To kick off today's discussion, we'll direct our readers' attention to a most tantalizing Standard-Examiner front page story, which touts research-verified cost savings data in major metropolitan areas, for commuters who rely on public transit, Here's the lede:
LAYTON — As Top of Utah residents look for ways to get the most out of their budgets during tough economic times, public transportation may be a viable option. The average American can save $8,481 per year by taking public transportation instead of driving, according to a recent report from the American Public Transportation Association. The APTA calculated the average cost of taking public transit using the average price of monthly passes of local transit agencies across the country. The information is based on the annual APTA fare collection survey and is weighted based on ridership. Operating under the assumption that a person making a switch to public transportation would likely purchase a monthly pass on the local transit agency, APTA’s report calculates the monthly savings for public-transit users at $707 per month. The APTA compared the average monthly transit fare to the 2008 American Automobile Association’s average-cost-of- driving formula. The formula is based on both variable and fixed costs, including gas prices, maintenance, tires, insurance, license registration, depreciation and finance charges. The report used a figure based on the Feb. 5 gas price of $1.90 as reported by AAA. Gas prices are up 22 cents from January, but are still $1.06 lower than last year.Among other useful information provided in this morning's story is the web address of the American Public Transportation Association, which features a handy online Transit Savings Calculator, with which you can quickly calculate how much you might be able to save by taking public transportation instead of driving.
As we polish up business after another work-week, we thought it might be interesting if some of our readers were to run their own calculations, and then report back with their individual findings. We believe this could provide fodder for some interesting reader discussion over the weekend; so we accordingly invite our readers to take the online calculator for a test drive, and let us know how it all shakes out. Why not? Heavens knows that we spend plenty of time on this blog pursuing matters that are far more trivial. What's more important than saving the big bucks, after all?
Who will be the first to comment?
