Home > The Cone Zone > Archives > 2008 > July > 31 > Entry
Using Transit Saves Big Bucks
Commuters can save more than $8,000 a year by riding the bus or train instead of driving, according to a report released today by the American Public Transportation Association.
That’s almost $2,000 more than the average household spends on food in a year, the report says.
Based on gas costing $3.91 a gallon, which is today’s national average, the savings amounts to $672 a month.
APTA has decided to release a “Transit Savings Report” every month to remind people that public transportation is the quickest way to save money and beat the high price of gas, said William Millar, the group’s president.
“In these tough economic times, a record number of Americans are saying my other car is the train or bus and it helps me balance my budget,” Millar said.
Gas prices have increased by 179 percent since 2003, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
To calculate your individual savings, click here.
Comments
By Jorge
August 1, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
I tried to use Palm Tran to go to work for almost a year. The service was prompt and reliable, but it took 1 hour each way to get to work. While it does save money, I finally decided my time (especially sleep time) was more valuable, and decided to drop that and start using my car.
By Cone Zone
August 1, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
Yes, Jorge, there are trade-offs using public transit. And you hit on one of the main ones. Time vs. Money. What’s more important?
By E.
August 1, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
I think PalmTran would be more effective if they dropped all the little twists and turns and secondary streets and ran only on the major east-west and north south arteries with express buses on I-95 and the Turnpike. This is the way the bus system operates in Chicago and it is very effective.
By Missed the bus
August 1, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
I would love to take public transportation to my job, but I doubt that it is at all possible (I live in Royal Palm and work in Tequesta), but if it is, it would probably take me 1/2 a day for a one way trip.
Alternatively I wouldn’t mind riding my bike up, but there are no bike paths or even a wide shoulder on most of the roads I would have to take, to separate you from the traffic zooming past at 65MPH (in a 45 zone).
And then there is the problem of the Florida driver who is doing everything under the sun behind the wheel, except driving, and generally doesn’t notice anything on the road that is smaller than the size of their vehicle.
So unfortunately I’m consigned to taking my car, but at least I telecommute 2-3 days in the week.