This article looks at various ways to save money on fuel by changing how your commute to work. It explores alternate fuels, relocation, and telecommuting. Carpools are also considered.
In today's society, the need to commute to work or somewhere else is an accepted evil. Depending on where you reside, this commute can be by plane, train, boat, or automobile. It could even be by dog sled or snowmobile. Finding ways to make it shorter and cheaper can become a lifelong project. In some places, the choices on how this commute is made can be quite limited. While making it shorter can require a job change or begging the boss to let you telecommute, there are some ways to make it cost you less of your hard earned paycheck each week or month.
The most obvious way to cut the cost of the commute is to join a carpool or share a ride with a co-worker. This one move automatically cuts your cost at least in half and maybe much more if four or more can carpool together. The problem with a carpool is that everyone has to be able to start work and quit for the day within a narrow window of time. If you have one of those jobs with erratic hours, this option probably will not work for you. However, do not be too quick to dismiss a carpool. Many times you can predict what days will be difficult and just not carpool on those days. If you live near areas with good shopping, a carpool mate may be willing to exchange a trip to these stores in exchange for you being late leaving for home. Work out payment details in advance if back and forth ride sharing is not a good option so that disagreements do not arise over money.
The next best way to cut commuting cost is to buy a more fuel efficient car on the next car buying cycle. If you drive a larger car to work, you may be able to cut your fuel costs by one third to one half. With a long commute, this might be enough to make your car payment. Smaller cars sometimes get better parking rates if your lot has an area with smaller parking spaces allocated. The lot can park more cars in less space and so is able to offer discount parking for small cars. The disadvantage of a smaller car is that they are not as safe in accidents as a larger vehicle. If you are a good driver, this probably will not be a big issue to you. The smaller engine size can also be a problem if you have to make some quick passes on two-lane roads or need to make fast starts to merge into heavy traffic.
Changing to a flexible fuel vehicle or hybrid vehicle can be an option if you live in an area where E85 is available or your commute is short enough to allow for you to use the electric motor more than the gasoline engine to propel your car. Using electric is a better option than any switch in fuel types simply because it costs very little for a daily recharge compared to fuel costs. However, distance and driving conditions may make this less of an improvement than you might want for the initial cost difference in purchasing the car.
Public transportation is almost always cheaper than commuting by automobile. You have no parking costs. There is no wear and tear on the car. You do not have to pay for insurance or taxes on the vehicle. By commuting on a train or bus, you may be able to eliminate a second vehicle or reduce the mileage to a point that your insurance cost is lowered. Many people use a combination of private and public transportation by driving to a place where they can leave their vehicle and catch the bus or train. While the savings will not be as great, it will save you some.
Find another form of transportation like a bicycle if it is feasible. This will give you good exercise and save a ton of money. Bike theft might be a problem, but with a little care, this should not be a big issue. Even if you have to replace the bike a time or two per year, it will still be much less than the cost of operating a car. If your distance to work is less than five miles, you may even want to consider walking in good weather. This is about a one and a half hour walk, but it is reasonable if you are in moderately good condition.
You can always move closer to work or change jobs if the cost of commuting is a problem and finding alternatives has proved difficult. You may find that you can work for less money without the commuting cost added into your monthly budget. You may be able to negotiate different work hours with your employer that will let you commute when traffic is lighter. By not sitting stuck in traffic jams, you will save a lot of fuel. Keeping your car in top running condition is another way to save on fuel costs. Learn to drive more conservatively. Slower speeds and gentler take offs reduce fuel consumption, too.
My job is 15 miles from home, I live in Southern Cal, My Toyota Tacoma is a 4 wheel drive and the price of gas is killing me.I like riding my bicycle, but 15 miles is a long way to peddle, I looked at these bicycle assist motors and after much research oppted for a golden eagle bike kit. Its a very quiet 2 cycle motor, 32cc, with a belt drive, and is legal. it does 30 mph, and is so much fun to ride. I went from 75 dollars a week to4 dollars a week. What with the way I was sitting in bumper to bumper traffic, I make it to work 10 mins earlier everyday!
