APTA: Public transit riders save $9,190 annually
Over the last year, an individual riding public transportation would have saved an additional $255 due to the 41 cent increase of gasoline per gallon since November 2008, the report found.
Individuals who ride public transportation can save on average $9,190 annually based on the November 9, 2009 national average gas price and the national unreserved monthly parking rate, according to the American Public Transportation Association's (APTA) monthly "Transit Savings Report."
The report calculates the average annual and monthly savings for public transit users and examines how an individual in a two-person household can save money by taking public transportation and living with one less car. Over the last year, an individual riding public transportation would have saved an additional $255 due to the 41 cent increase of gasoline per gallon since November 2008, the report found.
Transit riders can save on average $766 per month. The savings amount is based on the cost of the national averages for parking and driving, as well as the November 9 national average gas price of $2.664 per gallon for self-serve regular gasoline as reported by AAA. Since last month the cost of a gallon of gasoline has increased 19 cents. This is an increase in savings that equates to an additional $21 per month.
More Bus

WMATA Debuts 'Fares Pay for Service' Awareness Campaign
The campaign was highlighted during a media event at the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center in Silver Spring, where WMATA’s GM/CEO Randy Clarke joined Metro Transit Police officers, WMATA management team, board members, and staff to expand fare enforcement and customer education efforts on Metro Bus routes throughout the region.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Foothill Gold Line Award, Matawan Contract, and More
From strategic partnerships to acquisitions and service expansions, the industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Find out all the latest here.
Read More →
Inside Look: EMBARK Expands Fare-Free Transit Program Through New Public-Private Partnership
The OKC transit agency says sponsorship helps subsidize the Third Friday Free initiative while reducing barriers for first-time riders and boosting ridership across buses, streetcars, and river cruises.
Read More →
OCTA Sees Growing Adoption of Wave Fare Payment System
Since launching in October 2025, the Wave system has steadily replaced previous fare media with faster, more flexible payment options designed to streamline boarding, improve reliability, and help riders more easily access fare discounts and cost-saving benefits, said OCTA
Read More →
North Carolina's Metropolitan Transit Commission Concludes Decades of Leadership
To commemorate the occasion, current members of the MTC were presented with a custom painting of the Charlotte Transportation Center in Uptown.
Read More →
Montana's Mountain Line Named Nation’s Best Transit System by CTAA
The award was presented to Mountain Line representatives at the CTAA Expo in mid-May, with bus operator Bryan Ursery, who has worked at Mountain Line for more than two decades, accepting the award on the agency's behalf.
Read More →
Rays the Mark Foundation to Honor CDTA’s Emily DeVito at October Fundraiser
Event at Chicago-area Ravisloe Country Club will support DeVito, a transit employee and mother of twins battling kidney failure and awaiting a transplant.
Read More →
King County Test Heliox Chargers, Keolis Lands California Contract Top Biz Briefs
Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.
Read More →
Virginia's GRTC Focused on Reliability, Open Access
The approved FY2027 budget totals approximately $101 million.
Read More →
KCATA, RideKC Set to Resume Bus Fares
Beginning May 26, riders will be able to download the RideKCGO mobile app, set up their account, and add funds to pay for rides with a tap.
Read More →