Though the number of telecommuters is on the rise, a large number of people still commute to work each day. According to a 2011 report from the U.S. Census Bureau, 85 percent of American workers drive to work and have an average commute time of between 25 and 30 minutes. While many people drive five miles or less to work each day, some still travel 35 miles or more each way.
Commuting to work can be costly. Costs associated with fuel, tolls, wear and tear on a vehicle, or even public transportation fees can quickly add up, but the following suggestions can save commuters a substantial amount of money.
· Change your work schedule. Many employers are amenable to alternate work schedules to help their employees reduce the number of days they must to travel to the office. Rather than working five eight-hour days, employees may be able to work four 10-hour days. One less day of commuting each week can add up to considerable savings over time. Those who cannot streamline days may be able to modify the times they go into work and leave. Avoiding rush hour can reduce time spent in traffic, improving fuel economy as a result.
· Establish a carpool or rideshare program. Carpooling with colleagues can dramatically cut commuting costs. Rather than driving to work alone, split the week with others going in the same direction who have similar work schedules. Each member of the carpool can contribute some money to pay for fuel and tolls. In addition, time spent commuting may pass more quickly when there is conversation on the way to work, and carpoolers can take advantage of high-occupancy vehicle lanes on the highway.
· Explore mass transit options. Although mass transit may not be the most direct method of getting to work, it is typically more affordable than driving. What's more, putting the commute in the hands of a bus driver or train conductor means commuters can spend time catching up on sleep, reading or listening to music.
· Trade in your vehicle. Gas guzzlers can eat away at commuting budgets. Commuters who invest in compact, fuel-efficient vehicles can drastically reduce their commuting costs.
· Investigate employee discounts. Employers may have relationships with nearby parking garages that entitle their employees to discounts on parking expenses. Otherwise, some companies enable workers to set aside pre-tax dollars to use toward commuting fees.
· Speak with a tax professional. Some commuting costs may be tax deductible. Men and women should speak with their accountants to see if commuting expenses can be written off.
· Work part-time from home. Many workers split their time between the office and a home office. Having the ability to remotely log in to work cuts commuting costs and other expenses involved with traveling to work.
· Move closer to the office. Living too far away from the office can escalate commuting costs. If possible, trade in a remote residence for one closer to the company to save money.
Commuting costs are an inevitable part of working life. But by following a few strategies, workers can trim expenses involved with getting to and from work each day.
