Ditch a car and save big, says public transit group

After a spike in gasoline prices, public transit riders in many cities save more than $10,000 a year, according to a recent report.

The May Transit Savings Report cites the savings for 16 of the top 20 cities for public transit (Kansas City is not among them).

The report by the advocacy group the American Public Transportation Association bases the numbers on the cost of commuting by public transportation versus owning and driving a car.

It uses the May 28 average gas price nationwide of $3.65 per gallon.

The monthly savings report examines how a person in a two-person household saves money by taking public transportation and using one less car.

Another recent report by the advocacy group found that 58 percent of 124 million Americans planning to vacation in U.S. cities this year plan to use public transportation.

Among millennials (18-34) and adults under 45, 67 percent plan to use it.

Surveys indicate they find it cheaper than taxis or car rentals and less stressful than driving and parking in an unfamiliar place.

More than half of vacationers with incomes of $75,000 and over are also among those who plan to use public transportation.

The transit group reported 15 cities that are the top urban travel destinations. New York city was number one, and St. Louis was number 13. (Kansas City was not among them).