• Transportation Fringe Benefit Increases in 2024
• The Maryland Commuter Tax Credit
• Employer Partner and Rideshare Coordinator Spotlights
• Regional Program News
• Resources and Upcoming Events

The Federal Transportation Fringe Benefit increased the pre-tax limits in 2024 to $315 a month for transit, vanpool, and qualified parking. Employers may implement this as a pre-tax/employee-paid benefit, employer-provided tax-free subsidy or both. Additional guidance on the 2024 limits can be found here.

Employers who offer subsidies for commuting by transit, vanpool, carpool, telework, walking or biking, or provide Guaranteed Ride Home, First/Last Mile, or Parking Cash Out programs may be eligible to claim 50% of the subsidies paid through annual Maryland tax returns (up to $1,200 per employee per year). By utilizing the Maryland Commuter Tax Credit, everyone saves money. Plus, these benefits could give your organization the leading edge in employee recruitment and retention. It’s easy to set up these programs, and we offer free support to any Maryland employer. Learn more about the tax credit here and contact us for free assistance at commuterchoice@mdot.maryland.gov. 

Employer Partner Spotlight: Horizon

Kari Swenson, the co-owner of Horizon, started offering transit benefits to her employees shortly after getting into the McDonald’s franchise business and learning about programs offered by Montgomery County Commuter Services. By taking advantage of the Maryland Commuter Tax Credit, she is able to provide free SmarTrip transit cards to her employees at half of the cost to the business. Dedicated to ensuring staff can maximize that benefit, Kari’s restaurants also adjust employees' work schedules to align with bus service times.

Read our interview with Kari Swenson to learn more about how Horizon has utilized the Maryland Commuter Tax Credit to offer employees commuter benefits. 

Rideshare Coordinator Spotlight: LaToya Crump, Prince George’s County RideSmart

LaToya Crump is one of Prince George's County's new RideSmart Commuter Solutions Program Managers. She is a Marketing and Outreach Specialist for the RideSmart Program with the Prince George's County Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T). While she is new to the transit world, LaToya is a passionate and dedicated individual who advocates for sustainable, accessible and efficient transit solutions that improve the quality of life for all. 

To get in touch with LaToya and learn more about how she can help you, please use the contact information below.

Email: info.pgcridesmartsolutions@co.pg.md.us
Phone: 301-577-0887
Website

Baltimore and Carroll County

Check out the new GoSmart Maryland website for information about commute options in the Baltimore region. GoSmart Maryland helps commuters save money, time and stress by finding rideshare partners, transit options and Park-and-Ride lots, as well as provides education to employers on financial incentives for program participation. Click here to learn more. 

Southern Maryland

Have you heard about the Vanpool Incentive Program (VIP) offered by the Tri-County Council of Southern Maryland? If you live or work in St. Mary’s, Charles or Calvert counties, the VIP offers a monthly $300 subsidy per van that can be combined with other regional subsidies. Programs are customizable and include crossovers, SUVs, minivans and large passenger vans. Get all the VIP details by calling 301-274-1922 or emailing gclark@tccsmd.org.