by Carolyn Noblett

Created on: July 22, 2009   Last Updated: May 01, 2012

There are many reasons why people commute. One of them is because jobs are harder than ever to find and keep. Sometimes driving farther becomes more necessity than choice. The cost of gasoline keeps climbing not to mention car maintenance. We all want and need to find ways to save money on commuting costs and keeping this cost down is imperative. Some of these suggestions may help you do that.

Start a carpool.

If you can ride with co-workers you may be able to rent a parking space and share the cost, either by driving to the carpool lot or picking each other up. It's definitely going to cost you less than 4 different tanks of gas and 4 parking spaces. Some employers are really good about allowing flex hours, and many of them are actively involved in matching up employees to carpool.

Have you noticed the congestion at school at drop off and pick up time? Go to your PTO meetings and get to know parents, teachers and board members. Carpooling the children could really help since there won't be quite as many cars with only one driver and one child.

Every week a group of employees that all lives several miles from their job could either meet at a commuter lot or be picked up at home.They could change which car was the commuter car for the week and choose a scheduled driver for the week (usually the car owner but not always), and who is picked up and dropped off first and last. Those that are not driving that week could use the extra time to study or walk.The amount of gas used each week and the mileage and maintenance would be roughly the same and no one would have to pay anyone else.

Use public transportation.

Some medium sized cities have developed free shuttle routes. Parking in the free shuttle lot and riding to work saves gas and parking. The shuttle runs all day so you can get to your car anytime you need to.

Many cities have good bus systems and their drivers are in constant contact. The drivers are helpful and tell you exactly how the system works. If you need to transfer they will even call the driver picking you up to make sure he knows he has a fare waiting.

Taking the metro train if your area has one could help considerably with gas and parking. In St. Louis the commuter parking lots for the Metro are free, except for the airport. Large cities have good subway systems. This can give you time to read, listen to music, study or just people watch.

Walk or ride a bike.

If you can walk to work by all means do so. Why drive just a few blocks when the weather is nice? Riding a bike, motorcycle, or scooter is practical for some people and it can even be worth it to invest in a new one.

Work from home.

If might be feasible to work a few days a month from home. Your boss might very well be open to suggestions of this sort. If your job will allow you to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you might be able to avoid some of the cost of driving every single day. You also might be able to work a 4 day work week or use video-conferencing.

While automakers will begin to release autos with mileage in the hundreds we still need to be responsible. Keeping more money in our pocket, for ourselves and our families is a great motivator plus it is an environmentally friendly way to behave.

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