February 8, 2012

Commuter Dispatch

As Gas Prices Rise, Transit Riders Save

As gas prices continue to rise, public transit commuters take advantage of savings. For the second month in a row, gas prices increased by nearly 10 cents per gallon, giving those who switch from driving to public transit the opportunity to save even more.

Commuters in the Portland metro region who ride public transportation instead of driving are saving an average of $844 each month, which adds up to $10,131 annually, according to the American Public Transportation Association's (APTA) January Transit Savings Report.*

Savings from transit, while clearly impressive, are not the end of the story. Commuters can also save by sharing the ride, bicycling, walking and telecommuting. For example, by adding even one carpool partner to your commute, you can cut the cost in half. Add more carpoolers and cut costs more. Actively commuting by bike or on foot is a thrifty and healthy commute option. Telecommuting, while it requires advance approval from your supervisor, is the least expensive of all.

Thousands of commuters throughout Oregon are tallying their transit savings on Drive Less Connect and finding carpool and bike route partners as well. Since the launch of this regional service in 2011, users in the Portland metro network have saved 52,200 gallons of gasoline and $330,000 in driving costs.

Register on Drive Less Connect

Calculate the cost of your commute on Drive Less Connect

See the current AAA fuel gauge report

Learn more about public transit at the APTA website

* APTA calculates transit savings based on the cost of commuting by public transportation compared to the average national gas price and cost of driving formula, as reported by AAA, and the national unreserved monthly parking rate from the 2011 Colliers International Parking Rate Study.