[MrPiper]

I've heard of corporate welfare, but these people could very well afford to pay for their own bus fare. He said the checks cost them nothing.

[library user]

It comes with a free hair dryer too? :O)

[raybbr]

Is this state, federal or local?

[library user]

Dang, how big is that check exactly? If that's a hair dryer pinning it to the table, that's pretty scary. Looks like one of 'em Publisher's Clearinghouse checks.

[ikka]

A friend drives a large commuter bus part time and he says this is how most of the government employees pay for their bus fare. Some bring in $170 dollars worth at a time.

Does the commuter bus give change back in the form of cash?

How nice that the check is so anonymous; almost like it was designed so that you could sell your check at a discount to someone else for cash.

[raybbr]

Transportation Fringe Benefit Checks: The Best Checks for Commuters TranBen, Ltd. provides tax-free transportation benefit consulting and administrative services to companies and organizations for their employees who use public transportation in commuting to and from work. We have extensive experience working with and developing successful programs for public sector organizations, private sector companies, transit authorities, transit providers, and others , helping our clients to create, develop and implement the right tax-free solution for their unique needs.

I don't think this is what you think it is. I think Tranben provides checks from employers to employees in a way that allows them to avoid having that taxed as a benefit.

[InABunkerUnderSF]

I get a $65 tax free subsidy from my company for riding public transit to work. I don’t know the details but I’d bet it’s a write-off for them.

Guys who drive van pools get the same subsidy plus free bridge toll, free parking and access to the HOV lanes.

While we are on the topic, I’d just like to thank you all for helping to subsidize my trip to work every morning. And no, I don’t think it makes sense but I’ll keep the money. :o)

[Bernard]

My nephew is on a federal payroll, and recently transferred to Chicago. He talked about his commute, and mentioned that the government "pays" for his bus or subway fares, in addition to getting a paycheck.

If the federal government doesn't control spending, some day it will actually spend more than it takes in. What is this world coming to?

[reformed_dem]

My brother works for the state of California and used to commute about 45 minutes to Sacramento. The state paid his bus fare.

[purpleraine]

I guess folks here have never heard of van pools. Used by both public and private sector. Take the van home and drive it to work. Pick up others. I think the employer provides a gas card also.