There's no denying that bus and rail fares have gone up a great deal more than motoring costs over the last 30 years. However, in many areas, public transport is still an excellent option and can be quite economic.

Public transport is a particularly effective choice when you have the flexibility to book in advance and take advantage of the special deals that most bus and rail companies offer.

Useful information can be obtained from:

• Traveline - bus, coach and train travel information.
• National Rail - the gateway to Britain's rail network with links to train operating companies, ticket information, train timetables etc.
• Qjump - booking service for train tickets, including cheaper pre-booked fares.
• The Man in Seat Sixty-One - train times, fares etc for travel from the UK to Europe and beyond.