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Riding Public Transit Saves Individuals $9,167 Annually As Gas Prices Remain Steady
Washington, DC
Monday, August 10, 2009
For Immediate Release
August 10, 2009 Contact: Mantill Williams 202) 496-4869 Virginia Miller 202) 496-4816 RIDING PUBLIC TRANSIT SAVES INDIVIDUALS $9,167 ANNUALLY AS GAS PRICES REMAIN STEADY Helps individuals save money and the environment WASHINGTON, DC – Individuals who ride public transportation can save on average $9,167 annually based on the August 7, 2009 national average gas price and the national unreserved monthly parking rate. "The Transit Savings Report" released monthly by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) calculates the average annual and monthly savings for public transit users. The report examines how an individual in a two-person household can save money by taking public transportation and living with one less car. Transit riders can save on average $764 per month. The savings amount is based on the cost of the national averages for parking and driving, as well as, the August 7 national average gas price of $2.628 per gallon for self-serve regular gasoline as reported by AAA, a slight increase from last month's price. Taking public transportation provides a safe and affordable way for individuals and families to get around during the summer months, according to APTA. In addition, local public transit offers a travel option that has an immediate, positive impact in reducing an individual's overall carbon footprint while helping reduce America's dependence on foreign oil. The national average for a monthly unreserved parking space in a downtown business district is $154.23, according to the 2009 Colliers International Parking Rate Study. Over the course of a year, parking costs for a vehicle can amount to an average of $1,850. The top 20 cities with the highest transit ridership are ranked in order of their transit savings based on the purchase of a monthly public transit pass and factoring in local gas prices for August 7, 2009 and the local monthly unreserved parking rate.* Top Twenty Cities – Transit Savings Report City Monthly Savings Annual Savings *Based on gasoline prices as reported by AAA on 8/7/09. 1 New York $1,143 $13,719 2 Boston $1,025 $12,296 3 San Francisco $1,011 $12,131 4 Chicago $939 $11,269 5 Seattle $928 $11,136 6 Philadelphia $919 $11,029 7 Honolulu $877 $10,528 8 Los Angeles $835 $10,015 9 San Diego $822 $9,858 10 Minneapolis $815 $9,784 11 Cleveland $796 $9,552 12 Portland $795 $9,540 13 Denver $794 $9,526 14 Baltimore $772 $9,261 15 Miami $743 $8,912 16 Washington DC $741 $8,895 17 Dallas $725 $8,695 18 Atlanta $711 $8,527 19 Las Vegas $709 $8,505 20 Pittsburgh $674 $8,091 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 2009 AAA average cost of driving formula. AAA cost of driving formula is based on variable costs and fixed costs. The variable costs include the cost of gas, maintenance and tires. The fixed costs include 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 the price for self-serve regular unleaded gasoline as recorded by AAA on August 7 at $2.628 per gallon. The analysis also assumes that a person will drive an average of 15,000 miles per year. The savings assume a person in two-person household lives with one less car. In determining the cost of parking, APTA uses the data from the 2009 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. # # # APTA is a nonprofit international association of over 1,500 member organizations including public transportation systems; planning, design, construction and finance firms; product and service providers; academic institutions; and state associations and departments of transportation. APTA members serve the public interest by providing safe, efficient and economical public transportation services and products. APTA members serve more than 90 percent of persons using public transportation in the United States and Canada. Virginia Miller
Senior Manager-Media Relations
American Public Transportation Association
Washington, DC
202-496-4816
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