Transit & Microtransit

Commuter Benefits Program

Pay your mass transit and parking expenses through pre-tax payroll deductions. Your contributions will be deducted from your paycheck before taxes are calculated and withheld. This lowers your taxable income, so you save money on taxes!

You pay no extra fees. Montefiore pays WageWorks administrative fees on your behalf as part of your benefits package.

IRS limits on Monthly Reimbursement

The IRS establishes maximum monthly limits for qualified transportation expenses (which are subject to change). If your expenses exceed these limits, you can elect to have your total monthly commuting costs withheld from your pay, using pre-tax contributions up to the IRS maximum and then deduct the balance on an after-tax basis. That way, you can still enjoy the convenience of home delivery and automatic payments.

Qualified Transportation Expenses

You can save money whether you use mass transit, drive or a combination of both.

Eligible Expenses include: Bus and Subway Fares, Commuter Railroads (LIRR, MetroNorth, NJ Transist, etc), Ferries, Vanpools, Parking - at or near work or near transit.

Ineligible Expenses include: Gas, Mileage, Tolls (including EZ Pass), Taxis and Limousines, Parking near home, Commuter Airlines, Parking expenses for Montefiore facilities that are automatically deducted from your pay on a before-tax basis.

 

Transit and its advantage

Transit can be a convenient way to take the stress out of commuting. Improve your commute and quality of life by taking the train, subway, bus, or ferry. Or combine multiple modes with walking and biking! 

511NY Rideshare members have access to: 

  • Customized door-to-door itineraries.
  • The FREE Guaranteed Ride Program. We’ll give eligible candidates $300 a year in total ride credits to use on a taxi, Lyft, or Uber ride to leave work in an emergency when you regularly take transit (terms and limits apply).
  • Pre-tax benefits through your employer – we’ll talk to them on your behalf if they don’t already offer this.

"[When I drove] I felt way more tired even though my commute took less time. I had to focus on the road, I couldn’t work while I was commuting. Now, if I want to work or nap, I can take the bus or train. "

Kristina R., 511NY Rideshare

Transit Buddy

We are excited to offer a new service for our 511NY Rideshare members. Fill out this form to be matched with a transit buddy - someone taking a similar transportation route who can travel with you. You never know who you could meet on your commute, and we hope some of our members will be encouraged to try new modes of transportation with a little help from a buddy! 

Transit Buddy Form 

 

Microtransit 

Microtransit refers to private multi-passenger transportation services that serve passengers using dynamically generated routes, with passengers typically meeting vehicles at common pick-up/drop-off points (USDOT). 

New York State has several microtransit providers in operation, often filling the first/last-mile gap and allowing New Yorkers to connect to other transportation options.

  • CDTC FLEX in the Capital District offers on-demand microtransit with flexible routing and scheduling.
  • CircuitNR operates a free shuttle service in New Rochelle connecting downtown New Rochelle. Circuit also operates seasonal shuttles in Montauk, East Hampton, Southampton, and Williamsburg Brooklyn.
  • Via NYC provides on-demand transportation – taking multiple passengers heading in the same direction in a shared vehicle. They also provide airport and other shuttles throughout the five boroughs. 
  • Uberpool allows riders to share their ride with others along their route. 
  • Lyft allows riders to share rides with friends or other people along their route.
  • Myle allows riders to share rides with others along their route.