Need More Cash? Try This Idea

In these tough economic times, all of us are looking for ways to save money. Here's one way you can save thousands of dollars a year.

Ride the bus to work.

Transit commuters can save on average $9,215 every year, according to research conducted by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

That figure is based on the March 3 national average gas price and the national unreserved monthly parking rate. The average cost per gallon of gas on March 3 was $2.703 - 77 cents more than than the price per gallon a year ago same time.

That means you can save $715 more this year than last year if your ride public transportation.

On average, transit riders can save $768 every month. Imagine what you could do with that extra money. Plus, there are other benefits to riding the bus: You can sleep, text without distraction, read a book.

"Taking public transportation provides a safe and affordable way or individuals and families to cut costs," said APTA in a statement. "In addition, taking local public transit offers a travel option that has an immediate positive impact in reducing an individual's overall carbon footprint while helping reduce America's dependence on foreign oil."

Here's how the top 10 cities with the highest transit ridership rank in order of their annual transit savings:

1. New York        $13,740

2. Boston           $12,333

3. San Francisco  $12,134

4. Chicago          $11,298

5. Seattle           $11,197

6. Philadelphia    $11,095

7. Honolulu        $10,689

8. Los Angeles    $10,023

9. San Diego       $ 9,859

10. Mineapolis    $ 9,856