1.      Use public transport whenever possible. While Malaysian public transport still needs a lot of improvement, there are many routes which are efficiently serviced by either rail or bus. Using a personal car is nowhere near as efficient or cheap as a bus. Using a personal car is nowhere near as efficient or cheap as a bus or train. You will also be going the environment a great service by not using your car.

2.      Use your bicycle. Some politicians may have used it as a gimmick- but the bicycle perhaps has the greatest potential to save on your transport expenditure. Bicycles extend your practical commuting range from one to two kilometers, if you are on foot, to 10 kilometers easily. If you live within 5km from an LRT station, it may be worth buying two cheap bicycles and parking one at home and locking the other at the station nearest your workplace. Ride the one at home to the LRT station, hop on the train – then ride the one locked at the destination station to work.

3.      Try riding a motorcycle or scooter. Motor cycles are much more frugal than cars, and yet they can yet travel at similar range. But they are most effective in the city; where they can get you place quickly while other motorists are stuck in traffic jams. However, riding a motorcycle can be very risky on certain routes. Evaluate your daily commute and see if riding a scooter or motorcycle is worth considering.

4.      Car pool. It seems like thing to do – yet many Malaysian drivers go to work driving empty cars which could carry at least four other passengers. Today, car pooling is even easier with the internet. Go to www.kongsikereta.com for help.

5.      Move closer to your workplace. Some people are willing to pay slightly cheaper rent, yet spend over two hours on their daily commutes. Consider paying higher rent if it results in savings on your transport bill. Getting stuck in traffic jams is stressful and tiring as well as expensive and time- consuming.

6.      Plan your trips. If you have errands to run, try and organise them in a manner that will allow you to travel the least distance. It may be worth delaying an unimportant errand if you will be following the same route on another errand the next day.

7.      Avoid traveling at peak hours. If you drive a personal car, avoid traveling at peak hours. Traffic jams can result in very poor fuel efficiency and increased costs.

8.      Walk. Taking a taxi for a 2km trip from your house to the LRT station will cost at least RM 2 one way. This amounts to RM 4 for return trip. You can save at least RM 80 a month by walking, and be healthier for the effort.

9.      Experiment with other routes. Try taking a bus instead of your regular train trips. Depending on location, it may be cheaper to take certain forms of transport over the other. Experiment to find the best form of transportation.

10.  Use mixed modes of transport. Try parking your car at the KTM komuter station instead of driving it all the way to Kuala Lumpur. Using mixed forms of transport can still save you money and get you to your destination quickly.