Air Force commuters reminded to use, but not abuse transportation benefits

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Phyllis Hanson
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  U.S. Department of Transportation officials recently reiterated Mass Transportation Benefit Program requirements and expectations to all DOT managers, supervisors and participants. The DOT statement also reminded users about the serious consequences associated with any violations of those requirements.

Under the MTBP, participating employees who use public transportation to commute can receive "transit passes" in amounts equal to their personal commuting costs up to a pre-determined limit. It is designed to reduce pollution and traffic congestion, preserve the environment and expand transportation alternatives. Public transportation includes commuter buses, commuter trains and subways or light rail.

The anti-fraud campaign applies to all MTBP participants, regardless of agency or duty location. Out of approximately 250,000 DOD personnel using the program, approximately 5,800 Air Force participants are in the National Capitol Region; an additional 7,500 more in 22 different states outside the NCR also benefit from the program, which began in 2000. Air Force military members in active duty, Reserve and Guard status, and civilian employees, including non-appropriated fund employees, in the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii and the various U.S. territories are eligible to apply for the program.

Participants should know it is a violation of law to provide false or fraudulent information to obtain transit benefits, or to transfer or sell transit benefits. Violations can result in revocation of MTBP privileges and other serious consequences up to and including removal.  Judicial procedures are used for military violators and administrative procedures for civilians.

Participants are responsible for adjusting their benefits if they change commuting methods or work schedules. Examples include a person who walks to work during the summer months, or takes time off or goes on temporary duty.

"Participants who received their benefits before making these changes should carry over the balance to future months and collect fewer MTBP benefits at the next distribution," said Sharon Biddle, Air Force MTBP program manager.

In spite of the strict accountability measures and program expectations, more people could benefit from the program. Those who don't participate are highly encouraged to consider using various qualifying means of public transportation in order to benefit the environment.