The TransitChek program could save commuters hundreds of dollars a year, but so far, it has not been used to its potential. TransitChek officials told the Daily News this week that only 500,000 employees, less than 10% of those that use MTA facilities daily, are able to take advantage of the TransitChek program. The program is a rare gift from the federal government to transit-rich New York.

At no cost to the MTA or the state, the TransitChek program, a part of federal tax law, allows employees to use up to $100 per month ($1,200 per year) in pre-tax income to purchase transit fares. With a base salary of $48,000, this can translate into employee savings of up to $400 a year. Andy Darrell, regional director of Environmental Defense, discussed the benefits of the program in a Daily News op-ed this week, arguing, "The cost of a fare hike doesn’t have to come straight from riders’ pockets.... For many New Yorkers [TransitChek benefits] could wipe out the impact of the fare increase."

For example, with the recent MTA fare hikes, a monthly MetroCard will increase in price from $63 to $70 per month, a weekly card from $17 to $21. Annually, people using monthly MetroCards will be paying $84 more than before, while those using weeklies will be paying $208 more a year in fares.

But with TransitChek, a commuter making $48,000 a year using a monthly or weekly card can save about $300 a year (a little more with a weekly, a little less with a monthly card), offsetting higher fares.

The trouble with TransitChek is that individuals can’t sign up directly — an employer has to participate in the program. To win more participation, the MTA and other agencies need to promote the benefit more vigorously. The public sector has done a decent job of offering the benefit to its workforce. NYC employees have access to a special annual TransitChek MetroCard, and Westchester county offers TransitChek.

More backing from business leaders could also go a long way. In CT, on March 25, the Business Council of Southwestern CT and transportation agencies are holding a forum to promote the Deduct-A-Ride program. A few similar promotional endeavors in NYC could provide the TransitChek program the exposure it deserves. 

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