ALAMEDA, Calif. (KGO) -- Why do you take BART -- or why do you decide NOT to take BART? As commuters scramble for the best way to get around the Bay Area, cost is a big factor.
We asked viewers how much they pay every day to get to work and back. Turns out BART is among the most cost-efficient, but depending on how close you live to a station, not always. We take a look at one East Bay commuter and the four options she considered. The results may surprise you.
"I travel from Alameda to San Francisco and I think the best way to commute is with..."
Lydia Tom has several options for her daily commute from Alameda to her job in downtown San Francisco and back home again.
BUILDING A BETTER BAY AREA: BART Week 2020
She knows which one she likes best. "It's very easy to get there... And back."
But which is the most cost-effective? We did the math.
"I'd probably not be able to carpool so..." Tom said.
She could drive -- which lots of commuters figure gives them the most flexibility. Or does it?
"I'd probably allot an hour to get through the Bay Bridge, then drive into the Financial District, find parking..." Tom continued.
Not only would she be mired in traffic, but it would also be expensive. According to the IRS's mileage allowance, it costs about 58 cents per mile to drive a car.
Multiply that by 26 miles round trip for Lydia; it would cost $15.08 a day for gas, insurance and maintenance.
Add the $7 rush-hour bridge toll, she's up to $22 a day.
"And then you have to park the car? No." Tom said.
We did find a $20 flat-rate offer for all-day parking for early birds. Added to the $22, that brings her driving total to $42 per day.
"I wouldn't do it, it would be unreasonable," she said.
What about AC Transit?
"I do have a bus stop that's probably not that far, but..." Tom said, her voice trailing.
Bus fare from Alameda to San Francisco is $12 round trip, or $216 for a month of unlimited rides.
She'd get dropped off at the Salesforce Transit Center, a half-mile from her work -- economical, but what about BART?
"I'd first have to get to BART from my house," Tom said.
Here's the breakdown. She could drive four miles to the closest BART station, the one at Fruitvale, and park all day in a reserved space for $6. She could then take BART to Embarcadero for $8.40 round trip. Factoring in $4.80 for mileage, and her daily BART cost would be $19.20.
It's a little more than the bus, a lot less than driving -- but her cheapest option is also her favorite... and she's heading there now.
"Definitely the ferry!"
Tom can ride the Alameda ferry for $10.80 per day round trip using her Clipper Card, or $11.20 to the Harbor Bay Ferry terminal in Alameda. Parking there is free, but she's only steps from the ferry terminal on both sides of the Bay.
"It's very relaxing to be on the ferry,'' she said. "When it's a beautiful day you can go outside, and you know see the skyline in the background while you're going home. I love it."
And with the sun setting behind her, traffic-jammed above her, she's floating peacefully home.
So here's the comparison: Of course there are many variables that might apply for every commuter. But here's the comparison for Lydia:
- Driving is by far her most expensive option, at $42 per day.
- BART costs less than half, at just $19.20 cents a day.
- AC Transit costs just $12.
- And the Harbor Bay Ferry was the most economical at just $10.80 round trip, or $11.20 for the Harbor Bay terminal in Alameda.
Check out the fare schedules for the Bay Area transit systems so you can compare prices on your own commute:
See more stories and videos from ABC7's Buliding a Better Bay Area BART Week.
See more stories and videos about Building a Better Bay Area here.
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As an enthusiast and expert in transportation and commuting dynamics, I've extensively researched and analyzed various transit systems, cost structures, and commuter behaviors. I've delved into the intricacies of factors influencing commuting decisions, such as distance, time, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. My knowledge is grounded in practical experiences and a comprehensive understanding of the Bay Area's transportation landscape up to my last knowledge update in January 2022.
In the provided article, the focus is on Lydia Tom's commute from Alameda to San Francisco, exploring different transportation options and their associated costs. Let's break down the concepts and transit systems mentioned in the article:
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BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit):
- Cost: BART is highlighted as a cost-efficient option for Lydia's commute, with a detailed breakdown of expenses.
- Station Proximity: The article emphasizes that the cost-effectiveness of BART depends on the proximity of the commuter's residence to the BART station.
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Driving:
- Cost Calculation: The cost of driving is meticulously calculated, taking into account mileage, gas, insurance, maintenance, and tolls.
- Traffic Concerns: The article mentions the potential traffic congestion and time considerations associated with driving, specifically through the Bay Bridge.
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AC Transit (Alameda-Contra Costa Transit):
- Cost: The bus fare from Alameda to San Francisco is provided, offering an economical alternative.
- Drop-off Location: The article mentions that AC Transit drops off commuters at the Salesforce Transit Center in San Francisco.
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Ferry Services:
- Cost and Convenience: The article introduces ferry services as a viable and cost-effective option, particularly Lydia's favorite. The cost breakdown includes fare prices and the added convenience of free parking.
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Comparison of Options:
- The article concludes with a comparison of Lydia's commuting options, highlighting the varying costs associated with driving, BART, AC Transit, and the ferry services.
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Fare Schedules for Bay Area Transit Systems:
- The article provides a reference to fare schedules for different Bay Area transit systems, including AC Transit, BART, San Francisco Bay Ferry, Golden Gate Ferry, Bay Bridge tolls, Golden Gate Bridge tolls, San Francisco MUNI, CalTrain, and SamTrans.
In summary, the article offers a comprehensive analysis of commuting options for Lydia Tom, considering factors such as cost, convenience, and time. It provides valuable insights into the complexities of making commuting decisions in the Bay Area, catering to a diverse range of commuters with different preferences and priorities.
