Public transit vs car cost

{{whyLabel}}: Fixed costs occur regardless of how much you drive and are often underestimated.

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• Gather your annual insurance premium statement.
• Check your vehicle tax notification.
• Include mandatory inspection fees (e.g., TÜV/MOT) divided by the interval years.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a total sum of insurance, taxes, and mandatory fees for one year.

{{whyLabel}}: Fuel is the most visible variable cost and fluctuates with mileage.

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• Multiply your average weekly mileage by 52.
• Divide by 100 and multiply by your car's average consumption (liters/100km or MPG).
• Multiply by the current average fuel price.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a realistic estimate of your yearly spending at the pump.

{{whyLabel}}: Depreciation is the 'hidden' cost that usually represents the largest expense of car ownership.

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• Use the '15% rule': A car typically loses 15% of its remaining value each year.
• Alternatively, subtract the current market value from the purchase price and divide by years owned.
• Use free online valuation tools for a current market estimate.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a calculated dollar amount for the value lost this year.

{{whyLabel}}: Tires, oil changes, and unexpected repairs add up significantly over 12 months.

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• Review receipts from the last 24 months and calculate the average per year.
• Include consumables like windshield wiper fluid and car washes.
• Budget approximately $50-$100 per month for older vehicles as a reserve.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a total annual maintenance figure.

{{whyLabel}}: Monthly or annual passes are significantly cheaper than buying single tickets daily.

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• Look for 'Commuter' or 'Network' passes covering your primary routes.
• Check for employer-subsidized tickets (Jobtickets) which can save 25-50%.
• Evaluate regional flat-rate tickets (like the Deutschlandticket in Germany or similar regional passes).

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You know the exact price of your future monthly transit pass.

{{whyLabel}}: Public transit doesn't always go door-to-door; you need to account for the gaps.

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• Estimate costs for bike-sharing or e-scooters if needed for the station connection.
• Budget for 1-2 taxi or ride-share trips per month for emergencies or late nights.
• Include a small budget for occasional car-sharing for heavy grocery trips.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a monthly buffer amount for non-standard transit needs.

{{whyLabel}}: Visualizing the difference is crucial for making a long-term commitment.

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• Use a spreadsheet (LibreOffice Calc or Google Sheets).
• Column A: Car (Fixed + Variable + Depreciation + Maintenance).
• Column B: Transit (Subscription + Last Mile + Occasional Car-sharing).
• Subtract B from A to find your 'Annual Transit Dividend'.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A spreadsheet showing the total annual savings amount.

{{whyLabel}}: Financial savings are only sustainable if the lifestyle change is manageable.

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• Leave the car keys at home for 5 consecutive workdays.
• Use a navigation app to find the most efficient connections.
• Note the 'Time Profit': Minutes spent reading or working on the train vs. driving.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have completed 5 days of commuting without using your car.

{{whyLabel}}: Keeping a car 'just in case' still incurs fixed costs and depreciation.

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• Clean the car thoroughly to maximize resale value.
• List on free classified platforms or contact local dealers for quotes.
• Cancel your insurance and notify the tax office immediately after the sale.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The car is sold or officially taken off the road, and insurance is cancelled.

{{whyLabel}}: If you don't move the saved money, it often disappears into general spending.

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• Set up a standing order (automated transfer) from your checking account.
• Transfer the calculated monthly savings (Car Cost - Transit Cost) to a separate account.
• Label the account 'Transit Dividend' or 'Travel Fund'.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: An active automated transfer is scheduled in your banking app.