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Commuter Resources

New York

OMNY Turnstile Payment Options

Link

OMNY is the new contactless fare payment system of the MTA used at at subway turnstiles, AutoGates, and onboard buses (including Select Bus Service buses). There are two ways to use your Commuter Benefit funds:

1. Enable your card for contactless payments through Google Pay®, Apple Pay®, or Samsung Pay® digital wallets. Instructions are available here. 

beniversal card digital wallets

2. Use your Beniveral or eTrac card to add funds to an OMNY card. Cards must be purchased using alternate funds from an OMNY retail location.

Learn more about spending Commuter Benefit Funds through OMNY by downloading our flyer.

How to Safely Return to Work

Link

This handbook from the Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT) provides recommendations on how to safely and efficiently return to your workplace as back to work efforts begin across the country.

Use Digital Wallets for Contactless Payments

Link

Enable your card for contactless payments through Google Pay®, Apple Pay®, and Samsung Pay® digital wallets. Once you have set up your card through the digital wallet, you can pay for eligible expenses at commuting locations, all from your phone! Find out more by following the link to our digital wallets FAQ page.

beniversal card digital wallets

Using Your Card

Link

The Beniversal® Prepaid Mastercard® and eTRAC® Prepaid Mastercard® provide you with convenient access to your mass transit and parking accounts. Here are a few quick tips to get started:Beniversal Card Mockup

  • Point-of-sale: Your card can be used directly at approved mass transit and parking merchants that accept Debit Mastercard.
  • Link your card to a reloadable mass transit card: If you use a reloadable mass transit card, the Card can be linked to the reloadable card as the funding or payment source.
  • Pay a bill: If you receive a bill for parking services and the approved provider accepts Debit Mastercard, you can provide your card number to initiate payment.

Set election for mass transit and parking

Link

When using the Beniversal Prepaid Mastercard or eTRAC Prepaid Mastercard, set your election to cover the full monthly cost of your mass transit or parking expense. This will ensure your card is loaded with the full amount of your expense and ensures seamless card use.

If the amount of your expense exceeds the monthly pre-tax limits, you can have after-tax funds withheld to total the full expense (if permitted by your employer).

EasyPay MetroCard

Link

Use your Beniversal Prepaid Mastercard / eTRAC Prepaid Mastercard to pay for your EasyPay MetroCard; it automatically refills.

To get started, log in to your account (or sign up for an account if you don’t have one) and follow the on-screen prompts. When you reach the payment options page, input your Beniversal / eTRAC Card information.

MTA eTix for LIRR and Metro-North

Link

Within the MTA eTix app, configure your account to pull payment from your Beniversal Prepaid Mastercard / eTRAC Prepaid Mastercard. When you buy tickets, funds will be pulled from your card.

Revenue Ruling 2014-32

Link

Cash reimbursement for transit benefit plans are no longer an option based on Revenue Ruling 2014-32, which became effective 1/1/2016. Cash reimbursement continues to be available for parking accounts and vanpool services (when a service provider does not accept payment cards).

Direct Deposit for reimbursement

Link

Get your funds faster and eliminate the risk of mail tampering or theft. Use Direct Deposit.

  • Claims for qualified parking and vanpool services can be submitted for reimbursement.
  • Receiving reimbursement checks via US mail leaves you vulnerable to loss or theft.
  • Waiting to receive a check takes time and requires unnecessary trips to your financial institution to process the payment.

Log into your account at BRiWeb to sign-up for direct deposit today!

Mail & Ride: LIRR & Metro North

Link

You can sign up for Mail & Ride for the LIRR or Metro-North. Under Payment Options, input your Beniversal Prepaid Mastercard / eTRAC Prepaid Mastercard information. It is recommended that you elect the full cost of your monthly transit expense so that funds are available to pay the full expense.

CBP nationwide

Link

Funds in your Parking or Transit accounts can be used for work related commuting purposes nationwide, not just in the region where you live.

Sign up for Notification Alerts for your Parking and/or Transit account(s) through our online portal, BRiWeb, or our app, BRiMobile.

Can I use my Parking Account for…

Link
Can I use my Parking Account for…
  • The cost to rent a parking space near my house? NO
  • The cost of parking at/near my workplace? YES
  • The cost of parking at a park-n-ride from which I take mass transit or vanpool to work? YES

Can I use my Mass Transit Account for…

Link
Can I use my Mass Transit Account for…
  • The cost of a monthly commuter pass? YES
  • The cost of the ferries, trains, subways or other mass transit to/from work? YES
  • The cost of qualified van pool services? YES
  • The cost of ride-sharing services in a qualifying vehicle? YES
  • The cost of taxi rides or ride-sharing services (which are not in a qualified transportation vehicle)? NO

Note that at this time, the updated UberX Share and Lyft Share Rides programs no longer meet the IRS requirements for a Commuter Benefit Plan and are no longer eligible expenses.

“Evergreen” election month-to-month

Link

Whether you have a Parking account, a Mass Transit account or both, your election(s) is evergreen.  Your election will automatically recur each month until you make a change or stop your election. Additionally, funds roll over from month to month and year to year.

(But remember, Mass Transit and Parking are separate accounts. You can’t transfer funds from one account to the other or cash out unused funds.)

card as debit or credit

Link

Your Beniversal Prepaid Mastercard / eTRAC Prepaid Mastercard can be used as a debit or credit card.

For credit: Swipe your card and enter your zip code if requested. If making a purchase online or through an app, fill out the required fields using your Card information.

For debit: Once you’ve set up a PIN*, proceed to use the Card as you would any other debit card.

*set up a PIN by calling 855-247-0198

 

PATH SmartLink℠ Card

Link

When you refill your SmartLink℠ Card and/or add fare (e.g. trips or passes) at station vending machines, select “Debit Card” on the “How do you want to pay?” screen and use your Beniversal Prepaid Mastercard or eTRAC Prepaid Mastercard.

You can also pay for your fare online using your Beniversal / eTRAC Card as the payment source. If you are interested in setting up Automatic Replenishment, please use the following steps:

  1. Create a web account for the PATH SmartLink Card
  2. Next, select the “product” (20 or 40 trips, or 30-day unlimited use pass) you want to be automatically loaded onto your PATH SmartLinkSM Card every time your Card’s balance reaches five (5) remaining trips or five (5) remaining days. (NOTE: Make sure your mass transit election and card balance will cover the full cost of your anticipated expenses.)
  3. Provide your Beniversal / eTRAC Card as the payment source within your PATH SmartLinkSM Card Web Account, to be charged every time your SmartLinkSM Card is “automatically replenished” with trips or a pass.
  4. Each time your SmartLinkSM Card reaches five (5) remaining trips or five (5) remaining days left, it will be “automatically replenished” with the product chosen during setup. The card that you entered or selected for the service will immediately be charged the appropriate amount each time an automatic replenishment occurs.

Pre-Tax Limits and Election Changes

Link

The maximum monthly pre-tax limit for parking and mass transit is set by the IRS each year.

Please view our Plan Limits page for the most current contribution limits.

When limits increase, BRI and your employer should automatically adjust your pre-tax and after-tax deductions to reflect the new limits.

NEED TO CHANGE YOUR ELECTION? Follow the process outlined by your employer to make a change to your election. You can expect changes to take effect in 1-2 payroll cycles (depending on your employer’s process).

Links

OMNY Turnstile Payment Options

Link

OMNY is the new contactless fare payment system of the MTA used at at subway turnstiles, AutoGates, and onboard buses (including Select Bus Service buses). There are two ways to use your Commuter Benefit funds:

1. Enable your card for contactless payments through Google Pay®, Apple Pay®, or Samsung Pay® digital wallets. Instructions are available here. 

beniversal card digital wallets

2. Use your Beniveral or eTrac card to add funds to an OMNY card. Cards must be purchased using alternate funds from an OMNY retail location.

Learn more about spending Commuter Benefit Funds through OMNY by downloading our flyer.

How to Safely Return to Work

Link

This handbook from the Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT) provides recommendations on how to safely and efficiently return to your workplace as back to work efforts begin across the country.

Use Digital Wallets for Contactless Payments

Link

Enable your card for contactless payments through Google Pay®, Apple Pay®, and Samsung Pay® digital wallets. Once you have set up your card through the digital wallet, you can pay for eligible expenses at commuting locations, all from your phone! Find out more by following the link to our digital wallets FAQ page.

beniversal card digital wallets

Using Your Card

Link

The Beniversal® Prepaid Mastercard® and eTRAC® Prepaid Mastercard® provide you with convenient access to your mass transit and parking accounts. Here are a few quick tips to get started:Beniversal Card Mockup

  • Point-of-sale: Your card can be used directly at approved mass transit and parking merchants that accept Debit Mastercard.
  • Link your card to a reloadable mass transit card: If you use a reloadable mass transit card, the Card can be linked to the reloadable card as the funding or payment source.
  • Pay a bill: If you receive a bill for parking services and the approved provider accepts Debit Mastercard, you can provide your card number to initiate payment.

EasyPay MetroCard

Link

Use your Beniversal Prepaid Mastercard / eTRAC Prepaid Mastercard to pay for your EasyPay MetroCard; it automatically refills.

To get started, log in to your account (or sign up for an account if you don’t have one) and follow the on-screen prompts. When you reach the payment options page, input your Beniversal / eTRAC Card information.

MTA eTix for LIRR and Metro-North

Link

Within the MTA eTix app, configure your account to pull payment from your Beniversal Prepaid Mastercard / eTRAC Prepaid Mastercard. When you buy tickets, funds will be pulled from your card.

Mail & Ride: LIRR & Metro North

Link

You can sign up for Mail & Ride for the LIRR or Metro-North. Under Payment Options, input your Beniversal Prepaid Mastercard / eTRAC Prepaid Mastercard information. It is recommended that you elect the full cost of your monthly transit expense so that funds are available to pay the full expense.

PATH SmartLink℠ Card

Link

When you refill your SmartLink℠ Card and/or add fare (e.g. trips or passes) at station vending machines, select “Debit Card” on the “How do you want to pay?” screen and use your Beniversal Prepaid Mastercard or eTRAC Prepaid Mastercard.

You can also pay for your fare online using your Beniversal / eTRAC Card as the payment source. If you are interested in setting up Automatic Replenishment, please use the following steps:

  1. Create a web account for the PATH SmartLink Card
  2. Next, select the “product” (20 or 40 trips, or 30-day unlimited use pass) you want to be automatically loaded onto your PATH SmartLinkSM Card every time your Card’s balance reaches five (5) remaining trips or five (5) remaining days. (NOTE: Make sure your mass transit election and card balance will cover the full cost of your anticipated expenses.)
  3. Provide your Beniversal / eTRAC Card as the payment source within your PATH SmartLinkSM Card Web Account, to be charged every time your SmartLinkSM Card is “automatically replenished” with trips or a pass.
  4. Each time your SmartLinkSM Card reaches five (5) remaining trips or five (5) remaining days left, it will be “automatically replenished” with the product chosen during setup. The card that you entered or selected for the service will immediately be charged the appropriate amount each time an automatic replenishment occurs.

Pre-Tax Limits and Election Changes

Link

The maximum monthly pre-tax limit for parking and mass transit is set by the IRS each year.

Please view our Plan Limits page for the most current contribution limits.

When limits increase, BRI and your employer should automatically adjust your pre-tax and after-tax deductions to reflect the new limits.

NEED TO CHANGE YOUR ELECTION? Follow the process outlined by your employer to make a change to your election. You can expect changes to take effect in 1-2 payroll cycles (depending on your employer’s process).

Tips

Tip #1 Set election for mass transit and parking

When using the Beniversal Prepaid Mastercard or eTRAC Prepaid Mastercard, set your election to cover the full monthly cost of your mass transit or parking expense. This will ensure your card is loaded with the full amount of your expense and ensures seamless card use.

If the amount of your expense exceeds the monthly pre-tax limits, you can have after-tax funds withheld to total the full expense (if permitted by your employer).

Tip #2 Revenue Ruling 2014-32

Cash reimbursement for transit benefit plans are no longer an option based on Revenue Ruling 2014-32, which became effective 1/1/2016. Cash reimbursement continues to be available for parking accounts and vanpool services (when a service provider does not accept payment cards).

Tip #3 Direct Deposit for reimbursement

Get your funds faster and eliminate the risk of mail tampering or theft. Use Direct Deposit.

  • Claims for qualified parking and vanpool services can be submitted for reimbursement.
  • Receiving reimbursement checks via US mail leaves you vulnerable to loss or theft.
  • Waiting to receive a check takes time and requires unnecessary trips to your financial institution to process the payment.

Log into your account at BRiWeb to sign-up for direct deposit today!

Tip #4 CBP nationwide

Funds in your Parking or Transit accounts can be used for work related commuting purposes nationwide, not just in the region where you live.

Sign up for Notification Alerts for your Parking and/or Transit account(s) through our online portal, BRiWeb, or our app, BRiMobile.

Tip #5 Can I use my Parking Account for…

Can I use my Parking Account for…
  • The cost to rent a parking space near my house? NO
  • The cost of parking at/near my workplace? YES
  • The cost of parking at a park-n-ride from which I take mass transit or vanpool to work? YES

Tip #6 Can I use my Mass Transit Account for…

Can I use my Mass Transit Account for…
  • The cost of a monthly commuter pass? YES
  • The cost of the ferries, trains, subways or other mass transit to/from work? YES
  • The cost of qualified van pool services? YES
  • The cost of ride-sharing services in a qualifying vehicle? YES
  • The cost of taxi rides or ride-sharing services (which are not in a qualified transportation vehicle)? NO

Note that at this time, the updated UberX Share and Lyft Share Rides programs no longer meet the IRS requirements for a Commuter Benefit Plan and are no longer eligible expenses.

Tip #7 “Evergreen” election month-to-month

Whether you have a Parking account, a Mass Transit account or both, your election(s) is evergreen.  Your election will automatically recur each month until you make a change or stop your election. Additionally, funds roll over from month to month and year to year.

(But remember, Mass Transit and Parking are separate accounts. You can’t transfer funds from one account to the other or cash out unused funds.)

Tip #8 card as debit or credit

Your Beniversal Prepaid Mastercard / eTRAC Prepaid Mastercard can be used as a debit or credit card.

For credit: Swipe your card and enter your zip code if requested. If making a purchase online or through an app, fill out the required fields using your Card information.

For debit: Once you’ve set up a PIN*, proceed to use the Card as you would any other debit card.

*set up a PIN by calling 855-247-0198

 

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Benefit Resource and BRI are tradenames of Benefit Resource, LLC. Benefit Resource, LLC is an affiliate of Inspira Financial Health, Inc. and Inspira Financial Trust, LLC. Benefit Resource, LLC does not provide legal, tax or financial advice. Please contact a professional for advice on eligibility, tax treatment and other restrictions. Inspira and Inspira Financial are trademarks of Inspira Financial Trust, LLC.

The Beniversal and eTRAC Prepaid Mastercards are issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license by Mastercard International Incorporated and may be used for eligible expenses everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.

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