APTA: Public transit user saves $10,074 on average

Monthly Transit Savings Report examines how an individual in a two-person household can save money by taking public transportation and living with one less car.

Staff Writer・Editorial

Read Staff's Posts

June 13, 2011

1 min to read

Riding public transportation saves individuals, on average, $10,074 annually and $840 per month, according to the American Public Transportation Association's (APTA) Transit Savings Report, which bases these savings on the June 13, 2011 average national gas price of $3.70 per gallon and the national unreserved monthly parking rate.

"High gas prices are still straining American's daily travel budget," states APTA President William Millar. "Dump the Pump Day is the perfect time for individuals to try public transit to beat the high gas prices. You will be joining millions of Americans who will also be helping out the planet by reducing our dependence on oil."

APTA releases its 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 $161.56, according to the 2010 Colliers International Parking Rate Study. Over the course of a year, parking costs for a vehicle can amount to an average of $1,939.

Topics:APTA Transit Savings Report Rail Bus

More Bus

Bus•by Staff•April 16, 2026

MARTA Set to Launch Next Gen Bus Network

The historic initiative represents the first time since MARTA began bus operations in the early 1970s that the entire system has been redrawn from scratch.

A Coach USA Van Hool CX 45 delivered by ABC Companies.

Bus•by Staff•April 15, 2026

ABC Delivers Van Hools to Coach USA and More in Biz Briefs

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from suppliers including Moovit, CAF, and more.

Bus•by Alex Roman•April 15, 2026

Inez Evans Benson on Rethinking Transit Through Customer Experience

The WSP leader discusses why agencies must look beyond satisfaction metrics and take a more holistic, community-driven approach to service.

Management•April 13, 2026

Intercity Bus Industry Outlook: A Mix of Apprehension & Optimism

Industry leaders see both promise and peril ahead as intercity bus travel rebounds, but unpredictable market forces threaten to reshape the sector.

Management•April 9, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit

In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.

Management•by Staff•April 8, 2026

Vancouver's TransLink Fast-Tracks RapidBus Line to Metrotown

Funded through the 2025 Investment Plan, the new R2 Marine–Willingdon RapidBus is expected to begin service in September, more than three months ahead of schedule.

Bus•by Staff•April 1, 2026

Complete Coach Works Unveils Reimagined Parts Department with Expanded Capabilities

Complete Parts features new branding with a new logo, a new contact telephone number, a dedicated order desk, enhanced processes and inventory, all designed to provide the parts bus operations need.

Breaking Accessibility Barriers with the Low Floor Frontrunner Minibus

Accessible transit isn’t a feature—it’s a responsibility. This whitepaper explores how the Low-Floor Frontrunner is redefining mobility with a breakthrough design that removes barriers, empowers riders, and delivers measurable operational advantages for agencies. Discover why this next generation minibus is setting a new standard for inclusive transportation.

Bus•by Staff•March 31, 2026

ENC Named 'Partner of Choice' to Support Philadelphia SEPTA’s $43M FTA Grant

SEPTA was awarded $43 million in competitive grant funding from the FTA's FY25 Low and No Emission and Bus and Bus Facilities grant programs to support this procurement.

Cover photo for Bus Tech Talk with Cecil Blandon

Management•by Alex Roman•March 27, 2026

AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit

In part 1 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his journey from the U.S. Marines to public transit and the role mentorship plays in developing the next generation of industry leaders.

View All →