Broadcast Message 2009 Transit Benefit Increase to $230

BROADCAST MESSAGE

TO:  All U.S. Department of Transportation Headquarters Employees

FROM: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration

RE:  2009 Monthly Limits for Transit Benefits

The purpose of this message is to notify all employees that effective March, 2009, the new limits for the transit benefit will increase from $120 to $230. 

No action is necessary on the part of the participant because the actual commuting expense was captured in the application.

The Special increase distribution begins March 9, 2009 for those participants eligible for more than $120.

Participants using the electronic SmarTrip Card to down load their benefit will download as usual, then, pick up paper fare media at the Parking Transit Office, for the amount of the increase. (SmartBenefits participants will have the increase on their card in April.)  

You are reminded it is your responsibility to adjust your transit benefit amount any time there is a change to your actual commuting costs.

Example #1: You have certified your estimated commuting cost is $4.00 per day, or $80.00 per month. On two days during the month you drive to work reducing your transit cost by $8.  At the next transit benefit distribution you must request $72, having reduced by the amount of fare media left from last time.

Example #2: You have certified your estimated commuting cost is $13.00 per day, or $260.00 per month.  You receive a transit benefit of $230 per month.  On two days during the month you drive to work reducing your transit cost by $20.  At the next transit benefit distribution, you do not need to reduce your transit benefit as your actual commuting cost still exceeded the amount of transit benefit you received.

The DOT Parking and Transit Office is located in the West Tower, room W12-190, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  The phone number is 202-366-1398.