On January 1, 2011, the maximum transit benefit for federal employees using mass transit or qualified vanpools decreases from $230 to $125
TRANServe has adopted new program methodologies to tighten internal controls and support Green Government by moving away from paper fare media. The better way to deliver the transit benefit is simply to do it electronically. The primary goal is to use a single fare media delivery system that offers enhanced internal controls and preserves the transit benefit by deterring fraud, waste and abuse.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation has expanded its launch of a new, cost-efficient way for government employees to receive their monthly transit benefit through the use of a federal debit card. The transit benefit program encourages federal government employees to choose commuting options that improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion as opposed to using single-occupant vehicles.
Under the new program which began in June, government employees are able to use a personalized Visa© debit card to purchase from a ticket agent, online or at a station kiosk. This will save the federal government approximately $270,000 annually in eliminated shipping, travel and onsite distribution costs.
An estimated 20,000 employees in over 50 Federal agencies in New York City and the National Capitol Area no longer need to stand in line or lose time away from their offices to obtain paper vouchers. Unused benefits will be returned to the government automatically, which could lead to additional government savings.
This new process also allows greater oversight through monthly reports detailing where benefits are purchased and used. Lost cards can be quickly canceled and easily replaced, further safeguarding government funds.
The Department plans to launch the program in other major metropolitan areas nationwide once those areas meet Internal Revenue Service regulations as well as other Federal regulations. You can read more about the TRANServe Debit Card here: A Better Way to get your Transit Benefit.
The U.S. Department of Transportation was one of the first government agencies to embrace the Transit Benefit Program. It began distributing transit benefits to employees in the early 1990s. The Department’s program has evolved over the years to offer transit benefit distribution services to over 250,000 federal participants nationwide.
Effective June 15, 2011, SmartBenefits® vouchers were discontinued. All National Capital Region (NCR) transit systems now participate in Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) SmartBenefits®. All NCR participants must enroll in SmartBenefits® to continue to receive the federal transit benefit.
Effective May 1, 2011, Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) commuter buses began participating in SmartBenefits® for employee allocations. Please contact MTA customer service at 410-539-5000 with questions about SmartBenefits® participation.
Effective November 30, 2011, No transit authorities will accept the SmartBenefits® Voucher.
Effective December 1, 2011, WMATA will fully implement a “purse” system auto load. All participants must be converted by that date. As a result of the conversion, paper vouchers of any kind are no longer accepted by WMATA. They have notified transit providers and transit authorities (VRE, MARC train service, and MTA) servicing the National Capital Region that paper SmartBenefits® Vouchers will not be accepted for redemption after November 2011.
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