SmartBenefits®

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What Is SmartBenefits®?

SmartBenefits® is a convenient Web-based program that lets employers assign the dollar value of employees' monthly commuting benefit directly to the employees' SmarTrip® cards. This can be done right from your computer using our website. With SmartBenefits®, you'll immediately eliminate the need to distribute paper vouchers to Metrorail, Metrobus, most regional bus systems', and van pool commuters.

Van pool operators, van pool passengers, D & B Bus/Quick's Commuter Service passengers, and VRE riders can switch fare payments from paper vouchers to electronic SmartBenefits®.

Van pool operators who currently participate in the SmartBenefits® program register their van pool in the online Metro SmartBenefits® van pool operators program. Van pool passengers who participate in their employers' SmartBenefits® program will allocate their van pool fare payments directly into their van operator's designated bank account via the Internet.
How to Start

Apply for a SmartBenefits® account. Collect your employees' SmartTrip® serial numbers. Enter employees' SmarTrip® serial numbers and benefit amounts between first and 15th day of the month for benefits for upcoming month.
Claiming Benefits

Employees take their SmarTrip® cards to any Metro station's Passes/Farecards machine between the first and last day of the benefit month and claim their transit benefit with the SmarTrip® card.

If an employee fails to claim his or her benefits during the benefit month, a credit will be posted on the employer's future invoice.
Managing Your SmartBenefits® Program

The SmartBenefits® program established through Metro is a free service for employers. Go to Employer login. Metro does not charge for anything other than the fares ordered. However, if you are interested in hiring a fee-for-service organization to manage your SmartBenefits® program, feel free to contact the following groups for additional information.
IRS Grants Extension to January 2011

The SmartBenefits® program will not change in January 2010 as planned and instead will remain as is until further notice. See the news release. View the IRS notice.