WWYD- Short term transportation issue

[Anonymous]

I took a job with a relatively short commute (6 miles) but am lacking a second car to get there. Job site will only be in this location for the next 9 months and then will relocate downtown. At that point I’ll be able to take the train. I’m trying to think of the most cost efficient way to work out this commute.

DW uses our 1 car (paid off) to drop off and pick up 3 and 2 yr old from daycare and then will park at train to commute into the city.

I guess my options are biking to work, Uber, running from work, rental car, or leasing? Leasing would be the easiest option to do but does it make sense if I only need the car for the next 9 months? Or by the time I factor in Uber costs probably break even? Should mention I'm working on site for a client so can bill (within reason) some transportation costs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I took a job with a relatively short commute (6 miles) but am lacking a second car to get there. Job site will only be in this location for the next 9 months and then will relocate downtown. At that point I’ll be able to take the train. I’m trying to think of the most cost efficient way to work out this commute.

DW uses our 1 car (paid off) to drop off and pick up 3 and 2 yr old from daycare and then will park at train to commute into the city.

I guess my options are biking to work, Uber, running from work, rental car, or leasing? Leasing would be the easiest option to do but does it make sense if I only need the car for the next 9 months? Or by the time I factor in Uber costs probably break even? Should mention I'm working on site for a client so can bill (within reason) some transportation costs.

Combination of biking, uber (pool?) and walking. Your could make decision based on weather, mood, number of snoozes etc every day

[Anonymous]

Can DW drive you one way, maybe Uber the other?

[Anonymous]

Lease a car for a year. It's the most hassle-free.

[Anonymous]

I'd just do a combo of uber and running/biking

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd just do a combo of uber and running/biking

+1. What about a bus for part way? Your wife drop you off 1 way or at least to a bus stop so you'd only have to take 1 bus to get there? Carpool with others going to that site? Can you telework or you have to be at client's site?

[Anonymous]

I'd try biking. If that doesn't work, buy a cheap car from a neighbor or craigslist and sell it when you're done.

[Anonymous]

I would run/walk and take Uber on rainy days

[Anonymous]

Look into Uber pool. DS and I have a similar situation, and I commute about 4.5 miles. For us it works because I only go into the office four days a week, and I commute home with him. I would run the costs assuming about $10 a trip for a trip of that length. For us it is around $160 to $200 a month which is better than a car payment, gas, and insurance.

[Anonymous]

Sorry meant DH

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I took a job with a relatively short commute (6 miles) but am lacking a second car to get there. Job site will only be in this location for the next 9 months and then will relocate downtown. At that point I’ll be able to take the train. I’m trying to think of the most cost efficient way to work out this commute.

DW uses our 1 car (paid off) to drop off and pick up 3 and 2 yr old from daycare and then will park at train to commute into the city.

I guess my options are biking to work, Uber, running from work, rental car, or leasing? Leasing would be the easiest option to do but does it make sense if I only need the car for the next 9 months? Or by the time I factor in Uber costs probably break even? Should mention I'm working on site for a client so can bill (within reason) some transportation costs.

Why don't you do drop off with the car and then drive to work, and then do the reverse in the evening?
Where is your home and day care and job in relation to each other?

[Anonymous]

just bike it. My work is 7 miles away and bike to work every day. Less CO2, free for me. I am super happy and my body thanks me for the workout. win-win

[Anonymous]

Are there no buses? 6 miles on buses is usually under an hour. If there aren't major buses that run the route, a combo of bike/bus might be really easy. I did that for a 13 mile commute for one summer while saving up to buy a car. Half bike/half bus. Loved it.

[Anonymous]

Run is the best option if you have a place to freshen up at work

[Anonymous]

Run or bike, for sure. Cheap and healthy. Running can take you about 30-45 minutes, depending on your shape and speed. Biking will probably take you, what, maybe 20 minutes? If there's a shower facility there, that's a huge bonus. I definitely wouldn't invest a lot of money into alternative options if this is a short-term issue.