Department of the Army Mass Transportation Benefit Program

Department of the Army Mass Transportation Benefit Program (MTBP) Guidance for Participants 1

Guidance for Participants This guide is to assist participants with the following: • Determining eligibility • How to apply • Determining amount of benefit • Timeline for getting started • Retroactive benefits • Revalidation • Obtaining fare media • Changes and withdrawals • Making adjustments • Other questions 2

Guidance for Participants – Who is eligible The Mass Transportation Benefit Program provides reimbursement for mass transit commuting costs “in order to reduce Federal employees’ contribution to traffic congestion and air pollution and to expand their commuting alternatives” (Executive Order 13150, April 2000) • MTBP is available for all Army employees – military, civilian, and NAF • The benefit is a non-taxable personnel benefit, funded from the same appropriation or non-appropriated fund that funds the participant's salary • The benefit is not to be used for any other purpose, and may not be given, sold, or otherwise transferred to any other individual • MTBP execution and individual participation is closely monitored by Army, Do. D, and Federal oversight agencies (GAO, OMB) for compliance with program requirements 3

Who is NOT eligible? • Army RC service members who are drilling or training in an Inactive Duty for Training (IADT) status • Contractors • Service members and civilian employees on TDY, or who have been deployed • NAF personnel whose salary is not funded by a duly constituted Army NAFI under the provisions of AR 215 -1 • Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) students unless they are enlisted in a military branch and serving on active duty • Army military retirees and Army civilian employee retirees • Dependents 4

Guidance for Participants • Eligible MTBP participants receive a subsidy for their commuting expenses while using Qualified Means of Transportation • The subsidy is provided via: • • Fare media is issued which is used to “pay” the local transit provider. As of 1 January 2010 the maximum allowable benefit is $230 per month • If your commuting costs exceed $230 per month, you are responsible for the amount above $230. 5

Determining the Benefit Amount • How do I determine the benefit amount that I am eligible to receive? • Contact ACHD at (208) 387 -6164 to determine your benefit amount. • Parking fees are not authorized for reimbursement and will not be included in calculating commuting costs. • The cost for seat reservations on vanpools during a participant’s absence from the workplace is not authorized for reimbursement and will not be included in calculating commuting costs. 6

Time Frame for Enrollment • How long does it take to enroll in the Mass Transit Benefit Program? – The turnaround time for the participate to receive benefits is approximately 30 workdays or six weeks from the date of submission. (this includes new enrollment and re-enrollment) – If you are new to Commuteride, your first month is free (free month consists of 21 consecutive work days) • Can I be retroactively reimbursed for the Mass Transit costs I have already incurred or will incur prior to my application being processed? – No, The Mass Transit Benefit Program is a benefit, not an entitlement; thus, there is no retroactive reimbursement for the program. 7

Obtaining Your Media Fare • How do I obtain my fare? – The participant is notified by email by the Program POC that their commuter checks are available for pick up. It is critical that the employee have the correct email address and telephone number on their application form. – There will be specific times and dates posted for the distribution of the commuter checks. If the employee is a new participant they will be notified by email and telephone about the disbursement of their checks. – If the participant is unable to pick up their commuter checks when notified, the employee must contact the Mass Transit POC thru email or phone and the commuter checks will be held until he or she can pick up and sign for them. 8

Needing to Make Changes? • If my commuting circumstances change, can my benefit amount be changed? – Yes. Participants are required to submit a new MTBP Application Form to your POC for “making a change” if there is a change to your commuting circumstances or cost. • Should I submit an updated application if any of my personal information changes? – Yes. Submit a new application form for “making a change” whenever changes occur (address change, name change, etc…) • What if I decide to withdraw from the program? – Participants must submit an application form for “withdrawal” if they choose to withdraw from the program, or when they depart from their command. Departure includes retirement, separation, dismissal and transfer. The participate must also return all unused fare media to the Mass Transit POC upon departure. 9

Participates Responsibility It is the participants responsibility to hand in the Transportation Benefit (commuter checks media fare) and out-of-pocket expenses, on time each month. Please ensure the monthly fare is paid to the commuteride each month. 10

Participate Brochure 11

Participate Brochure Continued 12

What if I have more questions? • Check with your installation POC they should be able to help you with any additional questions. – POC for Army Guard Participants is SSgt Melissa Loepp at 272 -3780 – POC for Air Guard Participants is MSgt Tim Gibbons at 422 -6466 13