With this latest fuel price increase have you considered what lifestyle changes you have to make other than counting the pennies and tightening your belt?
I’m working on the belt tightening. But before I do, there was one budget busting item I had to get, and then I’m done with the spending money like water for a while. There are a couple of things I’m working on that need the money more than mere frivolities.
Behold!
Eeks! Yes, I know I was asking about a Lumix previously. I went and made many enquiries about the various Lumix models until I was so sure I was about to buy one.
Then I saw this one and suddenly all thoughts of a Lumix flew out of my head. I’m so fickle! I knew it was a Canon for me. Never mind that my first and only digicam thus far was a Canon that died on me. I knew after testing it that it was “the one”.
So, I’m all gadgeted out now. But at least I know I’ll now have better looking photos instead of having to rely solely on the phone camera! 
Speaking of lifestyle changes, I’d like to steal a question off the evening news. With this present price incease in fuel to RM2.70 per litre of petrol, are you prepared to take the public transport instead of drive?
My answer is simple.
Even with the price incease, and even if it means pinching a penny till it squeaks, I will not take the public transportation because:-
- Public transportation is non existent. The buses are never on time and bus stops are never properly designated. The buses stop anywhere that someone sticks their hand out. Trains (in KL city) are a nightmare. Not all lines service every part of the city and all the lines do not intersect at any point. If I were to take the trains, I’d have to change 3 times for what would be an 8km drive to work. Taxis aren’t an option for me because (see reason 2)
- Security. I’m paranoid about personal safety on the public transport and while going to the requisite stop. Some bus stops are isolated and walking to the bus or train stop may prove to be dangerous. While on the bus or train, you have to watch out for pickpockets or people with octopus arms. In a taxi its even worse - strange car + stranger = disaster. I’m not saying all taxis are bad. I just can’t feel comfortable enough to ride in one alone.
- Wasted Time. With the uncertain timetables of our public transport system I’d probably need 2 hours to get to work when I can drive there in 10 minutes. I guess at the end of the day, it is how much that time saved is worth vs the money spent on petrol.
And so, public transport is just not an option for me. I know I’m polluting the environment with my single occupier vehicle, and that driving is eating into my monthly income. But I’d rather have the security, peace of mind, mobility, convenience and time saved by driving myself places.
Would you consider switching your car for the public transport to save money?
With this point to ponder, here’s wishing everyone a happy weekend!
Some other Related posts:
- Its a hard day’s night
- I’m so efficient I need a new camera
- Boycott Esso Mobil at Jalan Ipoh!!
- The Wedding photographer
- Money woes?
9 comments ↓
Woohoo! That’s a good looker! How much?
It’s not practical for me to use public transport because of the nature of my work. Neither is it practical to walk 1 1/2 km with 2 toddlers to the nearest bus station and take a more than an hour trip to the city, then walk another kilometre to the childcare, walk another kilometre to the nearest LRT station, take the LRT to the nearest station to my office and walk another 500 metres to my office from the station. And doing it in reverse order in the evening.
See what I mean?
How much for the IXUS? Looking good, sistah!
I’ll only take public transport if it takes me right to my office and back (taxicabs not included for the same reason as your no. 2). But given the fact that the state of transportation in Penang is way worse than in KL, I’ll stick to driving, thankyewvellymuch.
Safety is something I never compromise despite how much belt tightening I have to do.
As for public transportation, here in Oz, yes I’d give up a car, but not in M’sia. I agree with you, public transportation is practically non-existent in M’sia.
About the changing of lifestyle advice by the gah-men, those people must think we were born yesterday. The people have to tighten their belts just to continue to support their lavish lifestyle? Hello deluded PM!
It just angers me to no end of such double standards.
I had an IXUS once… Gave it up for a Nikon.. I can’t remember why now.. Maybe because the Nikon felt so much flatter in my trouser pocket!
I am thinking of reconditioning my bicycle again..
That Canon is so sexay… guess my new phone would be my last new gadget in a bit!
I agree with your 3 reasons on why not public transportation… the cost n time factor is the reason why I’m not taking public transport to work, and my parents don’t like the safety factor if I were to take a cab.
I just hope for a bf to come along who can drive me! Bwahahaha.
I agree with you. Totally … If you take into account all the aspects you just mentioned above, the cost of privately owned vehicle just tramped the low cost of using public transport. So, there you go ..
Love the camera. Hope you get it soon. I can’t wait for all the interesting photos you are going to post here …
Pablo: About RM1200 with the bells and whistles. And I hear ya about it not being conducive to take the public transport to work. More so in your case!
Giddy Tigress: Yeah I can’t stand the stress of public transport.
Tine: You know, I’d happily give up the car anywhere else but here! Even in Singapore I’d give up the car. Maybe not in Bangkok or other countries with less developed public transport systems, but if there’s a decent public transport system I’d give up the car.
LB: Pedal power’s good!
Rinnah: Keep working on the bf driver! Its truly useful
Andie: I guess its the same in Indonesia eh? And I did get the camera but haven’t found photos to take yet.
[...] have been playing around with my new Canon Ixus 860 in the past weeks. Its a nifty little thing and I’m really loving it. Dare I say my picture [...]
If we all have reasons not to take public transport… should we then complain about petrol price? hmmm….