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Carpooling, E-Hailing And Public Transport – Which One Saves You The Most?

Jan 30, 2025 | Car

With fuel prices on the rise, all of us are in the position of looking for more affordable modes of transport. The good news? You have options. From carpooling to e-hailing and public transport, each choice comes with its own set of pros, cons, and costs.  

Let’s break them down, each in its own context, so you can find the option that works best for your budget and lifestyle. It may just be that a combination of all three hits the sweet spot of savings. 

Carpooling – Sharing The Load 

Carpooling is a fantastic way to cut costs. By sharing your daily commute with colleagues or neighbours, you’re able to split fuel costs, decrease the wear and tear on your vehicle, reduce the stress of being behind the wheel for every trip, and even do your bit for the environment.  

With all these perks, it’s hard to imagine that there are drawbacks to the carpooling solution. However, it must be stated that coordinating these trips can be tricky, especially if schedules don’t align. There is also limited flexibility if you need to make last-minute changes. 

Our verdict is that if you drive regularly to a destination that draws other people from your circle, such as a few co-workers who live close by or neighbours who grocery shop on the same day, then carpooling is one of the most effective ways to save money while keeping your commute convenient. 

E-Hailing – Convenient But Costly 

Platforms like Uber and Bolt have changed how South Africans get around. Seriously, the ability to use e-hailing is incredibly convenient because you don’t have to worry about parking, car maintenance, or navigating traffic.  

Not only do you get to enjoy stress-free rides, which is perfect for short distances or nights out, but you don’t actually need to even own a car, and we don’t have to tell you how much this cuts down on long-term costs. Of course, you do need to then consider that these costs can add up quite quickly, especially with regular use. There’s also surge pricing during peak times which can make rides more expensive. 

For this reason, we would argue that e-hailing works best for occasional trips or when convenience outweighs cost. 

Public Transport – Budget-Friendly And Accessible 

Taxis, buses, and trains are some of the most cost-effective ways to get around. There’s no debating the fact that public transport is ideal for people who commute regularly and don’t mind sharing a ride with others. 

The perks of public transport are that you get to benefit for more affordable fares (making this more accessible than e-hailing) and you don’t have any car-related expenses, like maintenance or insurance. 

There are drawbacks, though. For one thing, taxis and buses operate on limited routes and schedules which may not suit everyone. Added to that, crowded vehicles and potential delays could also make this an unsuitable option.  

Ultimately, public transport is a great option if you’re looking to save money and don’t mind adapting to fixed schedules. 

Feeling informed?  

Each option has its pros and cons, but the best choice depends on your lifestyle, distance, and how often you need to travel. You can even use AA Inform’s free fuel calculators to compare costs for your commute. 

Once you have a better idea of your needs and budget, you can make the best decision for you – and that just may include public transport once in a while, e-hailing for special circumstances, carpooling for the regular trips, and your own car for when it’s strictly necessary. 

Who says you can’t benefit from the best of all three?  a big difference. For example, driving less aggressively, carpooling, keeping your boot clear of heavy items, keeping your windows closed at high speeds to improve aerodynamics, and not using air conditioning excessively all comes together to impact your emissions and save on fuel. 

The key is to remember that it’s all these little acts combined, routinely put into action that will have the desired result of spending less on fuel, maintaining your vehicle’s condition, and saving the environment.  

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