The Cost of a Trip between Bloomfield and Ridgefield Based on Current Gas Prices
If you need to travel between Bloomfield and Ridgefield, two cities in New Jersey, there are different route options available, each with its pros and cons in terms of cost, distance, and road conditions. However, the most significant expense of the trip will likely be gas, which has recently seen some fluctuations due to global oil market trends and local taxes. In this article, we’ll break down the cost of a trip between Bloomfield and Ridgefield based on current gas prices and some relevant variables so that you can make an informed decision and plan the most economical and efficient journey.
Possible Routes
Before we dive into the cost analysis, let’s review the possible routes you can take between Bloomfield and Ridgefield, depending on your starting and ending locations and mode of transportation:
Route 1: NJ Turnpike and I-80
If you depart from Bloomfield and head northwest towards Ridgefield, you may consider taking the NJ Turnpike and I-80 highways. The NJ Turnpike has a toll ($3.50 for cars) that you can pay in cash or with an E-ZPass, but it is a faster and more direct route than the local roads. Once you connect with I-80, you can continue for about 8 miles before reaching Ridgefield. The total distance of this route is approximately 20 miles, and the estimated driving time without traffic is around 30-35 minutes. However, the NJ Turnpike and I-80 may be congested during rush hours, which can increase the travel time and fuel consumption.
Route 2: US-46 and NJ-3
A second route option is to take US-46 and NJ-3, and cut across Route 17, to get from Bloomfield to Ridgefield. This route is more scenic than Route 1 and has no tolls, but it may take longer due to traffic and several traffic lights along the way. Also, there may be more commercial and residential areas around this route, so drivers should pay attention to speed limits and traffic signs. The total distance of this route is approximately 16 miles, and the estimated driving time without traffic is around 35-40 minutes.
Route 3: NJ Transit Bus
If you prefer public transportation, you can take the NJ Transit Bus route #191 or #199 from Bloomfield to Ridgefield. This option may be more affordable and eco-friendly than driving, as the fare is $6.75 one-way, and there are senior, child, and disability discounts available. However, the bus schedules and travel times may vary depending on the day, time, and traffic conditions. Also, you may need to transfer to another bus or train to reach your final destination, which can add more time and cost to your trip. According to NJ Transit, the average travel time between Bloomfield and Ridgefield is approximately 45-50 minutes, but the actual time may differ.
Gas Prices
As of August 2021, the average gas prices in New Jersey were $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded fuel, according to AAA. However, the price may vary depending on the gas station, location, and type of gas you use. Additionally, NJ has one of the highest gas taxes in the US, which includes a 41.4 cents per gallon gasoline tax and a 48.4 cents per gallon diesel/gasohol tax. Therefore, you should factor in the gas price and taxes when calculating the total cost of your trip.
Cost Analysis
Let’s do some math to determine the estimated cost of each route based on gas prices and the average fuel economy of a typical passenger car, which is around 21-24 miles per gallon in the city. We’ll assume that you are driving a car that uses regular unleaded gas and that you have to take the same route back from Ridgefield to Bloomfield. Here’s a breakdown of the cost per route:
Route 1: NJ Turnpike and I-80
If we use Google Maps to calculate the distance between Bloomfield and Ridgefield via the NJ Turnpike and I-80, it will show approximately 20 miles each way. Since this route has a toll on the NJ Turnpike, we’ll add $3.50 in each direction to the gas cost. Based on a car that has an average of 22 miles per gallon and that consumes $3.11 per gallon in gas, the total cost for this route is:
20 miles x 2 = 40 total miles
40 total miles / 22 miles per gallon = 1.81 gallons consumed each way
1.81 gallons consumed x $3.11 per gallon = $5.62 in gas cost each way
$5.62 in gas cost each way + $3.50 in tolls each way = $9.12 total cost each way
$9.12 total cost each way x 2 trips = $18.24 estimated total cost for the round-trip
Route 2: US-46 and NJ-3
If we use Google Maps to calculate the distance between Bloomfield and Ridgefield via US-46 and NJ-3, it will show approximately 16 miles each way. Since this route has no tolls, we’ll only consider the gas costs. Based on a car that has an average of 22 miles per gallon and that consumes $3.11 per gallon in gas, the total cost for this route is:
16 miles x 2 = 32 total miles
32 total miles / 22 miles per gallon = 1.45 gallons consumed each way
1.45 gallons consumed x $3.11 per gallon = $4.51 in gas cost each way
$4.51 in gas cost each way x 2 trips = $9.02 estimated total cost for the round-trip
Route 3: NJ Transit Bus
If we use the NJ Transit fare calculator to estimate the cost of a single bus trip from Bloomfield to Ridgefield, it will show $6.75 for adults, as mentioned earlier. This cost already includes the 10% discount for using the MyTix mobile app, but you may have to pay extra for other modes of transportation. Let’s assume that you only take the bus and that you also have to take the same route back to Bloomfield. The total cost for this route is:
$6.75 each way x 2 trips = $13.50 estimated total cost for the round-trip
Recommendations
Based on the cost analysis above, it is evident that taking Route 2, via US-46 and NJ-3, is the most economical and straightforward option to travel between Bloomfield and Ridgefield, as it only costs $9.02 for the round-trip, with no tolls, and a relatively short distance. However, this route may have some traffic during rush hours, and it requires drivers to be aware of the surroundings and obey traffic laws.
Route 1 is slightly more expensive due to the NJ Turnpike tolls, but it can be faster and more convenient, especially if you need to travel during peak times or want to avoid local traffic. However, it also involves more mileage, which may affect your car’s fuel efficiency, and requires more driving experience.
Taking the NJ Transit Bus route is a viable alternative if you want to save on gas and reduce your carbon footprint, but it may take longer and require more planning, as you need to check the bus schedules, transfer stations, and fares. Also, you may need to walk or take a taxi to reach your final destination, which can add more costs and time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Bloomfield and Ridgefield, based on current gas prices, depends on several factors, such as the route, distance, fuel efficiency, and mode of transportation. By analyzing the different options, we can recommend taking Route 2, via US-46 and NJ-3, as the most cost-effective and reasonable choice, with an estimated total cost of $9.02 for the round-trip. However, drivers and commuters should also consider other aspects, such as safety, comfort, time constraints, and personal preferences, before making a final decision. We hope this article has provided you with useful insights and helped you plan your trip wisely.