Public Employee Press

Save on your commute with the city transit benefit

You can save up to 30 percent a month on your commute by using the city's transit benefit.

By arranging for monthly payroll deductions and choosing one of two payment options, you can use pre-tax dollars toward your subway, train or bus fare - and even parking expenses.

The benefit - which the union won through negotiations with the city -allows for two options: the Commuter Card and the Premium TransitChek MetroCard.

Riders use the Commuter Card as a debit card at transit vending machines to cover their commute. With the TransitChek MetroCard, participants set up automatic payroll deductions and receive a monthly pass for their commute.

Nearly 60,000 city employees take advantage of the transit benefit. The city hopes enrollment will eventually reach 100,000.

The basic Commuter Card option sets your payroll deduction amount at $116.40, which is equivalent to the cost of an unlimited-ride MetroCard.

To learn about the Commuter Card Plan and the Premium TransitChek MetroCard, go to the Office of Payroll Administration website at http://www.nyc.gov/html/opa/html/home/home.shtml. Dept. of Education employees must register at https://payrollportal.nycboe.net or http://schools.nyc.gov.

Originally, the transit benefit only covered subway and bus rides. But several years ago, the union negotiated to expand the benefit to include Metro-North Railroad, New Jersey Transit the Long Island Railroad and Access-a-Ride. To learn more, visit www.wageworks.com or call 1-877-924-3967.

If you haven't already signed up and want to save money through the pre-tax deduction without a big blow to your pocketbook, consider timing your payroll deductions to coincide with your 2.5 percent raise that is due on Sept. 3 under the union's economic agreement with the city.

— Gregory N. Heires