Transit Costs : Now equals getting a car

 One of the hard truths I have had to come to this year is $30 a day transit costs. This equals if I owned or leased a vehicle. While I am deciding to move closer to work or change jobs to be closer where I live lemme review the cost of it all. 

One, VTA increased their fares to $2.50 and are looking to increase in 2026 with a decrease in service ( not really surprised by this ) Secondly, BART is increasing their fares annually and in January 2026 look to a 6% increase. Caltrain and Muni did a mid-year increase with Caltrain a full .25 and Muni only .10 but, both will increase again in 2026 as well. 

So, if I took VTA to BART it would be $2.50 plus $9.15 but take me 90 minutes. 

If I take VTA to Caltrain then Muni its 75 minutes at $2.50 plus $10.20 plus Muni $2.35 ( discount connection ) I spend $4 more but I have a "shorter" commute. 

I obviously should take BART but, there has been a series of issues with BART one being on-time running and the secondary is the connecting VTA buses. BART consistently runs slower due to weather. This can make an 10 hour commute via Caltrain a 13 hour commute via BART. 

When I got to look at getting a car I was not really surprised but, I have to look at the value of it all. 

The car New or Used will come with a Loan of nearly $20K and that is if I can put a sizeable down payment. The insurance in California is really insane about $800 minimum even if I only drive 4K a year ( not likely ). Next gas for the average 10 gallon tank is running $4.85 to $5.15 per gallon that's $50 every four days $350 ( say I don't drive six days out of the month ) So, its $500 loan plus $250 insurance plus $350 gas that doesn't cover tires ($800 cheap) oil change ($50 cheap) or windshield coverage that is $1,100 out the door. Right now, that would eliminate my monthly food budget, my savings, my health insurance, credit card payments and any emergency fund. 

So, I have tried to mitigate the transit expense by doing dog sitting and just walking everywhere I can. Granted, moving closer to work is the better option but,  I am now more picky and I don't really want to move every year just because of the housing market. 

While moving to SF is an idea, it is incredibly loud there and I happen to like the quietness of the south bay. Yet, when I do move I am going to look at that transit expense once again. 

Thus why I have the BuyMeACoffee https://buymeacoffee.com/patriciainoz