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Commuters save more than $10,400 yearly using public transportation
CHICAGO – If you’re among the public transportation riders living in Chicago, you’re probably averaging a savings of more than $10,000 per year, according to the latest statistics by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).
Chicago ranked fourth among the top 20 cities to offer substantial transit savings. According to the “Transit Savings Report” released by APTA last week, a person using public transportation in Chicago could save on average $10,491 annually if they chose public transit instead of driving.
“In these economic times, people are trying to cut costs where it’s most efficient, and public transportation is a fast and easy way to minimize those costs,” said Steve Schlickman, executive director, Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). “The substantial savings for the average rider maximizes their budget, especially when gas prices remain uncertain.”
The “Transit Savings Report” is determined by calculating the monthly savings for public transit users at $707 per month. This is based on the February 5, 2009 gas price of $1.907 as reported by AAA. Gas prices are up this month by 22 cents, but are still $1.069 lower than last year.
The RTA’s Transit Benefit program is another way for riders to save on transit costs. The program offers companies and their employees an opportunity to take advantage of tax law commuting costs that can save an employee as much as $1,440 per year and an employer as much as $111 per employee, annually.
“These vouchers are tax deductible to employers and a tax-free benefit to employees. It reduces the employees’ commuting expenses, while also helping the employer save money. It’s a win-win situation all around,” said Schlickman.
With the increasing demand of public transit ridership, the RTA, in collaboration with its service boards: the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace, continue to look for opportunities to enhance and expand the region’s transit system by pushing for a capital bill to be passed in the state legislature. The RTA has determined that $10 billion is needed over five years to address the infrastructure needs of its current transit system.
For more information about the RTA Transit Benefit program visit www.rtachicago.com/infocenter/farecheck.asp or call 800-531-2828 between 9:30 am and 7:30 pm. Also, plan your next trip using the RTA’s Trip Planner by visiting http://tripsweb.rtachicago.com.
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