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 Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) FareShare program. To receive the reimbursement, employers must contribute $25 a month per employee receiving the benefit. The money is tax-free to both the employee and the employer.
The program covers expenses incurred by commuters using Ride On bus, Metrobus, Metrorail, MTA Commuter bus or MARC train. It also covers expenses for vanpools, as long as the employee commutes to and from a workplace within Montgomery County.
“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.”
Starting in January 2025, the Internal Revenue Service increased the pre-tax limit for employer-provided commuting benefits to $325 per month, up from $300 per month last year. The FareShare program reimburses employers for the maximum amount allowed, minus the $25 contribution.
“The FareShare program is open to anyone who works in Montgomery County, and we hope to see more people taking advantage of it,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “The MCDOT Commuter Services staff will visit any employer, free of charge, to set up the program. Montgomery County has a robust and very affordable public transit network, and the FareShare program is a great incentive to try it out.”
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 a 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.
"As a small business owner, every dollar counts,” said Erik Donald, owner of Main Engineering in Silver Spring. “FareShare allows me to offer competitive commuter benefits at a significantly reduced cost. Offering these benefits encouraged employees to switch from the stress of driving to riding on the train.”
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.
Additionally, as part of the County’s efforts to reduce traffic congestion, all County employers with more than 25 employees are required to distribute a travel survey to their employees. MCDOT Commuter Services will send the survey to employers at the end of March. Employees who respond to the survey are eligible for a weekly drawing for a $50 gift card, and for one grand prize drawing for a $500 gift card.
For more information and to request free support to implement or increase a transportation reimbursement program in the County, contact MCDOT FairShare at commuter.services@montgomerycountymd.gov.
For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on X, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.
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Release ID: 25-097
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta 240-372-2282