Beginning this month, the first batch of benefits-eligible SLAC employees will be deducting a variety of transit costs from their paychecks under a new Pre-tax Transit Pass and Commuter Check Purchase Program.

Linda Ahlf (HR) led the effort to include SLAC in this Stanford-wide program. The program allows the purchase of up to $100 per month for Muni, Samtrans, VTA, BART, DB Express and Caltrain passes, and Commuter Checks in $20, $30, $35 and $45 denominations. Up to $185 per month in transit-related parking can also be deducted from pre-tax paychecks. The exact amount saved by each individual will vary depending on an employee’s tax bracket and the cost of the item(s) purchased.

Robert Hall (ESD), who signed up for a Valley Transit Pass, described it as a great program. "It is wonderful that SLAC will be helping me by allowing me to purchase bus passes on a pre-tax basis."

To enroll in the program, turn in an application to Linda Ahlf (MS 11) two months before the desired start date. At the time of the initial purchase, staff members will determine their own monthly transit costs and lock into a one-year deduction schedule.

Lee Lyon, Director of Human Resources, commented, "This is for us to be good citizens—SLAC [by being good] to our employees and our employees by being good to the environment."

The first seven participants handed in their applications on July 26. They will be able to pick up their October passes at the Human Resources Department (A&E Building, Bldg. 41, Room 240A).

Andrew Young (EED) commented, "I am very excited that SLAC has signed onto using this program." He added that his fellow commuters at Stanford have been using commuter checks for two years.