Q: How does CommuteHub calculate the cost of driving alone?
A: By default, CommuteHub uses a standard average cost of $0.82 per mile for driving alone based on the most recent data from AAA. This figure includes fuel, maintenance, insurance, registration, depreciation, and financing costs.
Other travel modes are compared against this cost to calculate money saved per mile.
Q: How are COâ‚‚ emissions and cost savings calculated?
A: CommuteHub uses average COâ‚‚ emissions rates (grams per mile) and cost per mile for default modes. Standard rates are based on the most recent data published by the United States EPA. Your savings are calculated by comparing the mode you choose to driving alone. Some organizations may use different figures for standard and special modes.
| Mode | COâ‚‚ per mile (g) | Cost per mile ($) |
| Bike | 0 | 0.00 |
| Drive Alone | 400 | 0.82 |
| Transit (Bus) | 66 | 0.42 |
| Train / Subway | 93 | 0.49 |
| Walk | 0 | 0.00 |
| Telework | 0 | 0.00 |
Q: How do you calculate calories burned for walking and biking?
A: CommuteHub uses data from the US Centers for Disease Control to calculate calories burned per mile at average commuting speeds.
- Walking: about 100 calories per mile
- Biking: about 50 calories per mile
These are general estimates — actual calorie burn varies based on speed, weight, and terrain.
What does this mean for you?
- Every mile walked, biked, or teleworked saves $0.82 and 400g of COâ‚‚ compared to driving alone.
- Carpooling, vanpooling, and transit reduce both costs and emissions, with savings depending on the shared distance.
- Active modes (walking, biking) not only save money and emissions, but also burn calories.