Commuter Benefits Program
What is the Commuter Benefits Program?
The Commuter Benefits Program allows eligible employees to pay for qualifying transit and vanpool commuting expenses using pre-tax payroll deductions, which can lower taxable income and reduce commuting costs.
Who is eligible?
You may participate if you are:
- An Executive, MPP, Confidential, or other non-represented employee, or
- In a bargaining unit that offers this benefit
Not eligible:
- Rehired annuitants
- Faculty Early Retirement Program (FERP) participants
Is This Program Right for You?
You should consider enrolling in the Commuter Benefits Program if you regularly commute using:
- AC Transit (Alameda–Contra Costa counties)
- Altamont Corridor Express (ACE)
- Amtrak (Capitol Corridor)
- BART
- Caltrain
- County Connection (East Bay)
- Highway 17 Express
- Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority
- Monterey–Salinas Transit
- Union City Transit
- Other Bay Area bus and ferry systems
Do not enroll if you commute exclusively using VTA with the AS-SJSU SmartPass Clipper Card, as this pass is not eligible for the program.
To learn more about how pre-tax commuter benefits work and estimate potential savings, visit Edenred's website.
How Does the Program Work?
Each month, you choose a pre-tax payroll deduction amount to cover eligible commuting expenses.
Depending on your commute, you will receive either:
- A transit voucher for discounted Highway 17 Express passes purchased through Transportation Solutions, or
- Transit credit loaded onto a Commuter Check Debit MasterCard, which can be used to purchase eligible transit passes, tickets, or fare value through participating transit agencies, Clipper locations, and approved online platforms.
The Commuter Check Debit MasterCard may also be used for:
- Eligible vanpool services
- Multi-passenger transportation services (such as Lyft Line or UberPOOL)
The type of benefit you receive is based on your selected commuting option.
Note: Pre-tax commuter benefits are governed by federal tax regulations and may be subject to change.
How much can I contribute?
- Up to $340 per month (effective February 2026)
- Contributions are deducted before federal, state, and FICA taxes
- Contributions are not exempt from CalPERS retirement deductions
What expenses are covered?
Eligible expenses include:
- Public transit (bus, rail, ferry)
- Vanpool services
- Eligible multi-passenger transportation services
- Transit passes and Clipper Card purchases
Most participants receive funds via a Commuter Check Debit MasterCard, which can be used with participating transit providers.
When can I enroll or make changes?
You may enroll:
- Within 60 days of hire
- During Open Enrollment (November 1–30)
- After a qualifying change in commute status
Once enrolled:
- Your monthly deduction amount cannot be changed unless your commute status changes
- You may cancel at any time, but re-enrollment is limited to the next Open Enrollment period
What happens if I leave the program?
Participation ends if you cancel, become ineligible, or separate from employment. Unused funds must be spent by the end of the month following termination, or they will be forfeited.
