It's not news that ever-rising gas prices can be a burden on your bank account. According to the New Jersey Public Interest Group (NJPIRG), the average family spends about $100 a week on gasoline-which is almost as much as what the average household spends on food. Numbers like these are troubling at best and many are taking measures to cut down on their expenses. Here, a few ways you can save on the commute to and from work—one of the more costly aspects of American life.
1. Public transportation.
No surprise here: Public transportation provides serious savings. If you commute to a large town or city, the chances are that buses, trains, or subways can get you there quicker and at a smaller cost. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) estimates that a mid-size car that travels 25 miles round-trip to work will cost upwards of two-thousand dollars extra per year when compared to taking mass transit. When using public transportation to get to work, you can save even more on fares when you purchase your tickets bundled or in advance.
2. Carpooling.
Many parents carpool to save time and money when taking their children to school. Why not apply that theory to the daily grind? Carpooling helps alleviate commuter cost, traffic congestion, wear and tear on your vehicle, and air pollution. Some experts estimate that a person can save up to $3,000 a year. Certain websites can even help pair up potential carpoolers. Social commuting has never been easier.
3. Drive a more fuel efficient car.
In 2004, there were 24.2 million SUVs on the nation's roads. Driving a more fuel efficient car will save you big time. The top-selling SUV in America—the six-cylinder Ford Explorer—gets only 20 miles per gallon on the highway while the top-selling sedan—the six-cylinder Honda Civic—gets 36. Trading in an Explorer for a used Honda Civic will save a consumer approximately $2,000 a year in fuel costs for every 15,000 miles driven, according to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
4. Telecommuting.
To reduce commuting expenses for their employees, some companies are offering four-day work weeks or allowing staff to work from home. Telecommuting is becoming more common, especially for many Internet companies. According to the International Telework Association and Council (ITAC), the amount of "teleworkers" working remotely at least one day a month has risen 10 percent from 26.1 million in 2005 to 28.7 million in 2006. Ask your employer about telecommuting opportunities. Working from home just once a week could save nearly $100 a month.
5. Biking.
Although it may not be completely practical if you live 30 miles from your workplace, cycling to work can save you serious money if you're close by. Bicycle transit time is calculated at approximately 12 to 15 miles per hour. If your job is between one and 15 miles away, consider biking. You'll burn calories, not fossil fuels, on the way to the office.
6. Get better gas mileage.
If trading in your car isn't on the agenda, there are steps you can take to improve your gas mileage. By driving less aggressively, regularly changing your oil and air filter, properly inflating your tires, cutting down on speeding, and filling up with regular, not premium, gas, you can make your car more fuel efficient—and save yourself some much needed cash.
