Getting Started - Check It Out

This directory contains information about voucher (*) and employer pass programs available in various cities (including the thirty largest transit agencies) throughout the United States. It includes the major transit agencies that offer such programs. However, due to the recent changes in the tax code, more transit agencies will likely begin similar programs. Therefore, do not use this list exclusively to determine whether or not such programs exist. If your city is not listed here, then please contact your local transit agency for information on passes and vouchers that might be available. Many transit agencies are listed on the Web at: [www.fta.dot.gov] or [http://www.apta.com/].

The information below is subject to change without notice and is current as of April 2002.

Getting Started - Check it Out

Getting Started with Commuter Choice—America’s Way to Work
A Checklist  

This Commuter Choice Toolbox will make it easier for you to establish a Commuter Choice Program at your organization. Everything you will need to get started is in the toolbox. What’s in it for you? You will be able to offer your employees a value-added benefit and take a tax-write-off. You’ll also have more productive employees with higher morale. 

• Partner with your Transit Agency – Get the facts about how you can customize a Commuter Choice program that meets your needs. Your local transit agency can assist you in creating a program that is just right for your organization. 
• Partner with your Union -- Discuss and negotiate plans to provide a new benefit for your employees. 
• Consult Tax Counsel – Obtain specific guidance on any matters related to Federal, state, and local tax law. 
• Survey Your Employees - Using the enclosed survey forms, find out how much your employees spend to commute. This will help you to set your benefit level.  
• Announce the Benefit - Include an article in your company newsletter explaining the program. 
• Obtain Authorization - Survey your employees, find out how much they need, and get their certification or authorization to withhold salary. 
• Modify Salary Accounts - For pre-tax approach only, adjust their taxable income by the amount of the benefit selected.  
• Update Personnel Manual - Include Commuter Choice benefits as part of your employee package of benefits. 
• Withhold Salary - For pre-tax approach only, at the beginning of each month's pay period, an amount equal to the monthly benefit. 
• Purchase and Distribute Benefits - Purchase either vouchers or transit passes from the transit operator and distribute them to your employees monthly, regardless of who funds the benefit. 
• Prepare Modified W-2 Statement - For the pre-tax approach only, at end of the year, employees' W-2 statements should reflect a lower taxable salary. 
• Celebrate your Employees’ Participation – During National Try Transit Week (annually held the first full week after Labor Day), partner with your local transit authority to acknowledge your Commuter Choice employees.