Individuals who ride public transportation instead of driving can save, on average, $826 this month, and $9,917 annually, according to the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) September Transit Savings Report.

The savings are based on the cost of commuting by public transportation compared to the cost of owning and driving a vehicle which includes the Sept. 25, 2012 average national gas price and the national unreserved monthly parking rate.

“Commuters can jumpstart their own financial recovery plan by switching to public transportation,” said APTA President and CEO Michael Melaniphy. “Saving hundreds of dollars a month or thousands yearly can truly make the difference as households work to balance their budgets.”

APTA releases this 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.