News

The American Public Transit Association recently published a new study showcasing the increased cost savings for taking public transportation.

The study estimated that people could save at least $13,000 annually by using public transit instead of driving.

This increased cost savings is due to inflated gas prices, which have increased 25 percent this year, and the 30% cost increase in purchasing new or used vehicles. Other cost increases have included auto parts and maintenance.

Public transportation has not had the same relative increases in fares. In fact, transit fares in the Triangle have been suspended since spring 2020. RTA continues to support a staged implementation of zero fare for the region.

With BRT coming soon to Raleigh, Chapel Hill and across the Triangle, and with zero fare buses in place in Chapel Hill for decades and likely continuing for one or more other area transit agencies, it would be worth looking into how much you or your associates might save by switching to public transit – even for some trips —-  or perhaps by owning one fewer vehicle.

I would be remiss if I did not mention our support for an access user fee approach to modernize transportation funding — which will stabilize the resources needed for mobility, and reduce uncertainty for consumers as well as transportation partners.

Let’s get moving,
Joe

Joe Milazzo II, PE
RTA Executive Director

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