ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Army civilians and Soldiers can receive up to $130 to offset mass transit expenses with the Mass Transportation Benefit Program (MTBP) funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT). These transportation options include vanpools, buses and trains.
Carpools and Department of Defense contractors are not eligible for this subsidy.
This program was created by DoT in 2000 as a way to reduce federal employees�' contribution to traffic congestion and air pollution, and to expand their commuting alternatives.
APG Commuter Transportation Coordinator Syreeta Gross said that the number of individuals who receive this subsidy at APG has risen by 117 from last year, from 342 in March 2013 to currently 459.
On Jan. 1, the maximum amount individuals can receive from MTBP dropped from $245 to $130, due to the expiration of The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. The Internal Revenue Service issued Revenue Procedure 2013-35, which sets the maximum amount for tax year 2014 at $130 per month.
�"Despite the subsidy amount dropping, I think the number of people who use this program at APG will continue to grow as the cost of commuting continues to rise. By not driving to work alone, commuters cut their costs in half and help improve the air quality by reducing vehicle emissions." Gross said.
She can help commuters decide what option is best for their needs. She also can help link up people who are interested in starting a new vanpool or joining existing vanpools
Gross is available to assist employees in the lobby of the APG South (Edgewood) recreation center Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and in the APG North (Aberdeen) Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. She is also available by appointment. She can be reached at 410-278-5491 or sgross@harfordcountymd.gov for more information.
Program Manager Sandra Schiller from the Directorate of Human Resources said the Army serves as a liaison between the customer and the Department of Transportation. Applications for the subsidy program need to be submitted to the DHR, Administrative Services Division by the 20th of each month.
Once submitted, debit cards arrive to the APG point of contact 30 to 45 days later.
The APG POC will notify participants upon arrival of the debit cards for the available date for pick up. Commuters can fill out the application by visiting http://asafm.army.mil/offices/asa/masstrans.aspx.
Applicants can contact Program Manager Sandra Schiller at sandra.l.schiller.civ@mail.mil, 410-436-3580, or Debra Zellman from the DHR Administrative Services Division at debra.l.zellman.civ@mail.mil, or 410-278-6430 for more information.
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