Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In

President Obama is about to sign the controversial tax-cut compromise into law, now that the House and Senate have both voted in favor of the bill. That means the transit benefit extension, hidden inside the $858 billion package, will become law as well.

Transit riders get to keep their equal tax benefits, thanks to pressure from advocates. Image: ##http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-apr-im-smaller-than-jax-and-i-have-rail-tucson-az##Metro Jacksonville##
Transit riders get to keep their equal tax benefits, thanks to pressure from advocates. Image: ##http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-apr-im-smaller-than-jax-and-i-have-rail-tucson-az##Metro Jacksonville##

Nearly four years ago, Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA) introduced a measure to offer tax parity for commuters on different modes. "“It’s time for mass transit commuters to get some respect," he said. "It’s time to level the playing field between commuters who use mass transit and those that drive alone. It’s time to fix a tax structure that penalizes mass transit commuters."

The time didn't come for another couple years, when the stimulus went into effect, including a $230/month cap for tax-free transit benefits (up from $120/month.) But now that transit riders have been enjoying the savings for a couple years, they were loath to give them up while drivers were allowed to keep theirs.

Now they won't have to.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Friday’s Headlines Turn Back the Clock

The Trump administration is undoing decades of progress on transportation emissions and safety — progress that many would argue was too modest to begin with.

March 14, 2025

Friday Video: Welcome to the War on ‘Woke’ Transportation

Overwhelmed by weeks of federal attacks on green and equitable transportation? Catch up with this explainer and plug in to the fight.

March 14, 2025

Talking Headways Podcast: The Annual Yonah Freemark Show, Part II

Yonah Freemark of the Urban Institute is back again for Part II of his annual "Talking Headways" discussion.

March 13, 2025

Commentary: Nitpicks Aside, Ezra Klein is Spot-On About the Importance of High-Speed Rail

A few additional reflections and critiques specific to California's beleaguered high-speed rail project.

March 13, 2025

What if the ‘Tesla Takedown’ Is Only the Beginning?

Tesla's cars have become symbols of Elon Musk's controversial role in U.S. politics — but they're also instruments of a violent system that long predates his time in the White House.

March 13, 2025
See all posts