The Fare Share Program

MONTGOMERY COUNTY'S FARE HARE

Program Description

Montgomery County’s Fare Share Program is a commuting benefit that offers employers up to $32.50 per month, per employee, in matching funds if they contribute to their employees’ public transportation costs to and from work. The County will match an employer’s contribution by discounting transit fare media - bus and rail passes, tokens, etc. - that it sells to employees. The program is for one year or a maximum subsidy of $20,000, whichever comes first.

Guidelines and Eligibility

Fare Share is open to any business or organization located within Montgomery County. All employees are eligible.
Employers purchase fare media and/or Metrocheks for their employees through the County’s Fare Media Programs for one year and match an agreed-to contribution.

Example:

$40
Metrobus 28-Day Pass

$10
Employer Contribution

$10
County Match

$20
Employee Cost

All employees at the work site will be asked to complete a commuter survey at the beginning and at the end of the program.
Program may be extended an additional year (dependent upon future funding) if employer documents a 10% increase in the number of employees participating OR employer increases the contribution amount $5 per employee per month.
Starting January 1, 2000, employers now receive a Maryland State income tax credit for half their contribution toward employees’ commute costs, up to $30 per employee, per month (Commuter Choice Tax Credit-HB 636).
New for 2002
Wheaton and Montgomery Hill Fare Share Program
Time to Get Your Fare $hare-Montgomery Hills-Wheaton
Montgomery County wants to help you attract the best employees, give your existing employees a tax-free raise, and help save parking spaces for your customers. Beginning November 15, 2002, companies in Montgomery Hills and the Wheaton Central Business District can get up to $20,000 in transit subsidies for their employees who use the bus, train or vanpool to get to work. Fare $hare is a one-year transit pass program. Montgomery Hills and Wheaton employers could receive over $500 per employee in this program. Call Montgomery County Commuter Services to sign up now for Fare $hare-Montgomery Hills or Fare $hare-Wheaton. Funds are limited, so call Muriel Bowser or Terrie O'Steen today at 301-770-POOL (7665).

A tax benefit for employers – tax free for employees.

Less commuting stress and higher morale for employees.

Valuable recruitment and retention incentives for employers.

Reduced traffic congestion & better quality of life.

Montgomery County County Commuter Services

Join Fare Share and be one of Montgomery County's Smart Movers!

For more information, call (301) 770 – POOL (7665)