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Mike Schwarz/BART Rider: "Because in this economy, it's all about saving money."
Well, yes it is. And that's why Mike Schwarz of the Cohen Group signed on when his company
started offering commuter benefits to offset the cost of mass transit.
Mike Schwarz/BART Rider: "They're tax free, so in the end it's cheaper for me to commute.
I also like the fact that I am taking BART and I am not driving my car as much and that's
less I have to go to the gas station."
Basically, the I.R.S. let's commuters set aside pre-tax money to help pay for transit.
BART Rider/ 19th Street Station: " It's definitely worth it compared to driving."
BART Rider/ Powell Street Station: "It's most economical and I am a senior so it's even
better."
BART Rider/ Powell Street Station: "It's a good value."
And, with commuter tax benefits increasing - BART is even a better value.
Thanks to the new American Taxpayer Relief Act, employees can now deduct up to $245 per
month for parking and up to another $245 a month to pay for BART tickets.
When all is said and done, the savings can reach 40 percent. For businesses, it's a benefit
that pays for itself.
Stuart Baker/Commuter Check: " Any money employees set aside for the program, employers do not
pay any payroll tax on. This is essentially a free benefit for employers so that's why
it's really popular."
And getting more so -all ready 10,000 Bay Area companies participate in some form of
commuter benefit program.
Commuters save money. Communities reduce traffic. And participating companies can claim corporate,
social and or economic responsibility.
Safeway among them.
D. J. Mohr/Safeway: " It shows people, employees, that Safeway does care about the high cost
of transportation."
The bottom line, however, is still the bottom line.
Stuart Baker/Commuter Check: "What's not to like about a 40 percent discount off your
BART or other transit fare?" You can take advantage of the benefits through
employer-sponsored programs. Talk to your employer about what's available or get more
details at www.bart.gov/pretax
Cheryl Stalter, for BARTtv