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The Division of Amenities and Transportation (DATS) is excited to announce the mass transit benefit has increased to $270 per month due to the recently approved 2020 federal spending bill. The increase allows NIH-eligible Transhare members to receive a transit benefit up to a maximum of $270 per month, with no tax implications, for commuting cost coverage. This benefit is a great way to help the environment, reduce your personal expenses for fuel and vehicle maintenance, extend the life of your car, improve air quality, reduce traffic congestion, and decrease parking demands. The allowance does not cover parking fees.

For Transhare users, the NIH Parking Office will automatically adjust transit benefits for Transhare members who have approved commuting costs in the CAPS system greater than $265. Transhare members should have seen this adjustment to their SmartBenefits account starting February 1.

Some members who take the following modes of transportation; MARC, VRE, MTA Commuter Bus, or a Vanpool, will need to take additional actions to make this increase effective. An email with further instructions will be sent to those identified by DATS as taking one of these modes of transportation.

Feel free to call the Employee Transportation Services Office if assistance is needed. For anyone who would like to take public transportation instead of driving, our staff can assist new members on how to determine the best route. The office can be reached at nihparkingoffice@ors.od.nih.gov or by calling 301-496-5050