Whether you’re taking public transport or using your car, you can expect the commute to drain your energy but definitely your wallet. For the most part, it’s about 20% of a worker’s monthly salary that goes towards their daily commute to work. Sometimes, it can get even more expensive, and inflation doesn’t help with the case, either.
Even though there are a lot of costs when it comes to commuting to work, there are, thankfully, a lot of ways to save money, too. So, with that all said, here are some ways you can reduce your commuting costs!
Share the Ride, Share the Costs with Carpooling
Hands down, carpooling is a fantastic way to slash your commuting expenses. Just by sharing a ride with colleagues or neighbors, you can split the cost of gas and tolls. Plus, you’ll reduce wear and tear on your vehicle, which means lower maintenance costs in the long run. But on top of that, depending on where you live, you might be able to take advantage of carpool lanes, too. But how do you find carpool partners?
Don’t be afraid to ask around at work, and start by asking your coworkers if they’re interested in carpooling. You might be surprised at how many people are looking to save money on their commute. But if that doesn’t work, then you could look into using carpool apps, as there are several apps and websites designed to connect commuters looking to share rides.
You can even check out options like CarpoolWorld, BlaBlaCar, or your local community bulletin boards online. Sometimes, companies organize carpooling where everyone takes turns, so that might be an option too.
Public Transportation
This can get pricey, but still not nearly as expensive as owning a car and fueling it up on a daily basis. Plus, this is far more eco-friendly, too. Not everyone can easily have this option as it’s mostly major cities that offer this (and you have to be within city limits). So, for those that live in a suburb, this might not work.
But if you live in a city that offers this, then be sure to take advantage of this! Buses, trains, and subways often offer significant savings compared to driving, especially when you factor in the costs of gas, parking, and vehicle maintenance.
How do you maximize savings when using public transit? Monthly passes are a great way to save money if you use public transit regularly. It depends on where you live, but it’s best to invest in a monthly or annual pass, as these passes are often cheaper than individual tickets. Employer programs can also help, as some employers offer transit subsidies or pre-tax commuter benefits.
You might even want to check with your HR department to see if you can take advantage of these programs. Granted, the company size matters, but nowadays, more and more companies are trying to do what they can to get their employees to lower their carbon footprint.
Pedal Your Way to Some Savings
Cycling to work is not only a great way to save money, but it’s also excellent for your health and the environment. With the right gear and a little preparation, biking can be a practical commuting option. But it’s not always the best option. If your city lacks bike lanes, let alone protecting cyclists, then this might not be the best option. Yes, you’ll save a lot of money, and yes, it’s way healthier, but not every city caters to cyclists.
Consider Walking to Work
Now, this is the cheapest way to get to work, but it might not be the best way. If you live in a major city, and it’s a twenty-minute walk, then great, do that option! But if it’s a twenty-minute drive to get to work, then it’s best to just skip out trying to walk to work.
Can You Work from Home?
Are you able to fully do telecommuting work? If your employer allows for it, this could be a great option. Actually, this eliminates all commuting costs altogether. So, it might be a good idea to just look into negotiating a remote work arrangement with your employer. Nowadays, more companies allow for a hybrid option, so even negotiations will lead you to save a lot of money.
Look into Scooter Rentals
Depending on where you live, you might have noticed that electric scooters are becoming more prevalent. You just scan the QR code and pay, and you can usually ride it up until the next charging station (but each company varies). These are primarily in major cities, but who knows, maybe this will come near you too! So, this could be an option for getting to work, but of course, this means that you need to actually be able to safely ride one of these.
Look into Ride Shares
If you need a last-mile solution or a short commute (especially if your hands are full), you might want to consider ride-sharing. These can be a cost-effective way to cover short distances quickly. Rideshare services like Uber or Lyft can be used for occasional commutes. However, it’s best to consider carpool options for these services to reduce costs.
Reduce Commute Frequency
If changing your mode of transportation isn’t feasible, consider reducing the number of days you commute. This could mean negotiating a flexible work schedule with your employer or compressing your work hours into fewer days. Some employers will budge; others, sadly, not so much. But it doesn’t hurt to at least try.
Here’s an example: compressed workweeks. So this means that you work longer hours over fewer days, such as four 10-hour days instead of five 8-hour days. Flexible scheduling can also be an option. Arrange to work from home one or more days a week if your job allows it.
Get Rolling
So, just be implementing these, you should be able to cut down on some costs (hopefully), but just about all of these in some way should be able to help you out. Besides, your commutes should be enjoyable anyways.
