Calculate savings to your commute

Added on Tuesday, July 20th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments

Commuting by motorcycle could save up to £3,400 compared with public transport in certain areas, according to a survey by the MCI.

With Ride to Work day taking place tomorrow, the MCI has launched a “Travel Savings Calculator” to allow people to actually see how much they could save by taking to two wheels, compared with the cost of their bus pass, train ticket or car parking bills.

In less than five minutes you can analyse your annual travel costs including parking, tax, servicing and insurance expenses and compare the savings you can make if you choose to ride a bike or scooter instead. It is claimed that for some people, there are hundreds of pounds to be pocketed.

It’s hoped that by spelling out what people can save in real money terms, more people will be encouraged to “Get On” and enjoy the benefits of commuting on two wheels.

One person who is already reaping the benefits of the travel calculator is Alastair Spence, from St Albans, who swapped train travel for a bike once he’d seen the savings he could make on his commute into central London.

“I live in St Albans but took a new job in central London earlier this year and started commuting by train,” he said.

“I heard about the Get On site and how bikes can save you money. The train was costing £4,160 a year whereas the savings calculator told me I could save up to £3,412 by being on a bike. Needless to say I’ve taken up riding having tried it out first with the free on hour Get On taster session.”

Along with the financial savings, people who commute on a bike enjoy the experience. In a Motorcycle News survey, carried out for Ride to Work Day, 87% of riders said they use their bike to get to work as it is more fun.

“The Travel Savings Calculator is a quick and easy way to assess the level of savings you can make if you commute to work on a bike or scooter,” said the MCI’s Steve Kenward. “Simply add in the numbers and within a few minutes you might be tempted to leave the car or bus pass at home as it reveals the extra pounds you could be putting in your pocket.”

For more information about getting on to a bike or scooter and to use the calculator go to www.geton.co.uk/motorcycle-savings-calculator

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