GRANHOLM - Granholm Highlights Public Transportation as Alternative Way to Save Money

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today reminded citizens that as they look for ways to save money, public transportation can offer an alternative to $4-a-gallon gas prices. As part of the governor's continued efforts to protect consumers' pocketbooks, Granholm encouraged citizens to visit www.michigan.gov/savemoneywhere they can find information on public transportation and other money-saving tips.

"For Michigan citizens looking for ways to save money, using public transportation to get to work or school offers a way to do so, "Granholm said. "When you consider the price of gas, coupled with the price of parking, purchasing a bus pass may be the better deal."

Today, Granholm rode a Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) bus to her office - a ride that cost $1.25.

Granholm noted that taking the bus could save commuters as much as $1,160 a year, or $97 a month, based on data provided by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and AAA Michigan. Those figures are based on a number of factors, including the price of gas and miles driven. The SaveMoney Web feature offers a calculator motorists can use to compute their cost of commuting.

According to the MDOT, at least 80 percent of Michigan's population reside in a community that has a local bus system that can get them to work, shopping, medical appointments, and recreation.

The state's Web site - www.michigan.gov/savemoney- combines information from throughout state government into one, easy-to-find location and provides consumers with money-saving tips. The Web site currently highlights information on ways consumers can save money on gas by adopting alternative forms of transportation and following suggested driving tips. The site includes a variety of tips from how to stretch your gas dollar, to finding the best deal on gas in your neighborhood, to finding car pool and local public bus systems information. A resource called "the cost to commute calculator" gives information on how much your commute costs and how much you can save by car pooling.