Commuter Advantage

Janesville Employers: Discounted Bus Passes Available for Your Employees

The Janesville Transit System (JTS) recently rolled-out Commuter Advantage a new bus pass program. This program allows employees of participating Janesville businesses to purchase bus passes and other pre-paid fares through pre-tax payroll deduction. This effectively lowers the price of the pass to the consumer.

To encourage employee transit use, or to assist in recruiting, employers may also elect to pay for all or a portion of an employees' transit expenses, such as monthly passes or fares. Federal regulations allow a tax-free benefit of up to $115 per month for this purpose.

Employees do not need to live in Janesville to participate! Beloit residents may wish to utilize the Beloit-Janesville Express.

The Commuter Advantage program began with Mercy Health System as the pilot customer. According to JTS Director Dave Mumma, while employer-sponsored pass programs have been common in larger cities for years, a Mercy employee gave the local transit system the impetus to start the program here. "This person, who works in Mercy's business office, has been a regular bus rider for several years. When we spoke with her as part of our marketing efforts, she commented how convenient it would be if she was able to purchase her monthly bus pass through pre-tax payroll deduction. We took the idea to Mercy management, and Mercy's entire administration has been a pleasure to work with." Mumma stated. "It's great to have one of our largest and most progressive employers as the launch customer for this new program; we look forward to having an increasing number of employers enroll in Commuter Advantage."

The Commuter Advantage program can be tailored to the individual needs of employers. Businesses interested in offering the Commuter Advantage Program to their employees should contact Transit Director Dave Mumma at 755-3150.