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Between insurance, taxes, gas, and repairs, the costs of owning a car can add up, which is why many people who live in cities choose not to have them. And even if they do have cars in the city, most people won’t drive them to work because of the high parking fees in business districts. Explore this list to find four alternatives for commuting in the city on a budget.
Electric Scooters, Bikes, and Skateboards
Some cities offer electric bikes or scooters for inexpensive rides to get people around the city. However, if your city doesn’t have rentals, you can still buy one for yourself. Electric transportation is very eco friendly, and in cities, it can be much faster than cars, as you can cut through paths and parks. However, they can be a bit of pain when you’re dealing with cold winds and ice in the winter.
When you’re buying an electric scooter, it can cost anywhere between $300 and $1,000; an electric skateboard will be about the same. In comparison, an electric bike is going to cost between $1,000 and $2,000. This might seem like an expensive investment, but if you compare it to the price of daily train tickets or the monthly costs of owning a car, you should save money in the long run.
Walking or Running
If you live within a mile of your workplace, walking can be a simple solution to completely eliminating commuting costs. Also, nothing is eco friendlier than your own two feet. If you live a little further away or need time to squeeze in a workout, you can run to work. If you do opt to run, just make sure to bring a change of clothes and that there’s a shower at your office.
Public Transportation
Whether they’re for buses, trains, or both, most cities have monthly public transportation passes that make daily commuting affordable. They might take longer than private transportation, but public transit systems are typically the cheapest ways to commute in the city. The biggest problem you’ll run into with public transportation is overcrowding during rush hour, but as long as you’re comfortable fighting for space, you’re good to go.
Biking
Sometimes, the most straightforward alternative is the best one. Most cities have bike lanes that make commuting easy, but you’ll still have difficulties in the winter. However, for only a couple hundred bucks—plus the occasional maintenance fee—you can have an easy and cheap transportation option to get around the city. Also, if you don’t want to buy a bike, major cities such as Chicago and New York have rental bikes located across the city. They even have monthly or yearly passes just like public transit systems.
Between these four alternatives for commuting in the city without a car, you’re sure to find an option that works for you.