Share a ride, earn some cash

  • Published
  • By By Merrie Schilter-Lowe
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Ride sharing not only helps to reduce the nation’s carbon footprint and mitigate the impact of climate change, it also reduces commuting costs and can earn commuters up to $255 per month.

Last year, legislation increased the tax-free commuter transit subsidy for employer-sponsored programs from $130 to match the national corridor monthly allowance for travel, including commuter parking fees for authorized vanpools and public transportation. 

“Travis has been (in) partnership with the Department of Transportation, Transportation Services, Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program and the Solano Transportation Authority for a number of years to manage, communicate and coordinate the federal mass transit benefit program,” said Autumn Lombardi, Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness specialist and mass transportation benefits program manager.     

All federal employees are eligible for the benefit, including non-appropriated fund employees and temporary employees.  However, volunteers and temporary employees from private temporary services are not eligible. 

People who bike to and from work are eligible for a $20 per month subsidy for expenses such as bicycle locks, repairs, general maintenance and upgrades – such as lights and racks, said Lombardi. 

“There are some real financial incentives in this program and Team Travis has some great opportunities to go green and save green.” 

Once the application process is complete, commuters receive benefits on a government-issued debit card, said Lombardi.  Applications are available at the A&FRC.

“These transportation benefits put money back in the pockets of our Travis team members and also improves air quality and reduces traffic congestion.  When this is multiplied across the Air Force, we can see greater cost savings for our Airmen and the environment,” said Lombardi.

For more information, call Lombardi at (707) 424-2486 or e-mail her at autumn.lombardi.2@us.af.mil.