APTA: Switching to public transit saves $807 a month

Even with lower gas prices public transportation still offers individuals a way to save hundreds of dollars each month. According to the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) December Transit Savings Report, individuals who ride public transportation instead of driving can save, on average, $807 dollars this month, and $9,690 annually. These savings are based on the cost of commuting by public transportation compared to the Dec. 20, 2011 average national gas price ($3.21 per gallon- reported by AAA) and the national unreserved monthly parking rate.

Currently, gas prices are 15 cents a gallon less than last month, but still 23 cents higher than this time last year.

APTA releases this monthly Transit Savings Report to examine how an individual in a two-person household can save money by taking public transportation and living with one less car.
The national average for a monthly unreserved parking space in a downtown business district is $155.22, according to the 2011 Colliers International Parking Rate Study.  Over the course of a year, parking costs for a vehicle can amount to an average of $1,863.

For more, visit www.apta.com.