TransitBenefit Transportation Spending Account (TSA) is a voluntary benefit for eligible employees interested in saving on their New York City Transit subway and bus costs.

Depending on your particular tax situation and your NYCT commuting expenses, you could save more than $200 annually if you commute by subway or local bus, more than $300 if you commute by express bus.

If you participate in the TSA program, you will receive a PIN-based debit card (TSA Card) that can be used to purchase MetroCards from MetroCard vending machines. You may choose from several Transportation Deduction Plans — Occasional Rider, Frequent Rider#1, Frequent Rider#2 and Express Bus Rider — depending on your needs and schedule.

TSA Account
The Transportation Spending Account (TSA) is a special bank account funded by transportation deductions taken from your pay. Transportation deductions are taken from pre-tax earnings, however transportation deductions over the IRC $100 per month limit are taken post-tax. An annual post-tax administrative fee of approximately $21.60 will also be deducted from your pay on an annualized pro-rated basis.

Pursuant to Chapter 381 of the Laws of 2003 and the provisions of Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 132, CUNY offers the qualified Transportation Fringe Benefit Program to full-time and part-time employees, who will now have the opportunity to use pre-tax earnings to cover certain public transportation costs through the TransitBenefit Program.

More Information
The TransitBenefit TSA Program at CUNY is administered through the Office of Faculty and Staff Relations, University Benefits Office. For further information click on this link or contact the Benefits office at 772-4516 or 4517.

Enrollment Forms & Instructions

• If you are paid through the State Payroll System, please use the Senior College Enrollment Form & Instructions .

• If you are paid through the City Payroll System (Campus School employees and some civil service employees), please complete the Community College Enrollment Form & Instructions .

 

Participants

Please note the following important points regarding your enrollment in the TSA Program.

New 2008 Pre Tax Monthly Limit for the TSA Program

Effective January 2008, the IRS will increase the pre-tax monthly limits for the TSA Program from $105.00 to $110.00.The total deduction amount will not change, only the pre-tax and post-tax rates will be affected. The employee will have an increased pre-tax savings resulting in a slightly higher net pay.

The changes are reflected in the following chart.

2008 TransitBenefit TSA Card – Express Bus Plans: Pre-Tax & Post-Tax Rates
Pay Frequency	Pre-Tax 2007	Post-Tax 2007	Express Bus Plan 2007	Pre-Tax 2008	Post-Tax 2008	Express Bus Plan  Total 2008
Weekly	$ 25.38	$ 15.62	$ 41.00	$ 26.54	$ 14.46	$ 41.00
Bi-Weekly	$ 50.77	$ 31.23	$ 82.00	$ 53.08	$ 28.92	$ 82.00
Semi-Monthly	$ 55.00	$ 34.00	$ 89.00	$ 57.50	$ 31.50	$ 89.00

If you wish to make changes to your transportation deduction plan, you must complete a TSA Enrollment/Change Form and submit it to your College Human Resources/Benefits Office.

Effect of TSA Deduction on your TDA
Your TDA contribution will be reduced as a result of your pre-tax TSA deduction. Please contact your College Benefits Officer if you wish to make changes to your TDA contribution.

Activating Your TSA Card
To activate your TSA Card, please contact the Chase Automated Customer Service Center at 1-888-6067058. You must have your TSA Card number and the last four (4) digits of your Social Security Number available. To access the service in English - press 1 or for assistance in Spanish - press 2. You will be prompted to press 3 to activate your card. As soon as your card is activated you must select a four-digit PIN. You may also activate your card online at www.efundscard.com

Changing Your PIN
If you change your PIN #, it will take up to 48 hours before the change is updated and you are able to use your TSA Card.

Using Your TSA Card at the MetroCard Vending Machine

• Select the type of MetroCard you want.
• Select the "ATM Card" payment option.
• Insert your TSA Card into the MetroCard vending machine slot.
• Enter your PIN.
• Verify the value of the MetroCard you want to buy.
• Obtain receipt (optional)

Card Expiration
A new TSA Card will be issued every three years.

Suspending Your Transportation Deduction, Canceling Participation in the TSA Program and Termination of Employment
You may elect to suspend transportation deductions at any time. However, administrative fees will continue to be deducted while your TSA Card remains active. You will be able to restart your deductions at any time.
You may elect to cancel participation in the TSA Program at any time. You will have 30 days to spend down your account balance. Any funds remaining after the 30-day period will be forfeited. You may elect to re-enroll in the program at any time and a new card and account number will be issued.
Participation in the TSA Program will cease with termination of employment. You will have 30 days to spend down your account balance. Any funds remaining after the 30-day period will be forfeited.
NOTE: Administrative fees will continue to be deducted for an additional 30 days while your TSA Card remains active. This applies to those who cancel their participation in the program or those who terminate employment.
You must see your College Benefits Officer regarding any changes to your enrollment in the TSA Program.

Leave Status
Paid Leave - if you are on a paid leave or an extended vacation, you may elect to suspend your transportation deductions. However, in order to maintain an active TSA card, administrative fees will continue to be deducted.

Unpaid Leave - if you are on an unpaid leave, your participation in the TSA Program will be automatically cancelled. You will have 30 days to spend down your account balance. Any funds remaining after the 30-day period will be forfeited. You may elect to re-enroll upon your return to paid status. A new card and account number will be issued.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the Benefits Office at 772-4516.