News Flash – Driving is Still More Expensive than Transit!
Now that gas is at historic lows, isn’t it cheaper to drive and park than take transit? Probably not!
The Office of Planning staff often helps get new Board Members acquainted, and we recently had the pleasure to participate in a portion of Board Member Malcolm Augustine‘s orientation. During our lengthy conversation, the familiar refrain of gas prices and parking costs vs. Metrorail fares and parking fees came up. Are low gas prices and cheap parking taking trips off the rails?
We’ve looked at this issue in the past and reported out that declining gas prices have not historically nor do they do now seem to have a meaningful negative impact on Metorail ridership. We’re continuing to track these datapoints as we keep our finger on the pulse of Metrorail ridership. But we also hear that trips are very personal, and even though the big picture data doesn’t show it – and even the American Automobile Association has denied it – might driving be getting cheaper than taking transit?
Survey says – not likely.
Recent Comments