federal pre-tax transit benefit program

Commuter Choice refers to Internal Revenue Code [(26 USC 132(f)] which permits employers to offer a tax-free benefit to commute to work by methods other than driving alone.

• State Employee Sign Up

This benefit can be realized by an employer providing the following Metro fare options to its staff.

Click on fare items below for complete description:

• 31-Day Passes ($47.00/month - good for unlimited rides for a 31-day period)

• Adult 10-Ride Cards ($12.00 – valid for 10 rides).

• Senior/Disabled 10-Ride Cards ($7.50 – valid for 10 rides).

• Paratransit Convenience Tickets ($15.00 – 15-ticket booklet).

This can be done by:

1. Providing the pass or card free to employees. The employer pays Metro for the cost of the pass/card and receives the tax benefit at the end of the year.

2. Offering the pass/card for purchase to employees on a pre-tax basis through payroll deduction. The employee then has the option of purchasing a pass/card through its employer on the discounted pre-tax rate.

3. Both employer and share the cost and subsequent benefit/savings. A combination of the employer providing some of the cost of the pass/card to its employees with the remainder being paid by the employee pre-tax through payroll deduction.

Obtain Passes/10-Ride Cards:

• Order online

• Purchase at Sales Outlet

• Print/Mail order form with payment by check

Frequently Asked Questions:  By Employers | By Employees