(ROCHESTER, NY) - Today, Senator Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester) unveiled his bill (S3145) to lower costs for commuters by authorizing the use of pre-tax earnings for the purchase of qualified transportation benefits, including bike purchase and repairs, ride shares, parking, and transit passes. Senator Cooney explained that this would create a win-win for employers and employees, lowering payroll taxes for employers while allowing employees to decrease their monthly expenses. The Senator was joined by transit advocates with Reconnect Rochester. 

“Commuters deserve choice. Commuters deserve affordability,” said Senator Cooney. “By reducing the cost of transit options we can break down barriers to transportation, connect more workers to high-quality job opportunities, and support the overall economic development of our upstate communities. As Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, I’ve always led with a belief that transit equity and economic growth go hand in hand.”

Bob Duffy, President & CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce said, "Transportation is consistently cited by hard-working individuals as a key barrier preventing them from accessing meaningful careers. This legislation helps to remove that barrier by incentivizing employers to support their employees' transportation needs, while also reducing taxes and promoting affordability. This is a proven model that benefits businesses, creates economic mobility, and supports long-term growth. We are excited to see it introduced in our upstate communities. Greater Rochester Chamber thanks Senator Cooney for his leadership on this issue, and looks forward to continued collaboration on ways to support employers and employees alike."

“We applaud Senator Cooney for creating a new way for employers to support the transportation needs of their employees, especially to expand the options for active transportation commuting by bike and by bus. There are many workplaces, especially downtown, where taking transit or biking is very accessible.  For those who can't afford to own a car and have to rely on other modes to get to more distant job sites in the suburbs, creating these new incentives will make commuting to work more affordable,” said Mary Staropoli & Cody Donahue, Co-Executive Directors at Reconnect Rochester

Senator Cooney explained that his bill would work similarly to an HSA, but for fringe transportation benefits. Employers would be authorized to allow employees to set aside pre-tax earnings towards the purchase of transportation benefits, saving them money while making certain commute options more accessible. Fringe transportation benefits include the purchase of bicycles and repair costs, transit passes for buses, rideshares, bikeshares, parking, or any form of mass transit that serves to connect an employee from their home to their place of employment. This bill would also lower payroll taxes for employers, saving money for both businesses and employees. 

The Senator’s bill mirrors New York City’s successful Commuter Benefits Law which has been in place since 2016. Senator Cooney noted that this legislation also provides an employee retention tool for employers who participate in the program, as has been seen in New York City. 

It has been reported that commuters from Monroe County spend between $200-$300 a month on commuter expenses, including on gas and tolls. This bill would make other commute options more affordable, encouraging commuters to embrace affordable choices to connect them to their place of work. 

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