Getting around can be expensive, especially if you are stuck with taking public transportation or driving an overly-expensive car. Luckily, there are many ways to save money on your monthly transportations costs without having to give up convenience. From walking more often to buying a bike, the six tips listed below will help you cut down the cost of getting from point A to point B.
Take public transportation
One of the primary things that you can do to save money on transportation is to take public transportation. If you live in the United Kingdom, then you are very lucky. This is because the train system in the UK is quite efficient. In this case, you can even consider taking trains to Edinburgh if you intend to get there quickly. This will also allow you to save a decent sum because you would only have to spend a couple of pounds to travel from London to Edinburgh.
In the United States, taking public transportation can be a little bit more difficult due to the sheer size of the country as well as varying weather conditions that could cause service delays. However, if you live somewhere where there are reliable and affordable public transit options available, then you should look into this. If you live in a city, then taking buses and subways is still affordable, even if it can be time-consuming to make transfers or ride multiple forms of transportation to get where you want.
Walk to work if you live close enough
If the weather is not too bad, walking might also help reduce your transport costs, so long as it makes sense for your commute. For example, if you live close enough to work where walking would not take more than an hour, then it will be a good idea for you to walk instead of taking public transportation. This is because the amount that you spend on transport might outweigh any benefit from exercising and getting your body moving during your commute time. By walking, you would be able to save money and exercise at the same time.
Ride a bike or motorcycle
If you live within a reasonable distance where you could ride your bike or motorcycle to work, then this is another great way of saving money on transport. This tip works even better if the weather conditions are not too harsh. Additionally, it has been shown that people who commute by bicycle tend to be happier and more productive at work than those who take other forms of transportation.
There is also the option for you to ride a motorcycle that will cost you less money in the long run. This is because motorcycles are smaller and lighter than cars, meaning that they use less fuel for each mile traveled. You can even buy a used motorcycle if you want something reliable to drive around with, particularly if you need a transport service but don’t have enough money for a brand new one.
Carpool with a friend or coworker
You will be able to reduce your transport costs if you carpool with a friend or coworker who lives in the same direction as you. This is particularly helpful for those living near one another and sharing similar schedules, allowing them to ride together on their commute time. If this does not work out because of conflicting schedules or any other reason, then there are also websites like RideshareOnline which can help you find a carpool partner. Just keep in mind that you may need to pay a small fee for using this service.
The best part about carpooling is that you get to share the driving responsibilities, meaning that you can also split up some of your costs. If you are carpooling with a friend, then this can even mean spending quality time with that person. In the end, you will be able to save money while also getting the opportunity to create a new friendship or strengthen an existing one.
Buy a fuel-efficient car
Even though buying an expensive, flashy car might make you feel good, it does not necessarily mean this will save money on transport. The truth is some cars are just more pricey to buy and maintain compared to others who have similar power but a lower price tag. If you do your research properly before making the purchase, you will be able to find one that is fuel-efficient and thus doesn’t have to spend too much money on gas.
Some of the features of a fuel-efficient car include a small engine, eco-friendly drive system, and low weight. For example, the Toyota Prius has been known to be very reliable for years thanks to its hybrid gas/electric powertrain, which is also good at saving on fuel usage compared to other vehicles with similar specs. You can even find models that are electric or run on hydrogen, but these tend to be the most expensive ones on the market.
Make sure your car insurance is affordable
Another thing that can affect the total cost of owning a vehicle would be how much it costs for insurance coverage. If you want something reliable but also cheap in terms of monthly premiums, then you will need to look for a car insurance company that offers packages at affordable prices. Some offer discounts if the customer agrees to install safety and security features such as anti-theft devices, automatic braking systems, and GPS tracking, which is why it would be best if you can find one with these kinds of deals on their list of services.
If you want to save money on transportation, carpool with a friend or coworker, or drive slower and make sure not to accelerate quickly. Otherwise, you can invest in a fuel-efficient car, walk to work if you live close enough, or even ride your bike to the grocery store instead of driving there in your car. All these are geared towards ensuring that you will be able to save a decent sum on your transportation costs. You can even help protect the environment by doing so.