APTA: Public Transit Saves Users $13K Annually
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
“As the rising cost of living continues to impact U.S. households, public transportation offers an economical and climate-friendly alternative to reduce daily expenses,” APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas said. (MARTA Photograph Courtesy of APTA, via X)
Individuals who use public transportation instead of driving can save more than $13,000 per year, or $1,100 per month, due to auto cost and gasoline price increases, according to the latest Transit Savings report from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).
The report includes the table, left, comparing public transit fares in 20 cities to the costs of owning and operating a car in AAA’s Your Cost of Driving 2023 as well as downtown parking prices. Depending on the city, people can save between $12,000 and almost $17,000 per year by using public transit. On average, the savings are $13,218 annually or $1,102 per month.
Among the report’s key takeaways:
• According to APTA’s Fare Database, “monthly public transit fare prices have not increased since 2020, while prices for new and used cars have increased significantly since the pandemic, and financing costs have increased dramatically due to interest rate hikes.” Additionally, gasoline prices have “spiked due to constricted supply and added demand.”
• Since 2019, the average transaction price of purchasing a new car has risen by more than 30%, or $11,000. For used cars, the average price has risen 40%, or $8,000.
• In 2023, gas prices have risen 25% to $4.00 per gallon, as of Sept. 18, 2023.
According to APTA, these savings calculations are predicated upon a comprehensive analysis comparing the costs associated with commuting via public transportation vs. the expenses linked to vehicle ownership, vehicle operation and parking costs. Factors considered include the national and state average gasoline price per gallon as reported by AAA.
“As the rising cost of living continues to impact U.S. households, public transportation offers an economical and climate-friendly alternative to reduce daily expenses,” APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas said. “By choosing to ride public transit, individuals can significantly cut down on their monthly transportation expenses. Whether it’s commuting to work, running errands, or keeping appointments, public transit is a practical and budget-friendly choice.”
APTA, like public transportation agencies nationwide, is encouraging individuals to “try public transit to avoid some of these higher costs while conserving energy and reducing carbon emissions,” it said. A 30% savings in carbon dioxide emissions can be realized by eliminating one car and taking public transportation instead of driving, according to the association.
