Montgomery County is offering a program that could both ease traffic congestion and provide a welcome recruitment and retention benefit for employers. With a $25 employer contribution, the county will pay up to $300 per employee, per month – tax-free.

Employees working in Montgomery County can receive up to $325 a month to help cover the cost of their commute using public transit with the County FareShare Program.

Employers must contribute $25 a month per employee receiving the benefit; the money is tax-free for both the employee and employer. Expenses covered include the Ride On bus, Metrobus, Metrorail, MTA Commuter bus or MARC train, along with van pools (under specific conditions). Businesses looking to implement or expand a transportation benefit program must commit to covering the first $25 per month of travel costs for participating employees. The County will cover commuting costs over the initial $25, up to $300 per month. The FareShare reimbursements offset the cost to employers who pay for their employees’ commutes. Employers can also offer a pre-tax payroll deduction benefit at no cost to the employee or a combination of both. Participating employers also are eligible for a State tax credit of 50 percent of their $25 contribution per enrolled employee each month, reducing their State tax payment. This tax credit is available to both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. For more information on tax credits, visit Commuter Choice Maryland.

From the Montgomery County press release:

“The FareShare program makes using transit more affordable while helping reduce traffic and emissions,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “As the federal government returns to in-person work, we need more commuters to consider public transit options. We encourage more businesses to take advantage of this opportunity and make transit an easier choice for their workers. Employers who participate give their employees a financial break while they’re supporting a healthier, more sustainable transportation system for everyone.”