Finding the Cheapest Transportation
The absolutely cheapest transportation there is involves putting one foot in front of the other and walking. In addition to economy, walking also provides health and environmental benefits. In good weather, with nothing heavy to carry and for distances of a mile or less, walking may be the way to go. In other situations, though, there are different low cost transportation options that still save money.
The world today was not designed for low cost transportation. Workplaces and supply sources lie several miles from most homes, and many miles for those in rural situations. While this may change as the cost of petroleum increases, for the foreseeable future people will be looking for cheap transportation. Learn some ideas for finding the cheapest.
Muscle Power
Where it is possible, walking or riding a bicycle are the least expensive forms of transportation around. Dealing with weather can require careful planning, and walking is limited as to distance, but one can ride a bicycle to any destination within twenty miles or so if horribly steep grades are not involved. In certain rural areas, muscle power can also mean draft animals. While it might not be cost effective to keep a horse specifically for cheap transportation, those who already have pet horses might as well use them where it is practical, as long as there is a safe place for the animal at the destination end.
Public Transportation
In the US bus and train service is severely limited. In other parts of the world, though, it is quite feasible to use public transportation even in suburban or exurban areas. This is especially true if it would be necessary to pay for parking at the destination end.
Sharing Rides
The cost of commuting decreases significantly is more than one user is helping to pay for the ride. This is not limited to workplace commutes. Weekly shopping or recreation trips can be arranged with friends who share the expense, and what often turns into a good time.
Very Small Engines
The smaller the engine, the cheaper the ride. Motorcycles are the classic example, although they have the same vulnerabilities to weather as other vehicles. Automobiles with tiny engines also provide economical rides within their design range: that is, at low speeds on reasonable grades.
In Exceptional Cases, Rent
Some people drive huge vehicles that devour petroleum simply because they occasionally need them to transport some large object. In many cases, it would make better sense to drive a smaller automobile on a daily basis and borrow or rent a truck when it is needed. The savings in gasoline for the daily commute would more than pay for the one time rental fee.
Finding the cheapest transportation can be a complicated process. It is highly dependent on an individual’s circumstances, including needs and location, and the best method will vary from person to person. For almost everyone, though, a combination of strategies exists that will make cheap transportation attainable.