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"Ok so we live on an Island that’s 37 and three quarter miles long by 12 miles wide and nowhere is really that far to travel.
So I hear you asking, how can I make changes that will have any significant impact?
Well, despite living on an Island the daily journey to work is an unavoidable part of working life and with the majority of workers all heading for Douglas it can be a chore some days.
Whilst the cost of cars may be lowering it’s important to note that the cost of petrol is at an all time high and the likelihood is it’s not going to get any cheaper.
We all need to travel to work so any small-scale changes can have a huge impact on your overheads, our Island and the community we live in.
You may not be able to do them all, but certainly by doing some, you would be making a real difference.
Five easy ways to cut the cost of your journey to work – and do your bit for the planet at the same time!
1. Walk or jog
If you live relatively close by walking or jogging could be a great option, not only will it improve your fitness and health, but it will also give you time to take in the natural beauty of the Island. It’s also a great time to listen to music, relax and take time out before the busy hours ahead or unwind at the end of a stressful day.
Ok, so it might not be possible to do it in the dark winter months, but think about lower fuel bills and no car parking charges – you could be saving yourself a small fortune.
2. On your bike
If your commute to work is short then you might consider cycling.
Aside from reducing your dependency on the petrol pump to zero, it will also keep you fit. If you’re already a member of a gym then regular cycling could also save you the expense of having to pay for your membership.
It’s worth noting that at this moment in time the Isle of Man doesn’t have a Cyclescheme – the UK Government’s cycle to work initiative. But who knows with more support for this type of thing we could work with employers and the
government to offer a similar scheme on Island that would allow people the chance to purchase a bike of their choice, with the necessary safety gear, with tax breaks.
Again think about lower fuel bills and less parking charges it all adds up.
3. Take the bus
The buses in the Isle of Man are modern, clean and run a good service. It’s worth bearing in mind that even if your local bus route doesn’t stop outside your office door you could always walk the rest of the way.
If you use the bus on a regular basis you can also make additional savings by bulk buying in advance or buying season tickets.
Remember that while it might seem like you are spending a large amount upfront, just take a moment to work out how much money you would spend on fuel and car parking over a given year and you can see how much you could save.
4. Car sharing
A cost shared is a cost halved and by sharing your journey to work with a friend or colleague, you could easily shave 50 percent off the cost of your journey.
Even if you can’t find someone you know to help share your journey, you can go online at www.journeymatch.im where you can find someone in your area who wants to do the same.
Not only will it reduce your fuel bills it could also make a quiet, repetitive journey more fun and interesting and you could make a new friend.
5. Selective parking
If you have to pay for parking then the likelihood is its going to be costing you a small fortune anything from £15 up to £25 per week – that could be £60 per month or £720 a year.
If you are paying a high charge due to the location of the car park i.e. it’s in the town centre, why not explore other options? If possible find somewhere that you can park en-route outside of town for less or free and walk in. Not only will you be saving on car parking fees but you will also be using less fuel. It really does add up.
By focussing your efforts on one or two key areas you really can start to make big savings in your overhead. You could use this additional income to save up for something special as a reward or look to kick start your savings by putting a little nest egg aside for a rainy day."
