Commuter Check

Today, the Senate Finance Committee took action on the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act" and included a provision which would increase the cap on the transit/vanpool portion of the transportation fringe benefit to $230 a month, the same as parking.

Currently a disparity exists between the monthly caps. Those who drive to work are afforded a monthly cap of up to $230 per month for parking while those who utilize transit are only eligible to receive up to $120 per month for transit passes. The disparity affects millions of commuters and provides an economic incentive to drive to work alone. The change made today by the Senate Finance Committee would establish parity between the two levels and would provide economic relief for the millions of American workers whose commutes to and from work using mass transit exceed the current monthly cap.

Gerard Bridi, Vice President of Accor Services USA said, “I applaud Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY), his diligent staff, and members of the Senate Finance Committee for their action today. Volatility in the price of oil and increasing transit fares are putting greater stress on families across the country. The current benefit for transit commuters is woefully inadequate to meet these rising costs. Increasing the transit benefit would help commuters manage rising fares. As Congress finds ways to create jobs and stimulate the economy, this provision will ensure that Americans have a cost effective way to get to and from those jobs.”

Mr. Bridi added, “As the House and Senate work to resolve differences between their two bills, I am hopeful and confident that the House will agree to include this provision in the final legislation and pass it into law. We are confident that our efforts in the House, led by Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA), will be successful.”