How to Save Money on Gas by Commuting to Work

As gasoline quickly approaches $3 per gallon, and higher in some areas of the nation, it makes commuting to work difficult for many Americans. For some of us, an entire weeks pay out of a month is spent filling up the tank just to get back and forth to work. For those of us with little disposable income and few possibilities for using public transportation, the rising cost at the pump is only adding to our everyday stress of living paycheck to paycheck.

It may seem economical to look for work closer to home in order to save money on the rising cost of gas. For those of us living in rural or suburban areas, skilled jobs are not always available close to home so this choice is not always an option. If you work part time or you just don't make much money, commuting far distances to work just doesn't make financial sense. Even shorter travel distances can be elongated by accidents, traffic, and construction. Is it possible to save money on gas commuting to work?

It may not seem obvious, but the answer is yes. With some careful thought and planning you can save money driving to work on a daily basis. If you are willing to make some changes to the way you commute to work, you can save money on gas. The money you save could be put toward savings, paying bills, or used as disposable income. Here are some tips and suggestions you may find helpful if you are trying to save money commuting to work.

Use Public Transportation
Even if you live outside city limits there is usually at least one form of public transportation available. Whether it is a train, bus, park and ride, trolley, or subway if you use it, it is likely you will save some money each month commuting to work. When using trains, subways, and buses to get to work you can save 10% or more on fares when you purchase your tickets bundled and/or in advance. Last minute and onboard fares always cost more than buying in advance. Whenever possible buy tickets and fares ahead of time.

Buying a monthly ticket or swipe card will also help you save money on fares. Often, when purchasing a monthly train, bus, or subway ticket you are entitled to unlimited use and/or a free ride here and there. If you are a student or senior citizen you are further entitled to deeper discounts and you should take advantage of them. On some bus lines students and seniors may be able to ride for only $1 when regular fares could be $2 or more. Using public transportation is an economical way to save money on gas commuting to work.

Carpooling or Vanpooling
If using public transportation is not an option for you, you may want to consider carpooling or vanpooling. Most people know what carpooling is but vanpooling is a relatively new term. Vanpooling is when your employer or a group of employees rents a large passenger van either weekly or monthly and forms a daily route for picking each other up for work. For as little as $20 a week you may be able to catch a ride to work without having to fill up your tank.

Vanpooling is relatively easy as long as you have a reliable driver and a decent rental contract. Maintenance and insurance is typically covered by the rental company leaving only the cost of gas to be paid by those who use the vanpool. By carpooling or vanpooling you may be able to cut your commuting costs in half or better each month.

Bike or Walk to Work
Chances are if you live on the outskirts of town or near to the city you can bike or walk to work. Human bodies were built by nature for exercise, specifically walking and let's face it; many of us could use the workout. Although the cost of buying a decent bicycle may seem kind of steep, compared to the money you'll save on gas commuting getting a bike is well worth the cost. If you are relatively healthy you should be able to ride 10-15 miles or more back and forth to work with ease. At first it may be difficult but over time your body will adjust and it will get easier.

If you live less than 5 miles from your job it is also easy to walk to work. At first walking may seem tedious and could take you longer than expected, but just like riding a bike over time it gets easier. Besides most of us would be glad to shed some extra weight and gain some muscle; your body will thank you in the long run. By biking or walking to work you won't be spending any money on gas for your daily commute. How can that be beat? Plus it's good for your body and the environment.

Drive a Smaller Vehicle and Drive Less
If none of the stated options are an alternative for you and you must commute by car to work you may want to consider driving a smaller vehicle. Driving a smaller vehicle does not mean you have to get a two door hatchback either. Vehicles that have a 6 or 8 cylinder engine always use more gas than a 4 cylinder, as do automatics versus manual shift engines. If you can trade your large car for a comfortable, mid size 4 cylinder you should. Many imports use much less gas and get much better mileage than American made SUV's, trucks, and large cars.

Once you are at work if you want to further your gas savings you must make the conscious choice to drive less. Do you really need to go out for lunch or can you order in? Can you go to the gym on the way to or on the way home from work instead of in the middle of the day? Could you walk down the street for a cup of coffee? If you don't really need to drive once at work, don't. The savings will really add up over time. Also, keeping up on regular maintenance like changing the oil and making sure your tires are properly inflated will help you get better gas mileage.

Ask Your Employer for Mileage Reimbursement
If your employment requires you to travel while on the job your employer should give you some kind of mileage reimbursement; it's only fair. If you're already receiving some sort of gas or mileage reimbursement make sure to ask for an increase as the price of gas continues to inflate. If travel on the job is a requirement there are some changes you can make to save money on the cost of gas. Instead of leaving the workplace to meet clients, make drop offs, and visit job sites offer to have meetings via the phone or internet.

Work out a plan to drive only 50% of the time and you will save 50% on the cost of commuting to and from work. Ask customers to meet you at your place of employment to sign paper work or to pick up supplies and materials. Even if your clients can't or don't want to drive to you, try meeting them at least half way. For many Americans it may be necessary to make appointments and have meetings outside the workplace in order to make money but with the advances in recent technology it is possible to get much of it done without leaving the workplace. Teleconferencing and using the internet are great ways to save money on gas while at work.

Ask Your Employer about Telecommuting
Just because you're not at work does not mean you cannot get work done. Many employers now offer the option of telecommuting from home instead of coming into the workplace. With the help of a phone and a fast internet connection you can get a lot of work done simply by staying home. Ask your employer about telecommuting 1-2 times per week or more and your gas savings should be enough to make up for the rising cost at the pump. Even if you can only telecommute one day a week you can save $20 or more and at the end of the month you could save more than $100 on gas.

Gasoline inflation, war, and an unsteady/unfair market can be troubling for many Americans especially when it comes to commuting to work. But with some careful thought and making changes to your daily commute it is possible to save money on gas. If you are able to use a combination of these suggestions you may find you're spending less money on gas than ever before.