Metrochek

 

Effective March 2009 the maximum monthly benefit amount was increased to $230.

Note: You must claim your Smartrip benefit each month. Benefits not claimed by the end of the month will be forfeited to the plan.

The Pre-tax Transportation benefit allows employees to set aside up to $100 per month on a pre-tax basis for the purchase of “Metrocheks” or for adding transportation credits to your Metro SmarTrip card. SmarTrip cards are used only for Metrorail. Metrocheks can be used directly as farecards in the Metrorail system or can be exchanged for Metrobus tokens or passes. Metrocheks can also be used toward the purchase of MARC or VRE commuter train passes. Most local bus and vanpool companies accept Metrocheks toward payment of their fares. Visit Metro’s Internet site at: http://www.wmata.com to learn more about the SmarTrip card and the Metrochek program.

GW’s pre-tax transportation benefits program highlights include:

• Available to all regular full time and regular part time employees.

• Payroll deduction of $40, $60, $80, $100 or $105 per month only.

• If you are currently enrolled in the Pre-Tax Transportation Plan and wish to change your current deduction to one of the other options, you must complete a new Enrollment/Change Form.

• You may elect to receive this benefit automatically as a credit to your Metro “SmarTrip” card. Unlike Metrocheks, there’s no standing in line to pick up a SmarTrip card and if you lose it, Metro transfers the remaining balance at the time you reported it lost to a new card. (For a description of the SmarTrip program or go to Metro’s Internet site at: http://www.wmata.com/USINGMET/smartrip.htm). If you only ride Metrorail, you are required to elect this option.

• If your commute involves public transportation other than Metrorail, you will receive Metrocheks that can be exchanged for Metrobus passes or other transportation modes. To learn more about the Metrochek program, go to: http://www.wmata.com/metrochek/metrochek.htm

• Metrochek and/or SmarTrip passes never expire. If you participate in this program you will receive Metrocheks (in $20 denominations equal to the deduction amount you have chosen) or SmarTrip credits each month. You must however, be sure to claim your SmarTrip credit and/or pickup your Metrocheks each month.

• Upon termination, if you did not cancel your pre-tax transportation benefit prior to the monthly due date for changes, you must contact the Payroll Department for proper disposition of your last month’s deduction.

• Deductions are twice a month for employees paid on a bi-weekly basis and once a month for employees paid on a monthly basis.

• Employees may enroll or suspend participation at any time during the year. You may suspend or reactivate your pre-tax deduction once per quarter, or when you move, or change commuting modes. When you terminate your participation will end, but you can continue to use up your remaining Metrocheks and/ or SmarTrip credits.

• Enrollment forms and detailed information is available from Payroll Services. Information packages can be picked up at the Payroll Office in the Academic Center, Rome Hall 101. Off campus employees may have the materials mailed to them.

• New enrollments or changes to existing deductions must be received by Payroll Services by the 15th of a month in order to be effective for the 1st of the following month

Frequently Asked Questions

Pre-tax Transportation Benefit Plan Enrollment/Change Form