SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) -- As San Francisco voters prepare to head to the polls next month to vote on whether to reopen the Great Highway to motor vehicle traffic, a new report suggests city-dwellers might be better off ditching cars altogether. According to the report from the American Public Transpor tation Association, households that choose public transportation over driving can save anywhere from $12,000 to $18,000 a year. The report compared the cost of a monthly public transportation pass with the full cost of owning and operating a car. This included factors like gas, insurance, maintenance and parking. National and state average gas prices as reported by AAA were also factored in. Historic SF mansion featured in Netflix’s ‘The OA’ hits the market According to the report, while families face record high prices for cars, financing and fuel, public transportation fares at most agencies haven't increased since 2022. "Using public transportation is one of the simplest ways families can save money every month," said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. "When you add up gas, insurance, repairs, and parking, the savings can be significant. That is money that can go toward rent, groceries, health care, and other things families need." Of the top 20 cities listed for potential savings from using public transportation, San Francisco topped the list. In the City by the Bay, households that ride public transpo instead of driving can save $1,536 a month, or $18,437 a year. SF is followed by closely New York City, where households who ditch cars can saved $1,533 a month, or $18,394 annually. Boston, where families can save $1,460 a month -- $17,521 a year -- was ranked third. Houston and Honolulu rounded out the top five. “With so many costs outside a family’s control, taking public transportation can help cut monthly transportation expenses. Whether it’s commuting to work, running errands, or keeping appointments, public transit is a practical and budget-friendly choice,” Skoutelas said. “Sustained federal investment in public transportation helps make sure that option is there for the families who count on it.” The report comes not only as voters are preparing to weigh in on whether to reopen the Bay Area to cars, but also to approve a 1% sales tax that would fund BART, Muni, Caltrain, AC Transit and other Bay Area transit agencies. ...read more read less