DC Runs on Movement: How Commuter Benefits Can Save You Time, Money, and Stress
Are you tired of spending too much money getting to work? Commuting in the District doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With the right resources, you can save money for the things that matter most, whether that’s groceries, travel, or everyday expenses.
Through employer-sponsored commuter benefits programs, DC commuters have access to a wide range of tools that make daily travel more affordable, flexible, and sustainable.
If you’re commuting in DC, you may have more options than you think. Keep reading to discover how to make the most of your commute.
What Are Commuter Benefits?
Commuter benefits are programs offered by employers that help employees save money and improve their daily commute. These benefits can include:
- Pre-tax deductions for transit and commuting costs
- Employer-subsidized transit passes or fare support
- Free or discounted access to Capital Bikeshare or dockless scooters
- Incentives for biking, walking, or carpooling
If your employer offers commuter benefits, you can save money on your everyday travel expenses without changing your routine. Not sure what commuter benefits you have access to? Start by checking with your employer’s HR or benefits team. Many organizations already offer commuter benefits, but employees are not always aware of them.
Ways to Save on Your Daily Commute
- Pre-Tax Transit Savings: Did you know that one of the most common commuter benefits allows employees to set aside pre-tax income for eligible commuting costs, including Metro, buses, vanpools, and parking? This can reduce your taxable income while making commuting more affordable. Check out the math below!
- Skip Parking, Tolls, & Gas with Transit Options: DC is one of the most transit-rich regions in the country, and commuter benefits can help you take advantage of it. Taking into account gas, tolls, parking, and wear and tear on your vehicle, sustainable options like transit end up being cheaper than driving alone. Plus, add in commuter benefits such as pre-tax transit benefits, transit subsidies, or discounted memberships, and you can save a lot of money! Options in DC include:
- Metrorail and Metrobus
- Commuter buses (Omniride, Loudoun County, MTA)
- Commuter trains (VRE & MARC)
- Vanpools (Vanpool Alliance, Commuter Connections, GWRideConnect)
- Capital Bikeshare
- Scooters and other micro-mobility options
- Get Rewarded for Your Sustainable Commute: Download the CommuterCash app from Commuter Connections; log your sustainable commute trips; and earn points that can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, or transportation credits. It’s that simple! You can earn up to $600 per calendar year.
Make Your Commute Work for You
Saving money is great, but it’s important to make sure your commute works for you. In the District, you can mix and match transit options (often getting discounts on transfers), add in biking or walking to stay in shape, and have back-up options when your schedule changes at the last minute.
You might:
- Take transit most days and bike part of the way.
- Drive to a commuter lot to catch a commuter bus or carpool.
- Walk to a nearby transit stop instead of driving.
- Use bikeshare for short trips between meetings or errands.
- Enroll in Guaranteed Ride Home to get up to six free rides home a year when unexpected overtime or emergencies arise.
- Join a vanpool that lets you commute on a hybrid schedule.
Move Smarter with Your Commute
Your commute is an opportunity to save money, reduce stress, and support your community! With commuter benefits and programs available across DC, you can build a commute that works better for your schedule, budget, and lifestyle.
Learn more about commuter benefits and tools through our Commuter Resource page, and start making the most of your daily movement.
