OBAMA Citizens

With gas prices skyrocketing, everyone is looking for ways to drive less. Based on data from a study released by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), if you live near a bus stop or rail line, your household drives an average of 4,400 fewer miles each year, compared to those who do not have access to public transportation.

Annually, public transit riders save approximately $6,251 -; more than just pocket change. However, public transportation in your community saves more than money - it also saves the environment.

"Investing in public transportation is one of the more effective ways to combat global climate change and conserve energy," says William M. Millar, president of the American Public Transportation Association. "People who live near public transportation are more likely to walk, bike or take shorter car rides to get to their jobs and leisure activities."

Households in communities with access to public transportation drive an average of 12 fewer miles daily, as compared with households who do not live near public transportation -; a 27 percent reduction in mileage and 223 fewer gallons of gas each year. Nationally, public transportation use saves the U.S. the equivalent of 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually -; more than 11 million gallons of gasoline per day -; according to the APTA report "Broadening the Connection Between Public Transportation and Energy Conservation."

Public transit systems such as buses and commuter trains allow more travel in less space and reduce the strain on roads. In addition, public transportation supports efficient land use and reduces carbon emissions in the U.S. by 37 million metric tons each year. To achieve a similar reduction in carbon emissions without using public transportation, the APTA says that every household in New York City, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Denver and Los Angeles would have to stop all electricity use.

ICF International, a global consulting firm, prepared the report for APTA. For more information about public transportation and to read the complete report, contact APTA by visiting www.publictransportation.org.