A new report from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) finds that households that choose public transportation can save about $14,100 a year.
The report, “Public Transportation Saves American Families Money,” found that depending on the city, households can save anywhere from $12,000 to $18,000 per year if they use public transportation instead of driving a car. That works out to about nearly $1,200 a month that stays in family budgets, APTA said.
“Using public transportation is one of the simplest ways families can save money every month,” APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas said. “When you add up gas, insurance, repairs, and parking, the savings can be significant. That is money that can go toward rent, groceries, health care, and other things families need.”
The report compared the cost of monthly public transit passes with the full cost of owning and operating a car, including gas, insurance, maintenance and parking.
Since 2019, the average new car price has risen 36 percent and used car prices have gone up 60 percent. Gas prices have increased to $4.61 per gallon, up from $2.91 in January 2025, as the closing of the Strait of Hormuz has pushed oil prices up worldwide. At the same time, monthly public transit fares at most public transit agencies have not increased since 2022, the report found.
“With so many costs outside a family’s control, taking public transportation can help cut monthly transportation expenses. Whether it’s commuting to work, running errands, or keeping appointments, public transit is a practical and budget-friendly choice,” Skoutelas said. “Sustained federal investment in public transportation helps make sure that option is there for the families who count on it.”
The report said San Francisco was the city where households saved the most money ($18,437 annually, or $1,536 monthly) by taking public transit. Households in Atlanta saved the least, $12,352 annually, or $1,029 a month. Nationally, households saved $14,130 annually, or $1,178 per month.