A while ago, I had decided that taking the train was a little less cost effective than driving all the way, but the benefits were worth the cost. Well, with gas prices changing, it's time to actually calculate it.
In my case, I have to drive to a train station (or walk a mile each way, and transfer to a bus and then transfer to the train), which happens to be on the same route as driving.
M = distance driving to the office = 15 miles
M' = distance driving to the train = .2666M = 4 miles
mpg = car's average mpg = 28
Pg = price of gas per gallon
Pt = price of a daily train ticket = $4.50
Ptm = price of a montly train pass, amortized to a daily figure (given 20 days used per month) = $3.75
Cost of driving all the way:
2*M/mpg*Pg (+ neglected cost of wear on car)
1.07*Pg
Cost of driving to train station and taking train
2*M'/mpg*Pg + Pt
0.29*Pg + $4.50
Cost of driving to train station and taking train with monthly pass
2*M'/mpg*Pg + Ptm
0.29*Pg + $3.75
So, what price does gas have to be to be worth it?
1.07Pg = .29Pg + 3.75
.78Pg = 3.75
Pg = $4.81. Wow. Hope that doesn't happen any time soon.
EXTREME optimal case - 23 days working per month - $3.26 = Ptm, adjusting Pg to $4.18...
The wear on the car is a non-trivial factor. Tires, oil, depreciation from mileage, general wear, misc repairs, ...
ReplyDeleteThe IRS gives $0.58/mile and they aren't into generosity.
I know - I was oversimplifying. Like "neglect friction and air resistance (http://xkcd.com/669/)".
ReplyDeleteI should probably also change my oil; it's about 2000 miles overdue. May the car world forgive me.