How to Save Money on Transport
by Sydney Hazelton on Dec 12, 2008 with 5 Comments
In my efforts to save money on a daily basis, transportation costs has come under my scrutiny. Here are some ways for you to save money on transport and transport-related expenditure.
Use Public Transport
Depending on where you live, public transport may include buses, trains, cabs, jeeps or any other forms of transport you do not own privately. For me, having a car is a more expensive option compared to using the public transport. I have to say that we have a very reliable public transport system in my country and as such, I don’t feel the need to own a car. I mostly travel on the bus and trains, ocassionally on the cab.
Walk to Nearby Destinations
When I need to go to the nearby shops, I usually walk there instead of taking the bus. It is great exercise for me, plus my daughter enjoys the ride on her stroller. She gets to point out the things she sees around her.
Invest in a Bicycle
If you hate to walk, why don’t you invest in a bicycle? There are many people who rides their bicycles to the train stations, park and then ride on the trains to school or work. I think that it is worth the investment in the long run.
Carpool
If you have colleagues living near you, carpooling is also another option. You save some money and get to do your part for the environment as well.
Carpark Tips
When you have no choice but to drive your car to your destination, do a little bit of homework. Find out the cheapest carpark fees in the area. You may be surprised at the difference in carparking fees in different locations within the same area. Bear in mind that you may have to walk a little to save some money, but it is worth it.
Plan Routes
When you need to run several errands and drive your car out, plan your routes prior to your shopping. You will find that with a little planning, you will get to save on your petrol costs.
Cab Tips
Taxi rides can be expensive. I only flag a cab when it is absolutely necessary. Since I have a small child, the chances of that is quite often though. You’ll never know when you would need it, especially when there is a fixed appointment involved. Anyway, it is important to make sure that you know the best route to reach your destination. This is to ensure that the taxi driver do not take you for a joy ride. If you are familiar with the place, I would suggest that you alight at a comfortable distance from the exact location, rather than having the taxi driver turn into the carpark and costing you more in cab fare. It will save you a little bit.
Fly Economy or Budget
If you are on vacation, check out budget flights. They do have special promotions from time to time. If you plan early for your vacation, you will find that you can save quite a lot by taking budget flights. If none is available at your location, then fly economy instead of business or first class.
There are many other ways to save money on transport. You just need a little investigation and planning. You will find that that little effort can save you a tonne of money.
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Published in: Personal Finance












Bozsi Rose | Dec 12, 2008 | Reply
Bicycle is my favorite tip!
Ruby Hawk | Dec 12, 2008 | Reply
How I wish we had the same transport system that you do. We are completely stuck without a car. We couldn’t go to work, the grocery store, doctors office, not anywhere that we couldn’t walk. We could never afford the price of a taxi which is out of sight. A car here is the only way.
eddiego65 | Dec 14, 2008 | Reply
Great tips!
Toni Nakama | Jan 10, 2009 | Reply
Great ideas! However, here in Sydney the only means of transport I have is drive my own car because I have two little kids.
donrobert | Feb 25, 2009 | Reply
nice points that you have here… very interesting…