SAN DIEGO – A person can achieve an average savings of $9,499 per year by taking public transportation instead of driving based on yesterday’s gas prices and the average unreserved parking rate according to the American Public Transportation Association’s “Transit Savings Report”.  The report is a monthly analysis that shows the average annual savings is a third higher than the average amount a household pays for food in a year, according to the Food Institute ($6,111). 

With gas prices 76 cents per gallon higher than last year, public transit users have an increased savings of $250 annually compared to this time last year.  APTA’s monthly “Transit Savings Report” shows how much a person can save on a monthly and yearly basis by taking public transportation and living with one less car in his or her household. 

Based on local data for San Diego, CA, taking public transportation instead of driving could  save a commuter more than $10,098 annually based on current gas prices and a monthly savings of more than $841.  Presently, San Diego ranks 10th out of the top 20 cities nationally with the most savings from riding public transportation.

“As Americans look for ways to tighten the family budget, public transit riders know the cheapest gallon of gasoline is the one you never have to buy,” said William W. Millar, president of APTA.  “This report reminds commuters that taking public transportation is the quickest way to save money from the high cost of commuting by auto or light truck.”

The analysis also includes the cost of parking.  On average, according to the 2008 Colliers International Parking Rate Study, the national average for the monthly unreserved parking rate in a city’s downtown business district is $143.  Over the course of a year, parking costs alone can amount to an average of $1,720. 

In addition to the annual savings, the report calculates the monthly savings for public transit users at $792 per month based on yesterday’s gas price of $3.524 as reported by AAA. 

The top 20 cites with the highest ridership are ranked in order of their transit savings based on the purchase of a monthly public transportation pass and factoring in today’s local gas prices and the local monthly unreserved parking rate.* 

Top Twenty Cities – Transit Savings Report

Methodology

APTA calculates the average cost of taking public transit by determining the average monthly transit pass of local public transit agencies across the country.  This information is based on the annual APTA fare collection survey and is weighted based on ridership (unlinked passenger trips).  The assumption is that a person making a switch to public transportation would likely purchase an unlimited pass on the local transit agency, typically available on a monthly basis. 

APTA then compares the average monthly transit fare to the average cost of driving.  The cost of driving is calculated using the 2008 AAA average cost of driving formula.  AAA cost of driving formula is based on variable cost and fixed cost.  The variable cost includes the cost of gas, maintenance, and tires.  The fixed cost includes insurance, license registration, depreciation, and finance charges.  The comparison also uses the average mileage of a mid-size auto at 23.4 miles per gallon and today’s price for self-serve regular unleaded gasoline as recorded by AAA at $3.524 per gallon.  The analysis also assumes that a person will drive an average of 15,000 miles per year.  The savings assumes a household gives up one car.

In determining the cost of parking, APTA uses the data from the 2008 Colliers International Parking Rate Study for monthly unreserved parking rates for the United States. 

To calculate your individual savings with or without car ownership, go to www.publictransportation.org.