More Than $9,000 Saved Annually by Individuals Who ‘Dump the Pump’ and Help Save the Environment by Riding Public Transportation 

June 18 , 2009

APTA contacts:

Mantill Williams
(202) 496-4869
mwilliams@apta.com

Virginia Miller
(202) 496-4816
vmiller@apta.com

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WASHINGTON, DC – Riding public transportation can save an individual an average of $9,068 a year based on the June 17, 2009 national average gas price and the unreserved monthly parking rate, according to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).  This is the highest annual transit savings recorded for this year, as gas prices have increased by 95 cents since January.

The release of the June Transit Savings Report coincides with National Dump the Pump Day.  Dump the Pump day is a day set aside to encourage people to ride public transportation to save money and protect the environment. 

Taking public transportation is an economical way to travel as individuals choose to “dump the pump” and help save the environment.  Riding public transportation reduces carbon emissions and mitigates America's dependence on foreign oil.

APTA’s Transit Savings Report calculates the average savings for public transit users at $756 per month.  This is based on the cost of parking and the June 17 gas price of $2.679 as reported by AAA. 

>“With gas prices increasing almost daily, we are all looking for ways to save,” said APTA President William Millar.  “I encourage drivers to take part in the 4th annual Dump the Pump day.  You’ll save money and help save the planet.”

The Transit Savings Report, released monthly by APTA examines how an individual in a two person household can save money by taking public transportation rather than driving and living with one less car.

Regarding parking costs, the national average for the monthly unreserved parking rate in a city’s downtown business district is $143, according to the 2008 Colliers International Parking Rate Study.  Over the course of a year, parking costs alone can amount to an average of $1,720.

More than 100 public transportation systems and transit associations are participating in Dump the Pump day activities this year.  Some public transit systems are having public events with drawings for free transit passes and other prizes, while other systems are offering free or reduced rides, and doing radio promotions.  For more information on National Dump the Pump Day, visit www.publictransportation.org.

The top 20 cities with the highest transit ridership are ranked in order of their transportation savings based on the purchase of a monthly public transportation pass and factoring in today’s local gas prices and the local monthly unreserved parking rate.* 

Top Twenty Cities – Transit Savings Report

*Based on gasoline prices as reported by AAA on 6/17/09.

Methodology

APTA calculates the average cost of taking public transit by determining the average monthly transit pass of local public transit agencies across the country. This information is based on the annual APTA fare collection survey and is weighted based on ridership (unlinked passenger trips). The assumption is that a person making a switch to public transportation would likely purchase an unlimited pass on the local transit agency, typically available on a monthly basis.

APTA then compares the average monthly transit fare to the average cost of driving. The cost of driving is calculated using the 2009 AAA average cost of driving formula. AAA cost of driving formula is based on variable costs and fixed costs. The variable costs include the cost of gas, maintenance and tires. The fixed costs include insurance, license registration, depreciation and finance charges. The comparison also uses the average mileage of a mid-size auto at 23.4 miles per gallon and the price for self-serve regular unleaded as recorded by AAA on May 17 at $2.679 per gallon. The analysis also assumes that a person will drive an average of 15,000 miles per year. The savings assume a household gives up one car.

In determining the cost of parking, APTA uses the data from the 2008 Colliers International Parking Rate Study for monthly unreserved parking rates for the United States.

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

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APTA is a nonprofit international association of nearly 1,500 member organizations including public transportation systems; planning, design, construction and finance firms; product and service providers; academic institutions; and state associations and departments of transportation. APTA members serve the public interest by providing safe, efficient and economical public transportation services and products. APTA members serve more than 90 percent of persons using public transportation in the United States and Canada.