I want to use public transport, but it's so expensive!

rtho782

I just started a new job in Bristol, right near to the bus station.

I live about 9 miles away from town and figured that getting the bus could make sense!

However, a monthly pass is a staggering £84 a month!

Driving in for 4.33 weeks, is 389.7 miles. At 139.9 a litre and 40 mpg that's only £61.43.

We are told how we are supposed to save the planet etc, but how is that ever going to happen if public transport is so insanely expensive?!

Even if I say 25ppm for the car/motorbike (I have both) then it only comes out at £97.42, and at this rate insurance, mot, tax and servicing (which I'd have had to pay for anyway) is being subsidised from this monthly figure.

HappyMJ

What about the cost of all day parking in the middle of Bristol?

victor2

Fuel costs are only a part of the running costs, you have to consider the cost of servicing, replacement of worn parts and anything else associated with use of the vehicle. Then there's the fixed annual costs like road tax and insurance. I assume you're not contemplating getting rid of the car, so those will remain. Although a reduced mileage may reduce the insurance cost.

Edit:
I would consider your 25ppm optimistic. 40ppm is more realistic for a car, even a low cost fuel efficient one. A motorbike may be cheaper, but arguably not as convenient.

rtho782

HappyMJ wrote: »

What about the cost of all day parking in the middle of Bristol?

Work has free parking. Also, I use the motorbike more than the car, and there are many free bike parking bays.

Until a month ago I hadn't owned a car in over 2 years, motorbike all the way, so I'm not scared of rain.

The bike does about 50mpg, and does the journey in half the time of the car due to rush hour, the bus probably takes longer!

If the bus were £50 a month, I'd probably take that option, but £84 just seems too much.

Hintza

Assuming the OP has the car then it will need serviced anyway. I do suspect though, that the mpg on these short runs could be a lot worse than OP has quoted.

Personally I would take the car unless the advantage (cost) was hugely in favour of the bus.

worried_jim

I would take the car as you have free parking and your own convenience of your timings.

HappyMJ

rtho782 wrote: »

Work has free parking. Also, I use the motorbike more than the car, and there are many free bike parking bays.

Until a month ago I hadn't owned a car in over 2 years, motorbike all the way, so I'm not scared of rain.

The bike does about 50mpg, and does the journey in half the time of the car due to rush hour, the bus probably takes longer!

If the bus were £50 a month, I'd probably take that option, but £84 just seems too much.

No brainer then. Take the car and take the bike whenever you want.

Buses are supposed to be cheaper for people without a car at all and comparing the cost to acquiring a car with all the costs of owning a car or comparing to taxi's. If you have a car already, have free parking and wish to keep it then it's unlikely a bus will ever be cheaper.

SailorSam

To bring the car cost down some more is there anyone you work with that can 'car share' with you.

Ultrasonic

From a purely financial point of view, one thing that might be worth thinking about when considering the cost of the monthly bus pass is whether you're likely to be using the bus much at the weekends or for evenings out. That would be included in the £84 figure.

The major thing that would swing it for me would be how frequent and reliable the bus service is. It will definitely be cheaper to use the bus, but the question is whether by enough to be worth the hassle.

Oh, and there is also of course the reduced environmental impact of using the bus.

maninthestreet

OP,

I think you'll find the running costs of your car are not just restricted to fuel - what about insurance, road tax, servicing/repairs and depreciation?

pinkteapot

Yep - our cheaper car costs us £85 a month and the more expensive one just over £100 a month. This is for insurance, road tax, breakdown cover and MOT/service, averaged over the year. So that's excluding depreciation, the up-front cost of buying the car and additional repairs.