A Commuter Choice Spending Account lets eligible employees put aside pre-tax payroll dollars to pay for eligible transit and parking costs. This account is not applicable for employees parking in a Brown University lot.
There are two types of Commuter Choice Spending Accounts*:
- Parking: The parking account lets eligible employees put aside up to $300 per month to pay for work-related parking expenses in a non-Brown lot or parking at a location from where they commute to work (e.g. commercial lot) in calendar year 2023. For calendar year 2024, the maximum is $315.
- Transit: The transit account lets eligible employees put aside up to $230 per month to pay for work-related non-RIPTA mass transit costs (e.g. MBTA) in calendar year 2023. For calendar year 2024, the maximum is $245.
* The two accounts cannot be used interchangeably.
Eligibility
Regular faculty and staff working greater than 50% time are eligible to participate in a Commuter Choice Spending Account.
Election Changes
Commuter Choice elections can be made through Workday during open enrollment or at the beginning of any month. Employees may change or cancel their election monthly.
Reimbursement Options
- Use the Sentinel Benefits “Benny Card” to pay for parking or transit services.
- Request reimbursement through the Sentinel Benefits web portal.
Please note: Unused balances may be rolled over month to month or year to year.** Funds will be forfeited when employment is terminated.
** Maximum reimbursement amount cannot exceed the IRS limits in any month.