Keepin' Your Car ?
The Real Cost of the Urban Auto
As gas prices continue to rise more people are reconsidering their transportation options. Bus, train, cab, bicycle, scooters, I-GO, ZIP Car and even walking are becoming the transportation method of choice for an ever increasing amount of people. There is no doubt that we are becoming more of a pedestrian society every day. With all of these transportation options available a car is not a necessity for most city dwellers, but if you must have a car, be prepared to pay the price.
The Mayor has an excellent parking enforcement task force on the street, especially at night and special events like ball games and street cleaning. The street cleaners now have cameras on them to photograph your license plate when you're parked on a designated street cleaning route. Consider this:
- A parking spot will run you between $150 - $250 a month ($1,800-3,000/yr)
- Auto insurance in Chicago is about $1,500 a year
- Gas at 20 mpg, 10,000 miles/yr, $4.50 gal = $2,250 per year
- A city sticker is $75 a year
- A residential parking permit is $25 a year
- State License Plate $75
- A parking ticket for residential permit is $50
Just 2 unpaid tickets and you get the boot.
To have the boot removed you must pay all of your tickets, which are likely doubled at this point, and pay another $60 boot fee, $150 if they tow it and another $10 a day storage.
The price of keeping a car in the city will be $350-$500 a month PLUS your car payment, repairs and parking tickets. You know it won't be getting any cheaper.
They are smart alternatives.
