Commuter benefits save you money by allowing you to use pre-tax money to pay for your commuting expenses. Whether you are new to commuter benefits or are an existing participant who needs support, we are here to help.
Resources for Employees
About Commuter Benefits
Commuter benefits help you pay for your commute to and from work using pretax dollars, which saves you money on your taxes each year. You can use commuter benefits for transit, rideshares and qualified paid parking. Check your commuter benefits account to determine which options are available under your current commuter benefits program.
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How the Savings Work
On average, employees save $700 each year, or more when they set aside up to $300.00 a month to pay for transit commuting expenses. Below is an estimated tax savings for someone who uses commuter benefits for transit and parking expenses.
*Estimated employee savings are for informational purposes only, and based on the 2023 tax year. Individual savings may vary based upon income, individual tax rates, state of residence and other factors. Please consult your tax advisor.
How Much Could You Save?
Commuter benefits can add up to some serious tax savings. Commuter benefits apply to mass transit, rideshares and qualified paid parking. Check out our calculator to see how much you could save.
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Commutes That Are Covered
A wide variety of commuter benefit products ensures that no matter how you commute, you can enjoy the savings and convenience of the benefit.
Transit Riders
- Bus
- Subway
- Train
- Trolley
- Ferry
- Water Taxi
- Light Rail
Drivers
- Parking Expenses
- Meters
- Garages and Lots
Carpoolers
- Vanpool
How Much Can You Spend?
You can set aside up to $300 per month on transit expenses and up to $300 per month on parking expenses. The IRS reviews this amount yearly, setting higher limits with an average of a $5 increase each year. Keep in mind that transit and parking funds are considered two separate buckets of money. Be sure to calculate both your transit and parking expenses separately, and choose contributions accordingly.
How to Spend Transit Funds
Prepaid Cards
Reloadable commuter benefit cards that are accepted at transit agencies or designated transit retail centers where only transit and vanpool passes, tickets, and fare cards are sold, or at fare vending machines.
Commuter Check Vouchers
Commuter Check Vouchers are redeemable for passes, tickets, or cards anywhere transit, parking, or vanpool vouchers are accepted.
Transit Passes
We offer products for hundreds of transit agencies nationwide. Simply select your desired transit passes through your Commuter Benefit Solutions online account, and you will receive your product by mail each month.
Smart Cards
We offer several transit agency-specific Smart Cards across the nation. And, we are constantly adding more to our catalog.
How to Spend Parking Funds
Prepaid Cards
Our prepaid cards offer the functionality and convenience of a reloadable, personalized, prepaid card for use at parking facilities nationwide. No receipts are necessary with this solution, just swipe and go!
Monthly Direct Pay
We can directly pay parking and vanpool providers on your behalf. This is a great option for commuters who pay for parking on a monthly or quarterly basis.
Commuter Check for Parking Vouchers
These vouchers are made payable to the parking provider of your choice and can be used to pay for parking expenses. Commuter Check for parking vouchers may be used to purchase one or more types of parking, and you can order as many vouchers as needed for multiple parking providers.
Parking Cash Reimbursement
Perfect for those who only park on an occasional basis, use multiple parking lots, park at parking meters, or utilize a parking provider that will not accept checks or third party payments.
Spot Hero
Use your Commuter Check Prepaid Mastercard to pay for parking with SpotHero. With SpotHero, you can easily book affordable parking at more than 5,000 garages, lots and valets.
How to Spend Biking Funds
Commuter Check for Bicycling Vouchers
Commuter Check for bicycling vouchers can be ordered in any denomination between $10 and $20 and are accepted at participating bicycle shops and bicycle storage facilities nationwide. Use them as payment towards bicycles, bicycle equipment, repairs, and/or storage fees associated with your commute to work. Please note: biking may not be offered under your current commute program, as it’s no longer considered a pre-tax eligible transit expense.
Is the Benefit Mandatory In Your City?
Offering a commuter benefits program is legally required in a growing number of locations. These ordinances require businesses with a certain number of employees to offer pre-tax commuter benefit programs. The following cities or regions have an ordinance in place:
- Seattle
- New York City
- Washington, DC
- Berkeley and Richmond
- San Francisco Bay Area
- Coming soon – Los Angeles and New Jersey