Employees working in Montgomery County can receive up to $325 a month to help cover the cost of their commute using public transit with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) FareShare program. To receive the reimbursement, employers must contribute $25 a month per employee receiving the benefit. The money is tax-free to both the employee and the employer.
“The FareShare program makes using transit more affordable while helping reduce traffic and emissions,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “As the federal government returns to in-person work, we need more commuters to consider public transit options. We encourage more businesses to take advantage of this opportunity and make transit an easier choice for their workers. Employers who participate give their employees a financial break while they’re supporting a healthier, more sustainable transportation system for everyone.”
“The FareShare program is open to anyone who works in Montgomery County, and we hope to see more people taking advantage of it,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “The MCDOT Commuter Services staff will visit any employer, free of charge, to set up the program. Montgomery County has a robust and very affordable public transit network, and the FareShare program is a great incentive to try it out.”
“As a small business owner, every dollar counts,” said Erik Donald, owner of Main Engineering in Silver Spring. “Fareshare allows me to offer competitive commuter benefits at a significantly reduced cost. Offering these benefits encouraged employees to switch from the stress of driving to riding on the train.”
Advertisement
Participating employers also are eligible for a State tax credit of 50 percent of their $25 contribution per enrolled employee each month, reducing their State tax payment. This tax credit is available to both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. For more information on tax credits, visit Commuter Choice Maryland .
Additionally, as part of the County’s efforts to reduce traffic congestion, all County employers with more than 25 employees are required to distribute a travel survey to their employees. MCDOT Commuter Services will send the survey to employers at the end of March. Employees who respond to the survey are eligible for a weekly drawing for a $50 gift card, and for one grand prize drawing for a $500 gift card.
For updates and link to press release, see here: http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=46668