QUESTION OF THE DAY: How much does the average American household spend on transportation per year?

REFERENCE: The American Commute

As you saw, Americans spend a lot of money on transportation on an annual basis. Scroll down to the chart in this article to take a look at what types of transportation Americans primarily use when commuting to work, school, or university. Then, answer the questions on your worksheet.

INTERACTIVE: Access to Intercity Transportation in Rural Areas

INTERACTIVE: Bikeshare and E-scooter Systems in the US

Your location can significantly impact the different transportation options available to you. Use these two interactive maps to see how access to intercity buses, bikes, and e-scooters can vary depending on where you live. Then, answer the questions on your worksheet.

VIDEO: What are the True Costs of Car Ownership?

Depending on your location and needs, you may decide to get a car. When budgeting for transportation, it’s important to know that the cost of owning a car goes far beyond the price you pay for the vehicle. Answer question 1 first. Then watch this video to learn about the costs of car ownership. Finally, answer the remaining questions on your worksheet.

ARTICLE: Ways to Reduce Your Transportation Costs

If you weren’t expecting to spend so much money on a car or transportation, you’re not alone! Read this article to discover ways to cut back on transportation costs and stick to your budget. Then, answer the questions on your worksheet.

LEARNING TARGETS:

• I can compare the popularity of various transportation methods in the United States.
• I can explore how access to different transportation options can vary based on geographic location.
• I can identify ways to reduce my transportation costs.
• I understand the financial implications and overall tradeoffs of using different transportation options.