Is a transit pass worth it?

See exactly how many trips you need to break even, and how much you'll save (or lose) each month.

Break-Even Calculator

Break-even trips per month

—

You need at least this many trips each month for the pass to pay off.

Monthly savings

—

Positive means you save with a pass. Negative means pay-per-ride is cheaper.

Annual savings

—

Projected over 12 months, assuming the same travel pattern.

Savings over 12 months

Each bar shows cumulative savings for that month.

How the calculator works

PassMath compares the cost of a monthly transit pass against paying for each ride individually. It takes your average weekly trips, multiplies by 4.33 (the average number of weeks in a month), and calculates your total single-ride cost. If that number is higher than the pass price, the pass saves you money.

For example, if a single ride costs $2.75 and you take 10 trips per week, your monthly pay-per-ride cost is 10 × 4.33 × $2.75 = $119.08. If the monthly pass is $127, you'd lose about $8 per month by buying the pass. You'd need to take 47 trips per month (about 11 per week) to break even.

Common mistakes

  • Forgetting weeks off. If you travel less during holidays or vacation, your average weekly trips drop, and a pass might not be worth it.
  • Ignoring transfer costs. Some systems charge extra for transfers. Add those to your single-ride estimate.
  • Not checking for discounts. Many agencies offer reduced fares for seniors, students, or low-income riders. Always check if you qualify.

When a pass almost never makes sense

If you ride fewer than 8 trips per week, a monthly pass is rarely a good deal. Even with high single fares, the break-even point usually requires at least 30 trips per month. Infrequent riders should stick to pay-per-ride or consider a stored-value card.

What about annual passes?

Many agencies sell annual passes at a discount compared to 12 monthly passes. To compare, enter the annual pass price in the custom fields and set your weekly trips accordingly. The calculator will show if the upfront cost pays off.

Preset fare data

We include approximate fares for major systems to get you started quickly. These are based on standard adult fares as of early 2026 and may not include express services, peak pricing, or special programs. Always verify with your transit agency.

  • NYC MTA: $2.75 single ride, $127 monthly (30-day unlimited).
  • London TfL (Zone 1-2): £2.80 single, £163.80 monthly (contactless cap estimate).
  • BART: $4.50 average single ride (varies by distance), $198 monthly (within SF).
  • CTA: $2.50 single ride (bus), $2.25 (train), $105 monthly (30-day pass).

Last updated: March 2026. Fare data may change; check your local agency.