San Jose, Calif. – The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA)’s October passes became available for purchase today and despite the fareincrease, VTA still offers a great value for those opting to use VTA bus and light rail service. New statistics from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) indicate individuals taking public transit can save $9,147 annually, or an average of $762.25 a month.The savings are based on the cost of the national averages for parking, car maintenance, and high gas prices.
“As one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint, taking VTA bus or light rail is a reliable, convenient and affordable transportation option,” said VTA General Manager Michael T. Burns.
With public transit, a household can reduce carbon emissions by 10 percent when replacing one solo driver.A two-car household can reduce their carbon emissions 30 percent by replacing two cars with public transit.In addition, if the average solo commuter replaced their 20 mile round-trip with transit, it would reduce carbon emissions by 20 pounds per day or 4800 pounds per year.Public transit saves the U.S. more than 11 million gallons of gasoline per day.
San Francisco is among the top 20 cities with the highest transit ridership.Since VTA serves part of the San Francisco Bay Area, savings realized from using public transit can also be applied locally.The average annual savings a San Franciscan can anticipate when opting for public transit totals about $12,162.The tallies are based on the latest gasoline prices reported by AAA.
Given such cost savings and the public’s continued reliance on public transit, VTA highlights the fact that California needs to continue to invest and maintain transit funds.VTA has lost $77 million in state transit funds over the past three fiscal years.
For individual trip planning or more details about VTA passes, please contact VTA’s Customer Service Center at (408) 321-2300, TTY for the hearing-impaired only, (408) 321-2330.Or log onto www.vta.organd click on the blue envelope icon to sign-up for VTA bus/light rail email updates.
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused transportation options that are innovative, environmentally responsible, and promote the vitality of our region.VTA is responsible for bus, light rail and paratransit operations; congestion management; specific highway improvement projects; countywide transportation planning and provides these services throughout the county including the cities of Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale.VTA continually builds partnerships to deliver transportation solutions that meet the evolving mobility needs of Santa ClaraCounty.
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