We love cycling, but we know it’s not always practical. Maybe your journey is too long, or you’re travelling with multiple people. In these cases, sharing a ride or using other transport modes like rail can be the perfect solution. Here’s why liftsharing or opting for trains can be a smart, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative when cycling isn’t an option.Services such as Liftshare offer a trusted network of people you can buddy up with to make a shared ride way easier, and here’s why you should:
Save Money on Travel Costs
Owning and operating a car is expensive, costing around £3,000 annually in the UK (RAC). Sharing your ride can cut these costs significantly.
- Fuel Savings: Splitting fuel costs with just one other person can save up to 50%.
- Reduced Maintenance Costs: Fewer individual miles mean lower maintenance costs.
Reduce Traffic and Environmental Impact
Liftsharing reduces the number of cars on the road, alleviating traffic congestion and lowering carbon emissions.
- Traffic Reduction: The average UK driver spends about 115 hours a year stuck in traffic (Department for Transport).
- Lower Emissions: Transport accounts for 24% of the UK’s total CO2 emissions (Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy).
Social and Mental Health Benefits
Travelling with others makes your journey more enjoyable and less stressful, leading to new friendships and networking opportunities.
When liftsharing isn’t feasible, public transport is another excellent option.
Rail Travel: Cost-Effective and Convenient
Using the train can be a convenient and cost-effective way to travel, especially for longer distances.
- Savings with Railcards: The "Two Together" Railcard offers a third off rail fares, saving an average of £140 a year (National Rail).
- Speed and Reliability: Trains can bypass traffic jams, offering a faster journey during peak times.
Combining Transport Modes
Combining different modes of transport can optimise both cost and time efficiency. For example, you might cycle to a train station and then take the train for the longer part of your journey.
If you’re looking to cut costs, save time, and reduce your carbon footprint, liftsharing and public transport have got you covered… Where to next?
Sources:
1. RAC, "Cost of Motoring Report" (2022)
2. Department for Transport, "Transport Statistics" (2022)
3. Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, "UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions" (2022)
4. National Rail, "Two Together Railcard" (2022)
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