Individuals who ride public transportation can save on average $9,147 annually based on the September 3, 2009 national average gas price and the national unreserved monthly parking rate, according to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

“The Transit Savings Report” released monthly by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) calculates the average annual and monthly savings for public transit users.  The report examines how an individual in a two-person household can save money by taking public transportation and living with one less car.

Transit riders can save on average $762 per month. The savings amount is based on the cost of the national averages for parking and driving, as well as the September 3 national average gas price of $2.596 per gallon for self-serve regular gasoline as reported by AAA, a slight decrease from last month’s price.

The national average for a monthly unreserved parking space in a downtown business district is $154.23, according to the 2009 Colliers International Parking Rate Study. Over the course of a year, parking costs for a vehicle can amount to an average of $1,850.

To calculate your individual savings with or without car ownership, go to www.publictransportation.org.