Going to work, Car sharing schemes and car sharing clubs to save fuel.
With the ever increasing fuel costs a good way to save on fuel expenses is to car share, also known as carpooling. A lot of you probably already do this but if your anything like me when you are going to or coming home from your place of work after a long slog, you much prefer the peace and quiet of your own company to that of others.
By car sharing, you can normally at least half your weekly fuel expense. If there are more than two of you sharing then you save even more. If you are going to car share then its usually wise to take it in turns as to who's car you use and who does the driving each week. I know from my own experience that although seldom talked about, except for in dark corners and behind closed doors. There's always a grey area which involves being the first one to have to get up in the morning, the last one to get home at night or wear and tear on the engine and tyres and who should foot the bill. Company cars are not so bad but most of us do not have that privilege.
Another plus for car sharing is that you can half the parking expenses that some of you have to endure. Some companies do give travel and parking allowances but unfortunately, that doesn't apply to all of us.
There is also the option to park and ride. If you don't want to park and ride or pay for parking, try to find a quiet side street within reasonable walking distance from where you work. Always check for signs as some streets may have waiting time limits, be zoned parking or be a no parking area. You may also find that you have to leave for work a little earlier to get a space.
If you are unfamiliar with the area you work in try using a route planner or Google maps. There are plenty of free route planners available online. You will also need to request a map of your route. Once your route is displayed you can zoom in on the map and familiarise yourself with the area. Pick out some side streets so that you can check them out the next time you drive to work.
To find out more about Car sharing schemes and car sharing clubs use the link.
Car sharing schemes and car sharing clubs
Millions of people everyday travel to and from their places of work by this means. Public transport could actually prove to be a cheaper way of getting to and from work as you can usually obtain some type of season ticket. There are several options available which in the long run may be cheaper than paying on a daily basis.
I myself seldom, if ever, use public transport. However my older children do for getting to and from school which does tend to work out cheaper. I must say also its a lot more convenient than using the car.
If at the moment you do drive to work it may be beneficial to consider this as an alternative. Find out how much it would cost to do the same journey by public transport. You would also have the added bonus of not having to worry about the driving, paying for fuel, parking, or the wear and tear on your vehicle thus saving more in the long run. You may also find that it takes less time to travel from A to B as public transport tends to be more direct. Therefore you won't have the added worry about the parking.
Again if your anything like me and prefer to take your children to and from school yourself then perhaps reconsider.
Get to know the parents of other children in your area who’s children attend the same schools and social events as yours. You can then offer to take their children to school on condition that they pick up yours or vice versa. This is normally a great arrangement especially if you work or have older children at other schools. This can be used out of school also for things such as Girl guides, Cubs, Football, Swimming and many other out of school hours activities. This is especially great if you have younger children since most times bedtimes clash with pick up times.
Local transport's also more convenient and sometimes, but not always a cheaper alternative. Especially if you are lucky enough to live on or are within walking distance of a local bus route.
Depending on the distance, you could walk to school with your children. Think of the health benefits. Okay, well then think of the money you'll save on fuel by not using the car, and you can always wrap up warm, wear your Wellington boots and take an umbrella.
Plan all your trips. i.e. is the supermarket on route to anywhere else you need to go. You'll be surprised the amount of fuel used to make all those quick trips out for bread, milk, crisps, fruit and veg, and other bits and pieces you've forgotten or run out of. You have to get organised and keep a check of everything days in advance. Oh yeah, I hear you say " What about the million other things that I need to remember as well. Perhaps I'll just sprout another head and an extra pair of arms while I'm at it." Start trying to do things in order of priority. We all have a mountain of things that need doing, but how many of them are really going to make that much difference in the overall scheme of things?