Pre-Paying Transit Tickets Reduces Daily Commuting Costs

OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The $230 pre-tax commuter benefit allowing vanpoolers and transit users to purchase fares and tickets has been extended through 2011. 511 Rideshare urges commuters to save money using the pre-tax benefit extension.

Year-end Congressional actions in 2010, extended the $230 per month pre-tax benefit that was originally included in the 2009 American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA). Employees can pay for transit and vanpool fares on a pre-tax basis up to the $230 limit—a win-win for employees and their companies. Employees save by reducing gross income and employers gain by reducing applicable payroll taxes.

Using the pre-tax commuter benefit is a simple option that enables Bay Area travelers to reduce their commuting expenses. Employers can offer the benefit to employees through a program like Clipper Direct, Wage Works, Commuter Check or others. Transit fees are deducted from the employee's paycheck automatically through their company's payroll service. Employees are encouraged to talk with their HR managers about the program. The pre-tax benefit is available to commuters who pre-pay applicable transit, vanpool or parking costs.

511 encourages both employers and commuters to take advantage of the extension in 2011. Commuters who wish to participate in the commuter tax benefit should contact their employer's human resources or payroll department. Employers who would like to offer a commute benefit program in 2011 can contact 511 and talk with an employer services representative. All of the services at 511 are FREE.

About 511 Rideshare

511 Rideshare maintains an expanding database exceeding 29,000 San Francisco Bay Area commuters. The 511 RideMatch Service helps Bay Area residents find carpools and vanpools, and provides online tools for commuters to earn incentives while tracking their travel patterns and reducing their CO2 emissions. 511 Rideshare provides free assistance to Bay Area companies in planning and developing customized commute programs. Its mission is to reduce traffic congestion, clean the air, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

511 Rideshare is a free Web and phone service funded by the Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. For more information, visit the Rideshare page at 511.org.

SOURCE 511 Rideshare