All aboard the side hustle express: How West Midlands train commuters could earn an extra £10,967 a year through side hustles

Forget mindless scrolling and staring out the window – with thousands of West Midlanders commuting in and out of cities like Birmingham, Coventry, and Wolverhampton every day, this ‘dead time’ is increasingly being transformed into a money-making opportunity.

New research from West Midlands Railwayfound that 26% of commuters are seeking to make their time spent travelling more valuable, as they report working on lucrative side hustles and investing in themselves during their everyday journeys.

Among West Midlands residents using their commute to generate extra income:

• 36% are reselling goods online on platforms such as Vinted and eBay
• 31% are turning to content creation and social media management
• 22% are sharing their skills tutoring or teaching online
• 19% are blogging or podcasting

With passengers able to dedicate their journeys to working on themselves, it’s no surprise that across the UK, 71% of train commuters said that this time makes them more efficient, as well as helping them to stay ahead in life (63%).

Train commuters also reported feeling more productive than those who travel by car, bus, or tram - making the most of their journeys rather than losing time in traffic. This increased sense of efficiency also translates to overall higher life satisfaction compared to other commuters, reinforcing the benefits of train travel beyond getting to your end destination.

But, it’s not just the productivity and subsequent financial benefits that has got train goers singing, as 70% stated that travelling in such a sustainable way makes them feel happy.

To help West Midlanders get the most out of their next commute, West Midlands Railway has shared its top five working train travel hacks:

1. Use noise-cancelling headphones – Block out background noise so you can focus on tasks like writing, designing, or taking calls.
2. Make the most of short journeys – Even 15-minute journeys can be productive. Draft emails, plan content, or jot down ideas for your side hustle while commuting.
3. Use smart apps – Productivity apps like Evernote, Trello, or Notion can help organise your ideas and keep your side hustle on track.
4. Pick the right seat – Always opt for a quieter carriage, or aim for a seat near a window for fewer distractions.
5. Travel Off-Peak (if possible) – If you’re able to work flexibly, Off-Peak means fewer passengers and more space to work comfortably without being interrupted.

To find out more about West Midlands Railway and start planning your journey towards productivity, visit the website.