A bill has been introduced to make sure that those using mass transit receive the same tax treatment as those driving to work. Rep. Pete King of New York has introduced the 2015 Commuter Benefit Parity Act, which would set the monthly transit benefit cap for both commuters and drivers at $235 a month. The bill covers all commuters, including federal employees.
Even though mass transit is credited for helping lessen traffic congestion and pollution, renewing the commuter transit benefit is an annual battle in Congress. In 2014, for example, the benefit dropped to $130 for commuters. Even though Congress passed a bill to restore it to $250, it went down to $130 again in January 2015. On the other hand, the benefit for parking stays at $250. This bill would bring permanent parity to transit and parking pre-tax benefits.