Gas prices have hit a record high in the Seattle area, parking rates are increasing, and commuting by car is getting more expensive every day. Maybe it’s time to try Metro Transit?

King County Metro Transit and AAA Washington have teamed up to develop an online calculator that helps local residents figure out if they can save money by riding the bus. The calculator can be found on Metro Online.

“We know many people prefer the convenience of their car, but sometimes it’s just not worth it to drive alone,” said Metro Transit General Manager Kevin Desmond. “When you compare the price of a monthly bus pass to the combined cost for gas, parking, and wear and tear on your car, most people find they can save money by taking the bus or participating in a vanpool.”

Desmond said the new calculator helps people determine individual commuting costs for driving alone or riding the bus. Commuters input the number of miles they travel to work, and what they pay for parking and gas. The calculator compares that total to the cost of Metro cash fares at different times of the day in different parts of King County.

The calculator uses the most up-to-date commuting information available, including local gas prices from AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report.

”Transportation to and from work is one of the most obvious places to save money and fuel,” said Janet Ray, managing director of corporate communications for AAA Washington. “When possible, combine errands with your daily commute, make sure your vehicle is serviced regularly, and when available public transit and carpooling options can help you save money.”

There are also hidden savings. The calculator does not take into account the cost of insurance and maintenance for your vehicle. And, it doesn’t count up the extra savings when you use a bus pass – especially if your employer underwrites the cost of that pass. Approximately 80 percent of Metro pass holders receive some sort of subsidy from their employers for the cost of their passes.

For example, a drive-alone commuter from the Crossroads neighborhood in Bellevue could save as much as $138 a month by riding the bus to downtown Seattle. Here’s how the math works for that average commute:

25-mile round-trip commute x 20 work days a month         =  500 commute miles a month
Driving a vehicle that gets 25 mpg divided by 500 miles   =  20 gallons of gas a month
Average of $2.50 a gallon for gas x 20 gallons                  =  $50 for gas to commute
$8 a day to park downtown x 20 work days                         =  $160 for parking
Total monthly commute cost driving alone                      =  $210
                                                                              vs.
Cost of a two-zone Metro bus pass (unsubsidized)         =  $72

“The costs will vary depending on where you work, but when you consider what you pay for parking and the likelihood that your employer may pay for some of your commute costs, it all adds up,” said Desmond. “Multiply that $138 monthly savings by 12 months, and you’ve got a nice nest egg for a vacation or season tickets to the Mariners.”

Desmond said there are several options for a more cost-effective commute:

Ride the bus – Metro has more than 1,300 buses traveling on 211 routes during peak commute times, and planning a trip has never been easier. You can find bus schedules, route maps, and even door-to-door directions via the easy-to-use Trip Planner all on Metro Online, or by calling (206) 553-3000;

Split the trip – Drive less and park for free at one of Metro’s convenient park-and-ride lots.

Share the ride – Form a vanpool with your co-workers or neighbors to cut costs and avoid traffic tie-ups. Metro provides the van, insurance, maintenance, driver training, and helps you find other vanpoolers. You can find out more information at Rideshare Online, which also matches up people interested in carpooling in their own vehicles. 

AAA Washington provides additional information for both commuters and those who are planning a vacation by car. Visit their website [external link] for travel tips and information, including a vacation fuel cost calculator and the 2005 “Your Driving Costs” brochure.

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