Commuter Benefit Program

Overview: Commuting to work each day can be expensive. The commuter benefit program offered by the County of Alameda (County) will help you save money on your commuting costs.  The County selected WEX, Inc., which provides you with simple electronic fulfillment for use in commuting to work.

Are You Eligible? All full-time and part-time actively working employees, including Services-as Needed (SAN) and employees in the Temporary Assignment Pool (TAP) are eligible for this money saving benefit. (Employees not eligible are Judges, EBCRC and retired annuitants).

Why Participate? You save on your commuting expenses because deductions come out of your paycheck before taxes or pre-tax. Pre-tax means no taxes are being taken out of those dollars you designate for your work commute, so you ultimately take home more of your paycheck.

How Does the Program Work? The Commuter Benefit Plan allows you to set aside before-tax dollars to pay mass transit and parking expenses related to commuting to and from work. When spent on an eligible commuting expense, every dollar of the earnings you set aside is tax-free. The County partnered with WEX Inc. to administer this plan.

How to Enroll: You can download an enrollment form on the EBC Online website under Forms. Complete the enrollment form and then submit it to the EBC either by QIC, email or print and fax. Typically, deductions will start the first paycheck of the following month but can be later depending on when you submit the form.

Once you enroll, you can make changes to your deductions at any time by submitting a new enrollment form. Once payroll deductions start, it takes approximately 10 business days from your paycheck date for the monies to be available in your WEX Benefits Account. You can log onto WEX at www.wexinc.com /login/benefits-login/ and track the funds in your account. Your payroll deductions will be loaded to a WEX Visa Debit Card to be used for your Commuter expenses.

Accessing Funds: You can use your WEX Visa Debit Card to pay at the time of service. If a transit or parking facility does not accept debit card payments, you can pay out-of-pocket and submit a reimbursement request through the WEX Mobile App by WEX or on your online account. Sign up for direct deposit to receive your reimbursement as quickly as possible.

NEED HELP? If you have questions regarding the WEX Inc. website, how it works and/or products offered, contact WEX directly at 866-451-3399. For questions regarding eligibility, contact the EBC.