The American Commute Is Getting More Expensive

Writing in Axios, Jennifer A. Kingson reports on the rising cost of the average American commute, which is up by $757, or 35 percent, from last year. “The sheer expense of getting to work is not just hurting our bank accounts — it's contributing to wrangling between workers and employers over returning to the office,” Kingson writes.

“It's also leading to debate over whether companies should pick up the tab.” A new Philadelphia law will, if passed, require companies with more than 50 employees to provide commuter benefits.

Kingson notes that the cost of gas is, naturally, one of the main drivers of more expensive commutes. “U.S. commuters will spend an average of $657 on gas this year — up 58% from last year, according to a calculation by a website called Overheard on Conference Calls.” Nationwide, New York City commuters face the highest costs, at $4,040—up 47 percent from last year. Two other New York cities, Rochester and Albany, have the next most expensive commutes, followed by Jacksonville and Orlando.

The silver lining: this could be good for transit. While ridership is still making a sluggish return, more agencies are looking at ways to reduce fares and improve service, while city leaders may be more amenable to investing in transit projects.