My New Commute by the Numbers

In November, I might be switching offices to somewhere outside of the Beltway which those informed call Springfield, VA. My transit options: car, metro, or bicycle. Everyone has an opinion: buy a beater; read on the Metro; bike like a beast. Let's break it down by the numbers.

Car

Time: Google Maps says it would take 30 minutes to drive from my apartment and up to 35 minutes in traffic. Since I'd be driving in rush hour traffic, assume 35 minutes. I don't have parking available in my building, so I'd need to park the car on the street. Add some time for that; let's say 15 minutes for walking to and from the car and finding a spot when I get home. Total time estimate: 35 minutes * 2 + 15 minutes = 95 minutes.
Cost: I'd have to buy a car, pay for insurance, maintenance, and gas. Car insurance for a 24 year old male in my neighborhood estimate $125. Car payments $300 per month. Assuming I get 30 MPG, $3 a day in gas times days in the office per month 21 is $63. Plus maintenance costs $100/month. $588/month.

Estimating car costs is tricky. Alternately, say the miles to get to work with an estimated cost at .55 cents per mile. 32 * .55c * 21. For the month would be $369. Range $369 - $588.

Metro

Time: Trip planner says it will take just under an hour during rush hour. Add time of walking to and from the metro plus the initial wait time 20 minutes. 60 * 2 + 20 = 140 minutes.
Cost: One way is $5.10. So there and back for the month. $5.10 * 2 * 21 = $214.20.

Bicycle

Time: I've looked at some suggested routes from WABA and planned my own here. It's 17.3 miles. In traffic with gear the ride would probably take me an 70 minutes. There and back would be 140 minutes.
Cost: Well, I wouldn't ride every day. I'd aim for biking 3 days a week. The other days I'd Metro. So let's say half the cost of the Metro: $107.10.

Summary

Car: $370 - $588 per month and takes 95 minutes a day.
Metro: $214.20 per month and takes 140 minutes a day.
Bicycle: $107.10 per month and takes 140 minutes a day

Driving has the least time with the highest cost. For $10 to $20 dollars a work day I could save 40 minutes a day. However, if I bicycled to work I wouldn't have to go to the gym. Not working out for 2 hours three days a week would save time. It would work to about the same time overall while saving about $400. I'd also get through plenty of reading on the metro during those alternate days. It most definitely worth trying out the bicycle. Ride free!