Workers who live in big cities know that dealing with the daily commute to get to the workplace is just one of those things that come with city life. In places such as New York City, workers prefer to commute instead of driving to avoid the hassles of being stuck in heavy traffic.
However, commuting costs can add up to a large amount over time. Those who prefer to ride cabs can easily spend hundreds of dollars on cab fare per month. So what can urban professionals do to save money on commuting costs?
Here are some tips on how to cut your commuting costs.
Use public transportation as much as possible
Though riding public transportation costs certain amounts, it’s still considerably lower than taking a cab every morning. A seven-day unlimited subway pass in NYC costs only $31, while a 30-day unlimited subway pass costs $116.50.
To make your commute go a lot smoother in the mornings, wear comfortable shoes and consider toting your work shoes in a bag. As riding public transportation can make you susceptible to illnesses, use an alcohol-based sanitizer after your commute to stay healthy.
Bike to work
Make sure that your bike is in good condition before attempting to bike to work. Biking has two benefits—you don’t only get to save money, but you also get a good workout before your day starts.
Ask your employer if there’s an option to work from home
Some employers may be willing to compromise and allow you to work from home on certain days of the week. This could cut your commuting costs by over 30 percent a year.
Check if your employer offers commuter benefits
According to CNBC, you’re wasting money if you don’t take advantage of commuter benefits from your workplace. The way this works is that you use pre-tax money from your paychecks to cover mass-transit passes. This includes train, bus, subway, and ferry fare, as well as parking.
Walk
If you live only a few blocks from your office, skip the cab ride and walk to work. It’s a good way to do your daily cardio, and best of all, it’s free.
For more, check out Jobs & Hire’s report on the best ways to spend $1,000.
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