Transit riders now save $600 more per year compared to last year at this time as the cost of gas has increased nearly $1 per gallon, says a recent American report. Riding the public transportation can save on average $9,242 annually based on the current national average petrol price and the national unreserved monthly parking rate. Compared to last year at this time, the average cost per gallon of petrol was $1.79 which is nearly $1 less than the current price of petrol at $2.75 per gallon. 

Compared with European fuel prices the savings over here in Europe could even be much bigger, since fuel prices in Europe are about three times higher than in the USA. The recent American increase in cost equates to an additional $600 in savings per year for transit commuters as compared to last year's savings amount at this same time. "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.

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, 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, set at about ten kilometres per litre and the price for self-serve regular unleaded petrol recorded by independent surveyors. The analysis also assumes that a person will drive an average of about 24,000 kilometres per year.