Public transport vs car

In our beautiful sunburnt country, where distances between cities can stretch for thousands of kilometres and even our capital cities are becoming more spread out by the day, the question remains about how we can get around more efficiently – and more affordably. Should you go for the convenient but pricier option of owning a car, or is public transport the smarter choice?

The pros and cons of owning a car

Owning a car has some big benefits – most notably that you are in control of when and where you can go. But there are also some drawbacks to consider. So, if you are considering whether to take the plunge into car ownership, here are some thoughts to ponder.

PRO: Convenience and flexibility of having your own vehicle

Owning a car undoubtedly brings a level of convenience and flexibility that's hard to match. The ability to travel at your own pace, make spontaneous stops, and carry larger loads without any scheduling constraints can be incredibly liberating. For those living in more remote areas or requiring frequent travel, having a car can often feel like a necessity rather than a luxury.

PRO: Owning an asset

After you’ve purchased your vehicle and chosen the car insurance you’ve now got an asset that is possibly worth a considerable amount. Whether you’ve bought a new car or gone for a second-hand vehicle, this asset is something that you can sell in the future and recoup some of your investment. In fact, the used-car market often fluctuates, so you might even sell at a time when prices are unseasonably high.

CON: Financial considerations: Costs of car ownership

Car ownership does come at a price – quite literally. Australians are all too familiar with the hefty expenses that come with buying, insuring, fuelling up and maintaining a car. Not to mention the depreciation in value over time for many popular vehicles.

CON: Environmental impact and traffic congestion

The choice to drive has direct consequences for our environment. Increased emissions are contributing to climate change and can compromise the quality of air where you live. As cities grow, tackling traffic congestion is becoming even more critical, which is why relying solely on cars may not be the best choice for everyone.

The pros and cons of public transport

By comparison, what are some of the advantages of using public transport instead of buying and only ever using a car?

PRO: Cost savings and reduced expenses

Turning to public transport offers its own perks, the most significant of which is arguably cost savings. Public transport can be more economical than owning a car, especially if you buy a monthly or annual pass rather than daily tickets. If you are a student or pensioner, concession rates make it even easier to save money when hopping on buses, trains, trams and ferries.

PRO: Environmental friendliness and reduced congestion

Most of us are concerned about leaving a lighter carbon footprint, and public transport is one of the best green alternatives to driving a car. You can passively contribute to reduced emissions and lessen your own impact on the environment during daily commutes, as well as helping to relieve traffic congestion by reducing the number of cars on our roads.

CON: Reliability of public transport systems

Despite Australia’s major cities boasting expansive public transport systems, they aren’t always reliable or efficient. From trains and buses to trams and light rail, they might be designed to cater to the needs of everyday commuters, but delays and unexpected accidents can cause you to run minutes – and sometimes even hours – late, throwing your entire day off-course.

CON: Limited flexibility and potential crowding

Despite its merits, public transport does come with issues around comfort and timetable flexibility. Depending on the assigned schedules and your chosen route, you might discover your travel plans are quite inflexible. During peak hour, crowded trains and buses can also make for an uncomfortable journey, especially if you value your own personal space.

Exploring alternative transportation options

Beyond the classic argument of ‘car versus public transport’, it’s worth considering other transport options that could meet your needs. If an electric bike or scooter isn’t a viable solution, ride-share apps and car-share services can act as a compromise between owning a car and only ever using public transport. It means you can use a car when necessary, without the financial and maintenance burdens of full ownership.

Making the right choice for you

No matter what you decide, you should be comfortable with how the decision affects you personally. If you choose public transport only, you might need to be more on-the-ball with scheduling your everyday plans but if you decide to buy a car you’ll need to think about the financial responsibilities and consider getting car insurance.

Start comparing a range of car insurance quotes today to find out how to stay financially protected while on the road with a personal vehicle.