Sustainable Transport on a Budget
In an earlier post, we explored a range of sustainable transportation options—from walking and cycling to public transport and electric vehicles. If you missed it, you can find it here: Green Your Commute: Sustainable Transportation.
This time, we’re taking the conversation a step further. While we won’t revisit the environmental benefits of those options, this post focuses on a question that’s on many people’s minds:
Can I make transport choices that are both good for the planet and affordable?
The answer, in many cases, is yes. Let’s explore how.
Take the Bus (or Train or Tram)
Public transport is one of the most cost-effective ways to lower your carbon footprint—especially if the service is running at a reasonable occupancy. A bus with 40 passengers can replace dozens of cars on the road and produce far less CO₂ per person.
But it’s not just the planet that benefits—your budget does too.
Let’s take an example from Melbourne:
A 365-day Zone 1+2 myki pass costs $2,145 per year.
According to the RACV Car Running Costs Survey 2023, the average cost of owning and operating a light car like an MG3 Core is $8,952 per year. This figure includes fuel, servicing, insurance, registration, tyres, and depreciation.
Cost Comparison: Public Transport vs Car Ownership (Annual Cost)
Source: RACV Car Running Costs 2023
That’s a saving of nearly $6,800 a year—or over $130 a week—by choosing public transport. That difference could cover essentials, savings, or a well-earned holiday.
Share the Ride: Carpooling Makes Sense
If public transport isn’t practical for where you live or work, carpooling can still make a meaningful difference. Sharing a ride with even one other person:
Halves your fuel use per kilometre
Cuts tolls and parking costs
Reduces traffic congestion (and stress!)
Makes the journey more pleasant, especially when you’re sharing it with a colleague or neighbour you enjoy chatting with
Many workplaces offer carpooling apps or internal forums to connect colleagues with similar commutes. If yours doesn’t, why not suggest it?
A Thought on Electric Vehicles
You might be surprised to hear this: even though electric vehicles (EVs) are better for the environment once they’re on the road, manufacturing them creates a lot of embodied carbon.
That means, if you already own a fuel-efficient car, keeping it longer may be more sustainable than upgrading to a new EV right away. According to Professor Mike Berners-Lee (author of How Bad Are Bananas?), driving your existing car for at least 200,000 miles (around 320,000 km) is generally better for the planet than scrapping it prematurely.
So if your vehicle is still in good condition, keep driving it—and focus on reducing your usage where you can.
Of course, as your existing car reaches the end of its life, transitioning to a small electric vehicle (EV) powered by renewable energy becomes a much more compelling sustainable option. Small EVs typically have a lower environmental footprint compared to larger vehicles, both in terms of manufacturing and energy consumption during use. By choosing a compact EV and charging it with renewable energy sources, you can significantly reduce your transportation-related emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future.
It’s also important to note that opting for large SUVs is neither environmentally nor societally friendly. In Australia, medium-sized SUVs emit 14% more carbon per kilometre than medium-sized cars, while large SUVs emit 30% more than large cars (InDaily, 2023). Moreover, SUVs and utes now dominate new car sales in Australia, increasing the risk of death on the roads.
These statistics highlight why thoughtful vehicle choices—especially downsizing rather than upsizing—are critical to both sustainable living and broader social wellbeing.
Choose Trains Over Planes
For shorter to medium distances, consider opting for train travel instead of flying, where feasible. Trains generally have a significantly lower carbon footprint per passenger kilometre compared to aeroplanes. For example, a one-way economy class air ticket from Melbourne to Sydney has a carbon footprint of 219 kg CO2-e according to the myclimate calculator, whereas the same trip by train produces emissions of 76 kg per passenger. While Australia’s rail network might not always offer the same connections and convenience as air travel, the journey can be more scenic and less stressful, and you’ll make a more sustainable choice.
Working From Home—When You Can
If your job allows some flexibility, working from home one or two days a week can significantly cut your transport costs and emissions. Even small reductions in weekly driving can:
Lower fuel use
Reduce wear and tear on your car
Free up valuable hours in your day
Not every job or household can make this work, but for those who can, it’s a powerful (and effortless) way to reduce your transport footprint.
Conclusion
Choosing sustainable ways to travel doesn't have to be a financial sacrifice. By embracing public transport where possible, carpooling when feasible, and making informed decisions about vehicle replacement and travel modes, we can reduce our environmental impact while saving money on our daily journeys. It’s about making wise choices that benefit both our planet and our bank accounts.
Stay tuned for the next post in our Sustainable Living on a Budget series.