Lance Cpl. Melissa A. Latty Marine Petty Officer 3rd Class Korey M. Danico, a hospital corpsman with the emergency department of Al Taqaddum Surgical, 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group spots his friend Sgt. Andrew L. Dekruiff the senior Marine at Al Taqaddum Surgical, during their strength workout at the gym aboard Camp Al Taqaddum, Iraq, June 26. Using a spotter is a good idea to help prevent injuries.

By Cynthia Odoms-Cheatham Business Communications Division

Today, more than 13,000 Army employees in the National Capital Region take advantage of the Army Mass Transportation Benefit Program, which subsidizes employee commuting expenses. Is it because walking to a bus or metro stop improves their heart rate, circulation and overall health? Is it because using mass transit improves our air quality? Or is it because recent changes to the program make it even more convenient and economical?

Expanded Travel Options and Increased Subsidy

In the nine years since its inception, the program has improved by expanding the mode of travel options to include commuter bus, commuter train, subway or light rail and, under special conditions, van pools and ferries. And recently, as part of the economic stimulus package, the MTBP maximum allowable benefit to participants increased to $230 per month.

New Fare Media Payments

Along with increased ridership options and benefits, riders have three types of fare media payment options, based on mode of transportation:

The Commuter Check Card Prepaid MasterCard is mainly used if you ride the metro rail and bus. It is plastic that looks like a credit card and is designed to be easier and more convenient. It can be loaded directly on to your SmartTrip Card.

The SmartBenefit vouchers are available in $1, $10 and $30 denominations. They are transferable among the MARC Train, Amtrak, and the VRE.

The TransBen Voucher is a 3-by-7 inch blue bank check solely used to pay for vanpool services.

New Online Web-Based Application

Launched June 23, 2009, MTBP’s new Web-based, Common Access Card-enabled application captures all required applicant data, automatically cross-checks Pentagon Reservation parking records, captures employee certifications, incorporates required ethics training, and implements approvals with supervisors and program officials. The new online application process takes approximately 15 days — half the time of the original manual paper process of 30-plus days. Participants without a CAC will need to continue using paper applications.

So what are you waiting for? Check out the MTBP and apply for your benefits today. In addition to saving you money, the program reduces federal employees’ contribution to traffic congestion and air pollution, and expands community mass transportation alternatives.

Ride. Relax. Go Green.

For more information about the Army Mass Transportation Benefit Program and how to apply for benefits, visit the DoD Web site: http:⁄⁄www.whs.mil⁄DFD⁄Info⁄NCRTransitSubsidy.cfm.