Maryland Transit Administration (MTA)
UBalt employees can now enjoy free ridership for on Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) systems. Regular status faculty and staff can use the Light Rail, the Baltimore Metro Subway, local bus service, and commuter bus service in the Baltimore region at no charge. The free Mass Transit Benefit currently does not include the MARC trains. The Commuter Choice Program can still be used to purchase MARC vouchers. More information is available below.
In order to implement this benefit, the MTA has created a sticker to be affixed to regular university faculty and staff Bee cards. In order to access transit, you must present your Bee card with the sticker affixed to it. Employees who already have a State ID may continue to use it.
Stickers are available at the Office of Human Resources, 3rd floor of the Charles Royal building, between 8:30 and 4:30, Monday – Friday. The sticker includes an expiration date and must be replaced each year.
The UBalt / MTA MARC Voucher Program
Ten minutes will save you money!
Maryland Transit Administration in partnership with University of Baltimore is excited to offer a pre-tax transit discount program to regular faculty and staff. Through this program employees pay for MARC vouchers via monthly pre-tax salary deductions.
Enrollment in the program is open until March of the program year. Below is an example of the the cost and savings:
|
Monthly Transit Pass Cost |
Income Tax Bracket* |
Monthly Savings Estimate |
Annual Savings Estimate** |
|---|---|---|---|
|
$72.00 |
15% |
$21.80 |
$218.00 |
* Calculate your tax rate using your pay stub. Add your state and federal income taxes only and divide that number by your total income. The answer is your tax rate.** Calculated based on a TEN (10) month program. |
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How the Program Works
- The program runs from August through June.
- This form enrolls you in the program for the remainder of the program year,and authorizes the pre-tax deduction that coincides with your selection on the form.
- The deductions occur 1 month prior to receiving the pass. For example, the deductions for the August MARC voucher will occur in July.
- Once enrolled, pick up your monthly pass /voucher at the Office of Shared Services located in the Academic Center on the 3rd floor.
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Details and Requirements of the Program
- Please submit a new form to cancel your participation.
- The cost of the monthly MARC voucher you select will be deducted from your paycheck in equal bi-weekly deductions (twice per month).
- Deductions occur before your earnings are taxed. This reduces your taxable income, saving you money.
- Participation may NOT be discontinued during the winter holiday break.
- MARC rates are subject to change.