Rochester official proposes using pre-tax earnings for transit costs

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A proposed New York State bill could let Rochester and Monroe County workers use pre-tax earnings to cover bus passes, cycling costs, and other transit needs, potentially lowering monthly commuting bills. Local advocacy group Reconnect Rochester backs the plan, noting many city households lack cars, while large employers like Amazon and T-Mobile already partner with RTS to support employee transportation.

Why it matters

This bill could provide much-needed financial relief for Rochester commuters, many of whom rely on public transportation due to the high costs of car ownership. Reducing the burden of transit costs could improve access to jobs and services, especially for lower-income residents. The proposal aligns with the city's goals of promoting sustainable transportation options and reducing carbon emissions.

The details

The proposed bill would allow workers in Rochester and Monroe County to use pre-tax earnings to cover the costs of bus passes, bike-sharing memberships, and other transit-related expenses. This is similar to existing programs that let employees set aside pre-tax money for health care or retirement savings. Reconnect Rochester, a local advocacy group, supports the plan, noting that many Rochester households do not have access to a personal vehicle. Large employers like Amazon and T-Mobile have already partnered with the Regional Transit Service (RTS) to subsidize employee transportation, and this bill could expand those types of arrangements.

• The proposed New York State bill is currently under consideration by state lawmakers.

What’s next

If passed, the bill would need to be implemented by the state and coordinated with local employers and transit agencies to make the pre-tax transit benefit available to Rochester-area workers.