With a predicted recession we can expect the usual impact on trainin budgets - just when training becomes more important then ever, budgets are likely to be cut. However, on top of this we now have the problem of massive and unprecidented increases in fuel costs and the implications these bring to training. Travel cost now represent a massive proportion of training course costs and may be a major disincentive to companies to send delegates any distance. Maybe the watchword is; 'don't commute - communicate'. Online training, both self administrated and facilitated over live links while no substitute for face to face delivery, can be a an important component of any programme. Trainers need to consider carefully how programmes can be restructured to make use of technology in coordination with personal delivery to provide quality, effective training in tight economic environments.