Skip to Content
Streetsblog San Francisco home
Streetsblog San Francisco home
Log In
Streetsblog USA

Transit Riders Keep Same Tax Benefits As Drivers

President Obama is about to sign the controversial tax-cut compromise into law, now that the House and Senate have both voted in favor of the bill. That means the transit benefit extension, hidden inside the $858 billion package, will become law as well.

Transit riders get to keep their equal tax benefits, thanks to pressure from advocates. Image: ##http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-apr-im-smaller-than-jax-and-i-have-rail-tucson-az##Metro Jacksonville##
false

Nearly four years ago, Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA) introduced a measure to offer tax parity for commuters on different modes. "“It’s time for mass transit commuters to get some respect," he said. "It’s time to level the playing field between commuters who use mass transit and those that drive alone. It’s time to fix a tax structure that penalizes mass transit commuters."

The time didn't come for another couple years, when the stimulus went into effect, including a $230/month cap for tax-free transit benefits (up from $120/month.) But now that transit riders have been enjoying the savings for a couple years, they were loath to give them up while drivers were allowed to keep theirs.

Now they won't have to.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog San Francisco

Q&A: Rebecca Saltzman and her New Role at Bike East Bay

Transit advocate, bike advocate, former BART director, El Cerrito City Council... Bike East Bay's new leader has done some of everything in the world of safe and livable streets

September 30, 2025

Eyes on the Street: Oakland’s Impossible Bike Cut-Through is Open

Be sure to thank your friendly neighborhood advocates and the many bike-supportive staffers at Oakland DOT for getting this done

September 29, 2025
See all posts