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Transit Benefits Program

The Department of Commerce (DOC) Employee Transit Benefits Program offers qualifying employees a financial incentive to encourage use of mass transit and other options for commuting to and from work to reduce traffic congestion and dangerous pollutants in metropolitan areas.

Qualifying employees includes full-time, part-time, and temporary employees, as well as members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Corps.  It does not include contractors.

Participants must use mass public transportation (bus, subway, and/or train) or authorized vanpool, and may also not receive a DOC parking or bicycle benefit.  The amount of the subsidy equals the actual amount paid for public transportation, not to exceed a set amount per month (currently $300/month) and does not include parking expenses.  Benefits are provided through one of two card types:

  • SmarTrip Card: The SmarTrip card is accepted by Metro bus and rail as well as many government-operated bus and rail providers in the Washington Metropolitan Area. After an account is established, the card must be registered with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority at About SmarTrip® | WMATA Allow 24 hours after registration for the WMATA system to be updated and transit benefits downloaded.
  • TranServe Card: The Transerve card is accepted by some train services (Amtrak, MARC, and VRE), private buses, and vanpool companies. Participants may request the card when applying for transit benefits.

Click here for the Transit Benefits Application Guide