A DRIVING FORCE

How is inflation affecting commuting costs?

NEW YORK — Gas prices have fallen from the record highs they reached earlier this summer, but they’re still much higher than a year ago. And with inflation driving up the cost of pretty much everything else, finding the funds to cover your commute may be increasingly tricky.

“Being able to get to work is so essential to people’s basic survival that other things have to go first,” said Abbie Langston, director of equitable economy at Policylink, a national research institute. “When we see these massive increases in gas prices, it’s really hurting people.”

Whether you drive, take the bus or ride the subway, here’s what you need to know about how commuters are affected by the cost of living in the United States.

How are gas prices affecting commuters?

More than 76% of Americans commute by car. In June, they saw gas prices spike beyond $5 per gallon. While prices have dropped significantly since, the national average price of a gallon of regular unleaded was $3.99 on Thursday, still higher than $3.19 a year ago.

Costanza Bentancor, a paralegal from Mohegan Lake, New York, needs gas to commute 20 minutes each way to work and also uses her car to get to clients, who are families who recently immigrated to the U.S.

“It’s been very difficult, I’ve been learning to budget my money a little bit better,” Bentancor said.

Because of the high cost of living in Westchester County, she has also struggled with moving out of her parents’ home into her own.

AAA survey data published in July found that almost 64 percent of U.S. adults have changed their driving habits or lifestyle since March of this year. The top three changes included driving less, combining errands and reducing shopping or dining out.

“People choose houses, the type of car that they drive and how much they drive based on the assumption of how much they can afford to drive, and when that changes, it becomes really difficult to give people alternatives,” said Yonah Freemark, senior research associate at the Urban Institute, a non-profit research organization based in Washington, D.C.

For workers who take public transportation, increasing gas prices might not directly affect their bus or train fare, but the rising costs of living might affect their ability to afford those tickets.

only use premium gas for cars that either recommend it or require it.

“Paying for premium gas for a car that is regular is a waste of money and is of no benefit to the vehicle,” according to AAA.

• Moderate your speed

Driving the speed limit can help you save money. Most vehicles reach optimal fuel economy at 50 mph. For every 5 mph you drive over that, it can cost an additional 30 cents per gallon, according to fueleconomy.org.

For more tips to save on fuel, the U.S. government offers recommendations such as how to choose a fuel-efficient vehicle and how to save on gas during hot or cold weather conditions.

• Check gas apps

You can save on money by looking at which gas stations offer cheaper gas prices.

“While there’s no silver bullet to supreme savings on this global commodity, a gas app can help you pinch pennies,” Nerdwallet wrote in an article ranking the five best gas apps.

• Keep an eye out for government aid

Since the beginning of the pandemic, local and state governments have provided economic relief in various ways.

Vicente Gonzalez, a postal worker in Boyle Heights, a neighborhood of Los Angeles, who has experienced economic difficulties from both the pandemic and inflation, has benefitted from both government and community help.

“I was able to benefit from backpack giveaways, mental health services and food distributions,” said Gonzalez, who also helped in some food distribution efforts in his community.

Some cities and states are providing aid packages to help residents to manage rising inflation and high gas prices. Colorado is sending $750 to individuals to battle the rising costs and Chicago is sending gas cards of $150 and prepaid transit cards of $50 to eligible residents.

• Try carpooling

San Jose State University professor Asha Weinstein Agrawal recommends carpooling, even if it’s only once a week. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 9% percent of commuters carpool.

If you use public transportation:

• Talk with your employer

Even working from home one day a week can make a difference. If a job is remote-friendly, employers should be open to the idea of covering some of the commute costs at least temporarily, said Abbie Langston, director of equitable economy at Policylink, a national research institute.

If that’s not feasible, Yanira Merino, national president of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, proposes that people talk with their employers about economic incentives to pay for a commute.

“I think this is a time to organize our community and try to do it as much as possible in places where public transportation is not available to us,” Merino said.

• Check if you qualify for a discount pass

Children, students and people over 65 are among those who may qualify for discounts.

For example, the New York City Metrocard has a reduced fare for people over 65 or who have qualifying disabilities or a service animal. Los Angeles Metro also offers a low-income discount for citizens who make under $41,400 a year.

• Buy ticket packages

Buying 10-day or monthly packages, depending how often you use public transportation, can help you save money.

Boston subway users, for example, can buy a one-day unlimited pass, which allows you to travel in several types of public transportation, for $11 but can buy a seven-day unlimited pass for $22.50. If you commute five days a week, you would save $32.50 if you buy the seven-day pass.

• Check if your employer offers pre-tax employment benefits

With pre-tax benefits, employees are not taxed for the part of their income that is spent on commuting costs. The monthly maximum amount that people can use as pre-tax benefits is $280, according to the IRS.