from the Chicago Sun-Times:
If Metra passengers are driving each other crazy with their cell phones, at least everyone's saving gas.
A report by Environment Illinois found that Chicago area commuters saved 34.8 million gallons of gasoline by riding Metra trains in 2008, the amount of fuel consumed by more than 61,000 cars per year.
The report also found that Chicago area residents who use transit can save as much as $11,611 per year by avoiding the cost of vehicle ownership, parking and fuel.
Environment Illinois encouraged U.S. and state legislatures to consider policies that advance public transit systems and increase the proportion of state and federal funding sent to Metra and other public transit systems.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/transportation/2811058,CST-NWS-ride18a.article