Public Employee Press

Cut your commuting costs

The city Transit Benefit Program lets employees save money by paying for their commute tax-free. It also includes an annual MetroCard for unlimited rides, which saves waiting in line to buy a new one each month.

The program began in 2000, under DC 37’s 1991-2001 Citywide Contract and an executive order by the mayor, in accordance with federal tax law. An employee in the program has their monthly commuting cost deducted from their paycheck, before taxes. The amount varies depending on whether the employee is paid weekly, bi-weekly or semi-monthly, but the deductions add up to the cost of a year’s worth of $76 monthly MetroCards.

A typical DC 37 member, paid every two weeks, has a pre-tax paycheck deduction of $35.08. With less of their pay subject to taxes, members keep more income and save almost $10 per pay period on commuting.

The money deducted goes for a special unlimited-ride MetroCard that can be used yearlong on New York City Transit subways and buses. The Premium TransitChek MetroCard spares members from a monthly wait in line and is replaced the same day if lost.

The typical member will save over $200 on commuting costs this year and will get additional savings when using the card when riding buses and subways on weekends or regular days off.

For more information about the city’s TransitBenefit Program, call the OPA service line 212-669-8555 or go to their Web site at www.nyc.gov/html/opa/html/home/home.shtml.