Businesses and Commuters See Big Increase
The recently passed fiscal cliff legislation includes a major bonus for riders of public transit and their employers. The legislation increases the transit commuter tax benefit by nearly 50 percent from $125 a month to $240 a month. This increase makes the transit benefit equal to the federal tax benefit for parking. The new law allows transit users to receive up to $240 a month, from employers, as a non-taxable fringe benefit, or allows employees to set aside up to that amount as a pre-tax benefit for commuting to work on public transportation.
“This increase means employees can now pay for any regional fare entirely with pre-tax dollars. And, employers who participate in the subsidized transit pass program will also recoup more of their investments. It also benefits the community by offering commuters an incentive to park their cars and choose public transit,” said Supervisor Bill Horn, NCTD Board Chairman.
Commuters and businesses can find out more about the monthly pass program by contacting iCommute by dialing 511 toll-free from any phone and saying “iCommute” or by sending an email to: iCommute@sandag.org
ABOUT NORTH COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT
The North County Transit District is a public transportation agency providing 12 million passenger trips annually throughout North San Diego County and into downtown San Diego. NCTD's system includes BREEZE buses, COASTER commuter trains, SPRINTER light rail trains, and LIFT paratransit service. NCTD's mission is to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services.
