Preserving Transit Benefits for Train & Bus Commuters

Congressman Randy Hultgren
The Hultgren Huddle
May 19, 2012

This week, I also sent a letter to each member of the Conference Committee who will decide the fate of this year's major transportation bill. (This is the legislation which will define the next five years of U.S. transportation policy, and since the House and Senate passed different versions, a special Conference Committee has been assembled to iron out the differences and create a final version.)

On January 1, 2012, commuters using public transit to get to work saw their transit benefit (in the form of a tax break on pre-tax benefits) almost cut in half, while the benefit for people choosing to drive to work increased slightly.

I asked that conferees preserve Section 40204 of the Senate’s Map-21 bill (S.1813), which would extend this tax break for public transit commuters at $240 through December 31, 2012. It just doesn't make sense to me to punish people taking the train or subway to work, while simultaneously rewarding people who drive and then park at the office. As always, call my offices at 202-225-2976 and 630-232-7104 for assistance.