Cost of driving a car vs. taking mass transit

Nationwide, the average driver spends 52.2 cents per mile to operate and maintain a car, according to AAA. The IRS rate for business mileage reimbursement is 48.5 cents per mile. Both numbers include gasoline, insurance and depreciation costs. Given those numbers, here's a look at how much it costs a driver who commutes five days a week and 50 weeks a year to travel to work.

Annual cost to commute, AAA:

10 miles round-trip: $1,305

30 miles round-trip: $3,915

60 miles round-trip: $7,830

90 miles round-trip: $11,745

Annual cost to commute, IRS:

10 miles round-trip: $1,213

30 miles round-trip: $3,638

60 miles round-trip: $7,275

90 miles round-trip: $10,913

Annual cost to ride a Utah Transit Authority bus or TRAX

Regular adult fare (TRAX and regular buses)

2007: $642

2008: $702

2009: $804

Premium express adult fare (long distance, intercounty buses and TRAX)

2007: $1,284

2008: $1,740

2009: $1,944