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Department of the ArmyMass Transportation Benefit

Program (MTBP)

Guidance for Participants

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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

Guidance for ParticipantsGuidance for Participants

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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, DoD, and

Federal oversight agencies (GAO, OMB) for compliance with program requirements

Guidance for Participants – Who is eligible

Guidance for Participants – Who is eligible

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• 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

Who is NOT eligible?Who is NOT eligible?

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• 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.

Guidance for ParticipantsGuidance for Participants

• 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.

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Determining the Benefit AmountDetermining the Benefit Amount

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• 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.

Time Frame for EnrollmentTime Frame for Enrollment

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• 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.

Obtaining Your Media FareObtaining Your Media Fare

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• 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.

Needing to Make Changes?Needing to Make Changes?

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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.

Participates ResponsibilityParticipates Responsibility

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Participate BrochureParticipate Brochure

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Participate Brochure ContinuedParticipate Brochure Continued

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• 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

What if I have more questions? What if I have more questions?