APTA: PT users save $9,581 monthly

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) released its monthly "Transit Savings Report" noting that riding public transportation saves individuals, on average, $9,581 annually, a savings of more than $400 compared to the same time last year, and up to $798 per month based on the Dec. 7, 2010 average national gas price and the national unreserved monthly parking rate.

APTA releases the monthly report to examine how an individual in a two-person household can save money by taking public transportation and living with one less car.

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 for their 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 2010 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 Dec. 7, 2010 at $2.96 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 2010 Colliers International Parking Rate Study for monthly unreserved parking rates for the U.S.