Programs That Help Pay for Getting to Work

Where to find money for commuting costs

Financial help with commuting costs comes from a mix of employers, nonprofits, and government programs — not from a single source you can call. The money available depends on what kind of transportation you use, where you live, and sometimes what your job is. Most programs either give you a transit pass, reimburse you for mileage, or pay toward a car loan or repair.

Start by asking your employer whether they offer a commuter benefit program. Many larger employers let you set aside pre-tax money for transit passes or parking, which reduces what you owe in taxes. If your employer does not offer this, look into what your city or county runs — some have reduced-fare transit programs or vanpool subsidies. For car-specific help, nonprofits and community action agencies sometimes fund repairs or down payments for people who need a vehicle to work.

Key Takeaways

• Employer commuter benefit programs let you pay for transit or parking with pre-tax money, which saves you money on taxes each month.
• Many cities and counties offer reduced transit fares for low-income riders, and some run vanpool or carpool programs that split costs.
• Nonprofits and community action agencies in your area may fund car repairs or help with down payments if you need a vehicle to work.
• The type of help available depends on where you live and what transportation you use, so checking with your local transit agency is the fastest way to learn what exists.

Employer commuter benefit programs

If you work for a company with more than 50 employees, there is a good chance they offer a commuter benefit plan. These programs let you set aside money from your paycheck before taxes are taken out, then use that money to buy transit passes or pay for parking. Because the money comes out before taxes, you pay less in federal income tax, Social Security tax, and sometimes state tax.

Ask your human resources or payroll department whether your employer offers this. If they do, you typically enroll once a year (often in November or December for the next year) and choose how much to set aside each month — usually between $50 and $315 for transit, depending on what the IRS allows that year. The money goes into an account, and you use a card or voucher to buy passes or pay parking fees. If your employer does not offer a plan, some third-party companies run commuter benefit programs that employers can join; ask HR whether they would consider signing up.

Reduced transit fares and passes

Most cities and counties run reduced-fare programs for people with low incomes. These programs cut the cost of a monthly transit pass by 25 to 50 percent, depending on where you live. Some also offer free passes to people over 65 or with disabilities. To find out what your area offers, contact your local transit agency directly — search online for "[your city] transit reduced fare" or call 211, which can tell you what programs exist in your area.

When you contact the transit agency, ask what income level qualifies you and what documents you need to prove it — usually a recent pay stub, tax return, or letter from a benefits program. Some agencies let you show proof once and keep the reduced rate for a year; others require you to renew every few months. A few cities also run subsidized vanpool or carpool programs where you split the cost of a ride with coworkers, which can be cheaper than driving alone or taking transit.

Car repair and down payment assistance

If you need a car to work but cannot afford repairs or a down payment, look into nonprofits and community action agencies in your area. Some run car repair funds that pay for fixes when your vehicle breaks down and you cannot afford the bill yourself. Others help with down payments on used cars or co-sign loans so you can buy a vehicle. These programs are not common everywhere, and funding runs out, so you may need to call several organizations to find one that is currently taking new people.

Start by calling your local community action agency — search online for "[your county] community action agency" or ask 211 for a referral. Also contact nonprofits that focus on job training or workforce development in your area; many have small car repair or purchase funds. When you call, ask whether they have money available right now, what income level they serve, and what paperwork you need. Some programs require proof that you have a job or a job offer; others just need to know that you need transportation to work.

Mileage reimbursement from employers

If you drive your own car for work — whether for your main job or as part of your duties — your employer may reimburse you for mileage. The federal mileage rate changes each year; in 2024 it was 67 cents per mile for business driving, though your employer can pay more if they choose. Some employers reimburse at a lower rate, so check your employee handbook or ask your manager what your company pays.

To get reimbursed, you usually need to track your mileage and submit a form or receipt to your employer, often monthly or quarterly. Keep a simple log with the date, starting and ending odometer readings, and the business purpose of the trip. Some employers use mileage tracking apps that do this automatically. If your employer does not currently offer mileage reimbursement but you regularly drive for work, ask your manager or HR whether it is something they would consider adding.

State and local workforce programs

Some states and cities run workforce development programs that include transportation support. These programs are often tied to job training, apprenticeships, or help for people returning to work after a gap. If you are enrolled in a job training program through your state's workforce agency or a local nonprofit, ask whether transportation support is part of what they offer — some programs pay for transit passes, mileage, or even a car down payment as part of getting you into a job.

To find out what your state offers, search online for "[your state] workforce development transportation" or contact your local American Job Center, which is run by your state's workforce agency. You can also ask 211 what programs exist in your area. These programs change year to year depending on funding, so what is available now may not be available next year, but it is worth checking if you are looking for work or in a training program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use commuter benefits if I work from home part of the time?

Yes. Most employer commuter benefit programs let you set aside money for the days you do commute, and you can adjust how much you set aside each month if your schedule changes. Some programs also cover parking at a transit station if you park and ride. Check with your HR department about whether your company's plan covers your specific situation.

What if I cannot afford a car but need one for my job?

Contact your local community action agency or nonprofits focused on workforce development — some have car purchase or down payment programs. You may also look into credit unions in your area, which sometimes offer auto loans to people with lower credit scores. If you are in a job training program, ask whether transportation support or a car loan is part of what they offer.

Do I have to pay back reduced transit fares or car repair help?

No. Reduced transit fares are permanent programs you can use as long as you meet the income requirement. Car repair or purchase help from nonprofits is usually a one-time grant you do not repay, though some programs offer loans at low interest rates. Ask the organization what type of help they provide before you apply.

How do I know if my employer's commuter benefit plan is worth using?

Calculate your tax savings: if you set aside $200 a month and your combined tax rate is 25 percent, you save $50 a month in taxes. If your transit pass costs $150, you are paying $100 out of pocket instead of $150. The more you commute and the higher your tax rate, the more you save. Your HR department can show you the math for your specific situation.

What if my city does not have public transit?

Look into vanpool or carpool programs run by your county or regional transportation authority — many rural areas have these even without bus service. You can also ask your employer about mileage reimbursement or whether they would consider a car allowance. Some nonprofits also help with car repairs or purchases in areas without transit.