What is the new limit on the transit subsidy and when did the
transit subsidy increase take effect as a result of the American Recovery and
Economic Stimulus Act of 2009? Will the increase in transit subsidy funds to
employees be awarded on a retroactive basis?
The new limit is $230 per month (from $115 per month). The increase took
effect on March 1, 2009. The increased transit subsidy funds will be retroactive
to March 1, and the new limit will take effect for current subsidy awards on
June 1.
How do I know which program handles my application?
There are two DOD programs for the transit subsidy. You apply online at the
appropriate program website. If your duty station is within the Washington DC
metropolitan area, you will apply for the National Capital Region Program (NCR)
and click on the NCR link on the previous page. If your duty station is not
Washington DC and outside the National Capital region, you will apply with the
Outside the National Capital Region (ONCR) and click on the link on the previous
page to apply.
What should I do if I did not submit a new transit subsidy
application in February or did not list my actual costs on my new application?
For employees who did not get their higher subsidy amount in June,
employees should file new applications and trip planners if they are eligible
for the increased funds.
Who is eligible for a transit subsidy?
Federal employees who commute via bus, mass transit rail, trains, and
vanpools.
Am I eligible for a transit subsidy if I am a part-time employee?
Yes.
Am I eligible for a transit subsidy if I am a contractor?
No, contractors are not eligible, only federal employees are eligible for this benefit.
Am I eligible for a transit subsidy if I am a teleworker?
Yes, however your transit subsidy must be adjusted to subtract your
telework days from your regular work schedule each month.
How do I handle periods of vacation, or any other workday when I
don’t commute by mass transit when collecting my transit subsidy funds for that
month?
You may only collect transit funds for actual commuting expenses. Time
spent in leave status means that there are no commuting expenses to be
subsidized. Accordingly, you must deduct the expenses for those days from your subsidy collection if that
results in your receipt of more than your actual cost.
How much of a subsidy am I eligible for if I have an AWS
schedule?
You are eligible for $230 or actual expenses, whichever is lower. An 8 hour
schedule is eligible for expenses for 20 commuting days per month. A 5-4-9
schedule is eligible for 18 days per month. A 4-10 schedule is eligible for 16
days per month.
Can I receive a transit subsidy if I am in a carpool?
No. You can get a commuter subsidy or subsidized carpool parking as a
carpool member. You cannot receive both. The application forms contain a
certification to that effect by the recipient.
How do I apply for the transit subsidy?
You apply online at the appropriate program website depending on where you
live. The web site links are listed on the transit subsidy main page.
When does my transit subsidy begin?
Employees who submit applications before the 15th of each month will be
entitled to the subsidy on the first day of the following month. Employees who
submit applications after the 15th of the month will be entitled on the first
day of the month after the month following the date the application was
submitted.