It’s the only way for me usually.
Unreliable mates, usually late or not at all, I’ve given up even waiting now, in fact, I’ve given up asking them.
Also, I usually work alone and manage to cram a ride in with that sometimes
Inness, Glentress, Lagan, FoD with work,
Llandegla, Cannock otherwise.
It can get a bit scary at times (big off stuff not monsters) and riding the black at Lagan last thing in the afternoon when there were no cars in the car park was a bit disconcerting but I soon forgot all that when up to speed.