Gas, parking, insurance and maintenance all contribute to the cost of driving. For Orange County residents looking to reduce transportation expenses, public transit offers a practical way to save while staying connected to work, school and everyday destinations.
A new report from the American Public Transportation Association estimates that households nationwide can save an average of $14,130 annually by owning one fewer vehicle and using public transportation instead. The analysis compares transit fares with the full cost of owning and operating a car, including financing, insurance, registration, maintenance, depreciation, gas and parking. Actual savings vary based on location and household circumstances.
Those savings can free up money for housing, groceries, healthcare and other essentials. Even for households that keep their vehicles, replacing some driving trips with transit can help reduce spending on gas and parking.
OCTA’s online Commute Calculator makes it easy to explore the potential savings. The tool compares the estimated cost of driving alone with riding OC Bus, helping residents see how a change in their commute could benefit their budgets over time.