The daily commute is an unavoidable part of working life but with petrol prices predicted to hit an all-time high it’s about to get a lot more expensive. We take a timely look at ways to cut the cost of commuting.
1. Car Sharing
A cost shared, is a cost halved and by sharing your journey to work with a friend or colleague, you could easily shave 50% off the cost of your commute.
Even if you can’t find someone you know to help share your journey, there are plenty of lift-share sites that can match you up with someone in your area. Not only will it reduce your fuel bills, but it could also speed up your journey time by giving you access to car sharing lanes or even make a dull, repetitive journey more interesting.
2. Think bike
If your commute to work is relatively short then you might consider cycling. Aside from reducing your dependency on the petrol pump to zero, it will also keep you fit. So, if you’re already a member of a gym then regular cycling could also save you the expense of having to pay for your membership.
Before you shell out for the latest bike, check with your employer first to see if they are a member (or would consider becoming a member) of Cyclescheme – the government’s Cycle to Work initiative. If so this could give you the opportunity to purchase a bike of your choice, with the necessary safety gear, tax free.
3. Get Walking
Like cycling, walking is only really an option for those who have a shorter commute. However, if you can it will keep you fit and help you to achieve your 30 minutes' exercise a day.
It’s a great way to get to know your local area and walking route planners can even show you the quickest way from your home to your office.
4. Take public transport
For those of us obsessed with the concept of ‘personal space’ - namely in the form of the air conditioned comfort of our cars - it is sometimes easy to overlook the economic advantages of travelling by bus.
Even if your local bus route doesn’t cover your commute door-to-door, you might consider using it to get as close as possible then walking or cycling the rest of the way. Using a park and ride scheme is another alternative as it could help you avoid the hassle of having to find and pay for expensive city centre parking.
With most forms of public transport it tends to be cheaper to buy travel cards rather than pay for individual fares. However, the cost of a season ticket for your rail or bus journey can seem like a lot of money to pay up front. Some employers offer interest-free season ticket loan schemes to their workers so this is always an option worth considering. However, if this kind of scheme is not available to you, then you might consider buying your season ticket on a 0% purchases credit card paying it off in monthly installments. If you choose the latter option remember that you'll need to make sure you've paid off the cost in full before the introductory interest free deal comes to an end.
5. Parking
Having to pay for parking means that your car is still costing you money even when it’s not moving. If you are paying a hefty fee purely for the privilege of parking closer to work, then, if possible find somewhere that you can park further away for free and walk in.
The same principal applies to those who commute by train (station parking tends to be particularly extortionate). Alternatively, you could find that hiring someone’s drive as a parking space works out cheaper.
6. Cut your motoring costs
Whether it’s through lack of available public transport or sheer logistics, many of us do not have the luxury of being able to use alternative forms of transport. But don’t despair! There are still plenty of simple ways that you can reduce your fuel consumption and save money at the pumps.
Here are a few pointers:
Drive more efficiently
By lowering your overall speed and changing gear earlier you will burn less fuel. Also try to avoid braking or accelerating sharply.
Switch off your air con
It burns a surprising amount of fuel. Only use it when you really have to like during the hottest summer months.
Leave earlier for work
By leaving earlier for work you can avoid rush hour. The less time you spend sitting in traffic the more petrol you save. Sometimes leaving as little as five minutes earlier can reduce your journey time by 10 – 15 minutes.
Check your tyre pressure
Under inflated tyres will significantly increase your fuel consumption.
Lighten your load
Remove everything that isn’t essential to your journey. Clear out your boot and remove your roof rack (if you have one fitted).
Drive less
By working from home one day a week you could save 20% on your fuel consumption.
7. Shop around
Prices may currently be sky-high, but there is always someone out there who wants your business. Use an online price checker to find the cheapest pump prices in your area (but make sure you don't drive too far for cheaper petrol) and always keep an eye out for supermarket promotions.
A good tip is to try to avoid waiting until your car is running on fumes before filling it up. By doing this your are limiting your choice as your need becomes one of simply avoiding running out of fuel - rather than choosing the station with the cheapest petrol prices.
