How does the benefit work?

You can elect to set aside a specific amount of your pay into a tax-sheltered account so that you can pay for your work related transportation expenses on a pretax basis. Salary amounts redirected to this plan are exempt from all income taxes. Paying for your commuter expenses with pretax income can save you 30% or more on your commuting expenses!

What are Qualified Expenses?

Only expenses for work-related parking or mass transit for employees may be paid through the plan. Expenses for family members may not be paid.

“Parking” is defined as parking provided to an employee on or near the business premises of the employer or on or near a location from which the employee commutes to work by transportation for which a transit pass is used (i.e.; bus, RTA). Such term shall not include any parking on or near property used by the employee for residential purposes.

“Mass Transit” is defined as a bus, railway, subway, ferry, tramcar or streetcar, either publicly or privately owned that is used for transportation to and from work.

How do I use the BASIC Prepaid Benefits Card to pay for expenses?

Use your BASIC Prepaid Benefits Card to pay for transit passes purchased through your transit provider. The Card will only work for transit passes purchased at transit vendor locations such as a farepass kiosk, the transit authority ticket office or online pass purchases. The easiest way to buy transit passes is online at your transit provider’s website.

Use the BASIC Prepaid Benefits Card to pay for parking expenses at qualified locations.

Can I be reimbursed for Parking expenses?

Yes, parking participants may be reimbursed directly for parking expenses when the BASIC Prepaid Benefits Card cannot be used. For direct reimbursement, employees must submit a claim form and a receipt or statement from the parking facility that indicates the amount and date of the expense. Documentation of the expense must be attached unless you certify that a receipt is not provided by your parking facility in its ordinary course of business (i.e. metered parking, unattended daily lots, etc.)