Hi,
I just started my first real job out of college (technically still my last semester) earlier this year. I've optimized a lot of my spending, but one area still seems to remain out of reach: transportation.
Core Fixed Expenses:
- Rent: 500
- Transportation: $123
- Phone: $30
- Gym: $11
- Health/Vision/Dental Insurance: $50
As you can see, the fixed expenses are fairly optimized, except for transportation, which I can't seem to get a handle on. I live in a large metro area, and the monthly unlimited bus pass costs me $116 for 30 days. Undoubtedly, I take at least one express bus ride per month when I'm running late, and that costs $6.50.
I want to get this cost down, because it makes no sense to me to be spending so much on such a shitty part of my life. Commuting to work costs me 3 hours each day by public transportation because I need to take a bus, ferry, and a train to get to work. It's exhausting, but allows me to get super cheap rent in one of highest COL areas in the US.
What options do I have in terms of making transportation cheaper?
Things I've been tossing around:
- Biking: bought a bike and went 2 months without buying a bus pass, but eventually I just stopped wanting to go anywhere because my area has super steep hills and I just get too exhausted. Obviously the cheapest option, but not something I'd revisit until I absolutely have to.
- Electric Scooter: I know they get hate for looking lame, but I keep reading these get 70-100 miles/gallon, and insurance quotes seem to be super low. Can anyone vouch, or give me advice here if you own one? This would allow me to cut my commute from 90 minutes to 45 minutes one-way.
- Motorcycle: my understanding is this is a bit more expensive than a scooter, but also a bit cooler. Meh. Again, totally admit my ignorance for these two options, so please let me know your experiences. Same time-savings as scooter.
Other options totally appreciated too.
Here is what matters to me, in order of importance:
- Reliability
- Cost
- Speed getting me to/from places
- Ease of use