Transport

Whether you are going to work, taking the kids to school or visiting family in another part of the country, getting about can be expensive. By making a few simple changes, you should be able to make significant savings on transport.

To drive or not to drive

• If you already have a car, ask yourself whether you really need it – and whether you are prepared to forfeit the convenience of car ownership to save money. If you decide you really cannot live without your car, try to use cheaper alternatives whenever you can and take a look at our tips in Buying and running a car.
• Car owners who only use their vehicle once or twice a week to travel short distances could save £1,000s a year by joining a car club instead. These pay-as-you-drive schemes give access to a car without the high overheads of ownership and are appearing all over the country. Check the web for clubs in your area and to get an idea of costs, as charging structures vary.
• Hiring may be an economical option if you only need to drive once or twice a month or when you’re on holiday. Look for loyalty schemes and special offers that will cut costs further.
• Reduce the expense of commuting to work by car-sharing with colleagues. Advertise for sharers in the company newsletter or on the notice board, or check out car-share websites to find people in the area who may be able to take turns driving. You can also share the school run or even your weekly supermarket trip.
• Another option is to share car ownership with a friend or family member, so the costs are spread. You will need to agree ground rules about how the costs and usage are to be divided and may find it more difficult to get insurance.
• Look for shared taxi schemes in your area. They are becoming more common and could help to spread the cost of regular journeys, such as commuting and the school run.
• Try working from home, at least part of the week – you will save a fortune in fuel and will probably be less stressed too.

Let the train take the strain

• The golden rule for saving money on train travel is to book early – 12 weeks early, to be precise. Train operators are legally obliged to make their tickets available 12 weeks in advance, so it is often the best time to get hold of the cheapest fares.
• You can often save a small fortune by travelling midweek and outside peak times.
• Check the National Rail and regional rail service provider’s websites for special offers before you book – they sometimes have excellent deals, such as tickets for £1.
• Do not assume that you will get the best available deal by going to the regional operator’s booking office or website – shop around. Online commercial booking services often have cheap fares too.
• If you regularly travel with children, are disabled or are aged under 26 or over 60, get a railcard. They cost just £26 a year (£18 for a Disabled Person’s card) and can knock a third off the cost of most journeys.
• A Network railcard can be used in London and the south-east and, for £25, offers a third off many journeys for up to four adults travelling together. There is also 60 per cent off for as many as four children travelling with the group. Gold Card season tickets – annual season tickets issued in the Network area – offer holders much the same benefits as a Network railcard at no additional cost.
• Consider buying two separate tickets for long journeys, particularly if you need to travel at peak time for part of the route. By splitting the cost, you may be able to make saving on at least one part of the journey. Similarly, two singles instead of an advance return may work out cheaper for some journeys.
• Keep your ticket – if your train is delayed for more than 30 minutes you may be able to claim back some of the cost. You can pick up a reclaim form at the station. Request compensation for delays of more than 15 minutes on London Underground trains via the TFL web site.
• If you are travelling in London, invest in an Oyster card to ensure you are always getting the lowest fare for your journey.
• Keep an eye out at stations and in newspapers and magazines for special offers linked to rail travel, such as two-for-one entry at major visitor attractions.

Buses and coaches

• A coach may not be the fastest way to travel long distance but it is one of the cheapest – especially on the no-frills intercity services. Plus there are often amazing special offers if you are quick off the mark. As with train tickets, booking early often pays dividends, as does shopping around.
• Over 60s can now travel free by bus anywhere in their country of residence between 9.30am and 11pm – so what is stopping you? Children get substantially reduced fees on buses everywhere and, in London, under 16s travel free on buses and trams.
• The bigger bus and coach companies often have special deals for lower or fixed income groups, such as students and pensioners. So keep checking their websites and sign up for updates by post or e-mail.
• Taking a snack or packed lunch and a drink with you will be much cheaper than picking up something en route, especially if you are travelling with children.

Two wheels – or legs – are cheaper than four

• Cycling to work will not only save you a fortune but will also help you get fit – plus, if you are an employee on PAYE, you can get around 30 to 50 per cent of the cost of a new bike by taking advantage of the government’s Cycle to Work programme. This allows you to buy a bicycle and related equipment with a loan from your employer, which you pay back from pre-tax income. For more information, go to www.cyclescheme.co.uk, the independent company co-ordinating the programme.
• If you cannot afford a new bike, get a second-hand one. Go to a reputable supplier so you can be sure it is safe and has not been stolen.
• Invest in at least one good bike lock – it will be much cheaper than replacing your trusty steed if it gets stolen. Check whether your cycle is covered on your home contents insurance package. Alternatively, take out specialist cover.
• If you cannot walk to work, try walking some of the way – perhaps to the start of a lower charging zone. Make sure you wear suitable clothing and footwear.
• If you have health insurance, tell your provider that you have swapped your car-dependent ways for a healthier, more active lifestyle – it could earn you a lower premium.

Back to the top