Getting to and from work can be surprisingly costly and its a cost that you should definitely try to bring down if you can. However, you have a few things to factor in before you can work out what the best option is.
Optimising your commute means that you need to work out what the most time-efficient model is while balancing this against cost. You might also like to factor in the impact your commute has on the environment but, for now, let’s put that to one side.
So, what are your options?
Driving
15.3 million people drive to work in the UK with a further 1.4 million people catching a lift. And, judging by the constant roadblocks at rush hour, it is the most popular way of getting to work. The major plus of driving is that it can take you from A to B in the most efficient route, but it may not always be the fastest or best option for everyone.
If you want to – or have to – drive, then you need to make sure that you get the most for your money. Choosing a car with a good fuel consumption and as low an insurance cost as possible is the best way to go. Taking out finance to be able to afford this car could be well worth it, so take a look at https://www.ccspecialistcars.co.uk/finance.php to see what your options are.
Public Transport
While public transport may not take you door to door, there are plenty of instances where it is actually faster, particularly over longer distances. For example, taking a train is usually a bit faster than driving into a city and you won’t even have to find a parking space! Some businesses also offer incentives to encourage staff to take public transport and may even set up a minibus service to make it easier to get to work directly from a local station.
The downside to public transport is that it can be surprisingly expensive on some of the most popular routes and you may be just as put off by congestion but without the personal space afforded to you by a car! It really depends on where you are in the country as to how well public transport can work for you and your finances.
Walking and Cycling
Combining your exercise with your commute is a truly financially savvy thing to do as you will save on both transport costs and gym membership fees. Walking and cycling are both healthy ways to start the day and getting fresh air and natural light will also help to improve your mood. If your route isn’t totally covered by public transport, or you want to buy a cheaper ticket, walking a little extra is a good option.
If you want to reduce the cost of your commute, you may need to factor in more time. But listening to a podcast while you walk or ride is a nice way to spend your commute and save some cash at the same time. Weigh up the pros and cons to help you decide.
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