With gas prices for regular unleaded at $2.83 this month, more than 80 cents higher than a year ago, it might be time to start thinking about public transportation. When you add in the cost of public parking and insurance you’re looking at a costly drive to work. New York saves its commuters an average of $1149 per month, which computes to more than $13,000 a year! Whether it’s a bus, tram, subway or streetcar, public transportation is a great way to save money on your commute. Here are the top 20 cities that save their denizens the most money:
1. New York $1,149
2. Boston $1,032
3. San Francisco $1,015
4. Chicago $955
5. Seattle $938
6. Philadelphia $928
7. Honolulu $894
8. Los Angeles $839
9. San Diego $827
10. Minneapolis $826
11. Denver $804
12. Portland $803
13. Cleveland $803
14. Baltimore $786
15. Washington $757
16. Miami $754
17. Dallas $736
18. Atlanta $724
19. Las Vegas $719
20. Pittsburgh $681
While public transportation can sometimes be a hassle, with a lack of cell phone service, sardine packed subway rides and delays and waits, it still beats the traffic you see on the highway. While some cities are cutting service and hiking prices, others are opening new lines and routes. And if none of this public transportation business floats your boat, and you live within a few miles and don’t mind getting a little sweaty, nothing beats a bike.