Let’s take

and talk bucks on public transit.

The American Public Transportation Association released its latest

report today, showing that the average Portland area commuter who takes the bus or train instead of driving is currently saving $859 a month.

Annual savings are $10,312, the national transit advocacy group reported.

The savings, APTA said, are based on the July 14 average national gas price ($3.66 for a gallon of regular) and the national unreserved monthly parking rate.

“Making the change to public transit today gives individuals the opportunity to lower their transportation costs,” the group said in a news release, “without sacrificing their freedom and mobility.”

Without sacrificing freedom and mobility? Sure, this is a lobbying group. But have these folks been following

?

Still, it’s hard to dispute that riding transit will save you some decent dough.

The monthly “Transit Savings Report” is supposed to show how someone in a two-person household can save money “by taking public transportation and living with one less car,” the APTA said.

By the way, the national average for a monthly unreserved parking space in a downtown business district is $155.22. That’s according to the 2011

. “Over the course of a year, parking costs for a vehicle can amount to an average of $1,862.64,” the APTA said.

Portland ranked 11th on the list of the top 20 transit-savings cities. Number one is New York, with $1,218 a month and $14,618 a year.

APTA’s methodology: