Montgomery County residents can now access up to $325 monthly through the FareShare program to help with public transit commuting costs.
Launched in 2022 and expanded this year, FareShare covers commuters’ expenses incurred on Ride On buses, Metrobus, Metrorail, MTA Commuter buses, or MARC trains, as well as vanpool costs, as long as the employee commutes to and from a workplace in Montgomery County.
Employers must contribute $25 per month for each employee participating in the program to qualify for this reimbursement, which is tax-free for both the employee and the employer.
“The FareShare program makes using transit more affordable while helping reduce traffic and emissions,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “As the federal government returns to in-person work, we need more commuters to consider public transit options. We encourage more businesses to take advantage of this opportunity and make transit an easier choice for their workers. Employers who participate give their employees a financial break while they’re supporting a healthier, more sustainable transportation system for everyone.”
Montgomery County employees can receive up to $325/month for public transit costs through MCDOT’s FareShare Program! Employers must contribute $25/month per employee, and the benefit is tax-free for both.
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— Montgomery County MD Government (@MontgomeryCoMD) March 7, 2025
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation said in a press release that the Internal Revenue Service has increased the pre-tax limit for employer-provided commuting benefits to $325 per month in 2025, up from $315 per month in the previous year.
The FareShare program reimburses employers for the maximum allowable amount after deducting a $25 contribution.
“The FareShare program is open to anyone who works in Montgomery County, and we hope to see more people taking advantage of it,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “The MCDOT Commuter Services staff will visit any employer, free of charge, to set up the program. Montgomery County has a robust and very affordable public transit network, and the FareShare program is a great incentive to try it out.”
Businesses must cover the first $25 of monthly travel costs for participating employees, with Montgomery County covering expenses above that amount up to $300 per month.
The FareShare reimbursements offset the cost to employers who pay for their employees’ commutes. Employers can also offer a pre-tax payroll deduction benefit at no cost to the employee or a combination of both.
“As a small business owner, every dollar counts,” said Erik Donald, owner of Main Engineering in Silver Spring. “FareShare allows me to offer competitive commuter benefits at a significantly reduced cost. Offering these benefits encouraged employees to switch from the stress of driving to riding on the train.”
Employers participating in the program may receive a state tax credit of 50% on their monthly contribution of $25 for each enrolled employee through Commuter Choice Maryland, which can help reduce their state tax payments.
Additionally, to help reduce traffic congestion, all employers in Montgomery County with more than 25 employees must distribute a travel survey to their staff, which MCDOT Commuter Services will send at the end of March.
Employees who complete the survey will be eligible for a weekly drawing for a $50 gift card and a chance to win a $500 gift card as a grand prize.
More information on the MCDOT FareShare program is available online at montgomerycountymd.gov.
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