Public Trans vs Driving in Chicago
A drop in gasoline prices may have Chicagoans wondering whether commuting with their own vehicle might finally be a better deal than the $ 2.25 fare on the bus or train. But the answer, unless you park for free, is still a solid“ no.”
An average gallon of gas inside Chicago proper currently costs $ 4.17, with the average across the metro region hovering at $ 3.91. Both prices represent the first drop in gas prices seen since the beginning of the New Year, and are welcome relief from May’ s all-time record highs of $ 4.67 and $ 4.51 in the city and suburbs respectively.
Based on a 10-mile round-trip taken 22 days per month in a vehicle averaging 20 MPG( and even adding in costs per mile for maintenance and tires based on AAA figures for a medium-sized car) it actually costs slightly more to take the bus or train than to drive, $ 4.50 vs. $ 2.57 for the round-trip. But here’ s the kicker: you’ ll still need to park.
The least expensive 8 a. m.-5 p. m. parking costs $ 14 per day, and those lots fill up quickly. Factoring in parking costs brings a daily savings of just over $ 12 when choosing public transportation; that adds up to $ 267 saved per month, or nearly $ 3,200 per year.
Gas prices are down across the country, according to the Lundberg Survey released this week; the nationwide average is $ 3.74, having dropped six cents over the last two weeks. The highest average price among cities in the lower 48 states was in Los Angeles, where motorists paid $ 4.25; the lowest was Billings, Mont., at $ 3.31.
LEZ ELEGANCE 27