to do it.. and when something goes wrong.. ie your car break down/gets burgled with mail in it.. or ya bike wheel falls off etc.... who is responsible.. well ya can bet ya bottom dollar that RM will wash hands of it and BLAME YOU...

good luck :) x

[Blue29]

Thanks all for the comments. I'm in agreement with what seems to be the common sense consensus (natty that, i may trade mark it...), its at expense RM to get me to the walk and back to the do. Is this an actual written policy or anything?

[eastie]

some of my mates dont use mobiles and it infuriates the manager and just turn up at cut off time

[POSTMAN]

Thanks all for the comments. I'm in agreement with what seems to be the common sense consensus (natty that, i may trade mark it...), its at expense RM to get me to the walk and back to the do. Is this an actual written policy or anything?

Yor workplace coach or rep 'should' tell you how it is at your place.