$8,400.

That’s how much a “typical” Metro Transit user can save in a year by riding a bus instead of using their own car for commuting and other regular trips, according to Metro.

Citing the results of a national survey by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), King County ranks fourth in the U.S. in transit rider savings. The calculations are based partly on the current cost of gas and the price of an average Metro bus pass.

Nationwide, gas prices have increased by 179 percent since 2003, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. APTA reports in its survey findings that a national savings average of $672 a month or $8,059 per year by using public transportation.

And, the savings are even bigger in King County – $701 a month and $8,413 annually – because the price of gas is higher here than the national average, officials noted.

“Riding the bus is a better bargain than ever,” said King County Executive Ron Sims.