Travelling Light

Travel costs are getting more and more expensive, whether you use public transport, or run a car. Here are our tips to save you money.

If you use the bus or train, make sure you are using the cheapest ticket. Most bus & train companies have weekly or monthly tickets. Some will require a photo-card, others are just purchased on the bus, or at the station.

This means a bit of organisation is needed, but it will also stop you spending extra daily money, because you need change for the bus or train. In addition it will give you a travel option for the weekend & evening, which could save on a regular taxi fare.

If you have children at high school, this can also help with the daily search for money for school fares.

Consider walking or cycling to work. Save money and get fit at the same time.

For any one off trips, try and book in advance to get the cheapest tickets.

Work out how much you spend on petrol & parking. Could you save money by using public transport? Make a diary of how much you spend; you may be surprised at the amount.

Look at the running costs of a car, calculate how much you need to cover car tax, insurance and spares, servicing and MOT. Shop around for car insurance, and check out the best deals for servicing, spares & MOTs. (see www.moneysavingexpert.com)

If you do the School Run, can you start a car share with other parents, or look at a walking bus scheme for the children. Buy the cheapest petrol in your area and try to keep your car well maintained so that your engine’s running smoothly. Try and avoid fines & parking tickets – try to leave time to drive carefully & plan where you will park.
(see http://www.iam.org.uk/)

Please share your tips for cheap travel options, or have you recently decided you can live without a car? How much money have you managed to save? Let us know, on our message board here.