Apr 9, 2014 - how an individual in a two-person household can save money by taking public transportation and living with
NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 9, 2014 Re-submitting FURTHER INFORMATION: Cary Foust-Street, (615) 880-3932 Patricia Harris-Morehead, (615) 880-3943
Nashvillians can save $9,647 annually riding public transit NASHVILLE — Nashville residents who ride public transportation can save $9,647 annually according to data released by the Nashville MTA and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). The savings calculations are based on the price of regular gasoline in Metro Nashville on March 25, 2014, and the most recent number of the city’s average unreserved monthly parking rate. On a monthly basis, riders in Nashville could save an average of $804. “As the price of gas increases, logically, it costs more to drive a personal vehicle,” MTA/RTA Interim CEO Ed Oliphant said. “As the weather gets warmer, more people are traveling, and the price of gas will rise. Taking public transportation is a way to off-set that cost.” The transit savings report released in March by APTA calculated the average annual and monthly savings for public transit users. That average was reported as $10,103 annually and $842 monthly. The report examines how an individual in a two-person household can save money by taking public transportation and living with one less car. The savings amount for Nashville is based on the average cost of parking and of driving in Nashville, as well as the March 25 average gas price of $3.484 per gallon of self-serve regular gasoline as reported by AAA’s fuel gauge website. Over the course of a year, the average cost to park a vehicle in Nashville amounted to $1,500. This amount was reported by the 2009 Colliers International Parking Rate Study, which was the last year Collier’s reported on Nashville. Johna Starcher is a regular rider of public transportation, specifically the Music City Star. “Riding public transportation saves wear and tear on my car, and that’s invaluable,” Starcher said. “It also saves on brain cells because riding is so much less stressful than driving!” Nashville residents can ride MTA buses for $1.70 each way or for $3.40 round-trip. In addition, MTA offers five different cost-efficient, multi-ride passes ranging from one day to 31 days. Cost for adults is $5.25 for an AllDay Pass, $24 for a 7-Day Pass, $32 for a 20-Ride Local, $42 for a 20-Ride Express and $84 for a 31-Day Pass. Multi-ride passes also are available for youth, seniors and people with disabilities. The passes provide unlimited rides throughout the day and can be purchased at Music City Central (400 Charlotte Avenue), Riverfront Station (108 First Avenue South), by phone at (615) 862-5950 or online at nashvillemta.org. -more-
For more information on MTA bus services, please call Customer Care at (615) 862-5950 from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, and 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Additional information is available online at nashvillemta.org. METHODOLOGY APTA calculates the average cost of taking public transit by determining the cost of 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 public 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 2013 AAA average cost of driving formula. That formula is based on variable 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 23.1 miles per gallon and the price for self-serve regular unleaded gasoline as recorded by AAA at $3.53 per gallon in March. The analysis also assumes that a person will drive an average of 15,000 miles per year. The savings are based on the assumption that a person in a two-person household lives with one less car. In determining the cost of parking, APTA uses the data from the 2012 Colliers International Parking Rate Study for monthly unreserved parking rates for the United States. To calculate your savings, with or without car ownership, go to www.publictransportation.org. # # #
Editor's Note: To request this information in an alternative format, please call (615) 862-5950 and ask to speak with the ADA Coordinator.
