Commuter Benefits Account (CBA)
Save on Mass Transit and Parking Expenses with a CBA
A CBA allows you to contribute pre-tax funds through payroll deductions to an account to use for eligible mass transit (train, subway, bus, ferry, vanpool) and parking expenses. The CBA is convenient because you can use your EMPOWER card.
This page explains the CBA for employees who have not yet enrolled. Click here if you have already enrolled and want to know how to use your Plan.
Two Benefits in One!
You may enroll in the Mass Transit and/or Parking CBA through your Employer.
Mass Transit
Covers:
Eligible expenses include rides on or purchases of vouchers for mass transit such as trains, subways, light-rail, buses, or ferries. Additionally, expenses for rides in vanpools (detailed in IRS Code 132(f)) are eligible. Eligible expenses must be for transportation to and from work.
Eligibility:
Check with your Employer for eligibility.
Maximum Monthly Contribution:
The IRS limits how much you can contribute and use each month. Download the CBA Welcome Guide for details.
What happens to unused funds:
Funds remaining in your account at the end of the month and/or year will carry forward into the next month if you are enrolled in the plan. However, distributions are always subject to the monthly IRS limits.
Parking
Covers:
Eligible expenses include parking near your workplace or parking where you board mass transit. Purchases made on-premises, online, or through mobile apps are allowed. Only expenses incurred to and from work are eligible.
Eligibility:
Check with your Employer for eligibility.
Maximum Monthly Contribution:
The IRS limits how much you can contribute and use each month. Download the CBA Welcome Guide for details.
What happens to unused funds:
Funds remaining in your account at the end of the month and/or year will carry forward into the next month if you are enrolled in the plan. However, distributions are always subject to the monthly IRS limits.
How a CBA Works
Mass Transit
Enrollment
Enroll in the CBA with your Employer by choosing your monthly contribution to the Mass Transit and Parking accounts separately. You can change your contribution amount during the year by contacting your Employer.
EMPOWER Visa Debit Card
EMPOWER will mail two Debit Cards to you. These cards make it easy to pay for eligible expenses. You may also pay for expenses with a different method and file a claim to EMPOWER for reimbursement either using the online portal or our claim form. If you have another account with EMPOWER, you will use the same card for all accounts.
Contributions
Each payday, your Employer will deduct a prorated, pre-tax amount from your paycheck to deposit into your CBA.
How to use your CBA
Once you are enrolled in the EMPOWER system, you can set up your online account by following the steps in the CBA Welcome Guide. You can use your EMPOWER card to pay for eligible expenses.
Parking
Enrollment
Enroll in the CBA with your Employer by choosing your monthly contribution to the Mass Transit and Parking accounts separately. You can change your contribution amount during the year by contacting your Employer.
EMPOWER Visa Debit Card
EMPOWER will mail two Debit Cards to you. These cards make it easy to pay for eligible expenses. You may also pay for expenses with a different method and file a claim to EMPOWER for reimbursement either using the online portal or our claim form. If you have another account with EMPOWER, you will use the same card for all accounts.
Contributions
Each payday, your Employer will deduct a prorated, pre-tax amount from your paycheck to deposit into your CBA.
How to use your CBA
Once you are enrolled in the EMPOWER system, you can set up your online account by following the steps in the CBA Welcome Guide. You can use your EMPOWER card to pay for eligible expenses.
