Transportation Incentive Program (TIP)
Get on board with TIP!
The Department of Transportation (DOT) purchases and distributes prepaid “fare media” (transit passes, farecards, or vouchers) to The Department of Navy’s (DON) members and employees to use on authorized mass transit systems. All Navy and Marine Corps military members and federal DON civilian employees living in Hampton Roads are eligible to receive incentives up to $230 a month as long as they utilize one of the following modes of transportation.
- Qualifying MAX routes (919, 922, 963, 967) & Express routes (121 & 64)
- Light Rail
- Van Pool
- Ferry
What is TIP?
Executive Order 13150 mandates all federal agencies implement a transportation fringe benefit program that offers qualified Federal employees assistance with employee commuting costs incurred through the use of mass transportation and van pools, to be excluded from taxable wages and compensation, not to exceed the maximum level set by law.
The Transportation Incentive Program (TIP) applies to Department of Navy (DON) employees to help reduce their daily contribution to traffic congestion and air pollution, as well as expand their commuting alternatives. DON members are eligible for reimbursement up to $230.00 per month (parking fees are not included) in specific pre-approved commuter mass transit transportation costs not to exceed actual expenses.
TIP is designed to pay for transit costs incurred by personnel in their local commute from residence to permanent duty station. Participants must accurately claim an amount that reflects their usage rate-failure to do so will result in fraudulent certification on the application and is subject to criminal prosecution. This program is a benefit, not an entitlement; thus, there is no retroactive reimbursement for the program back to its inception.
If you have questions about transportation alternatives to commuting alone to the local Navy bases or your eligibility for participating in this program, please contact Amber Rhodes at arhodes@hrtransit.org.
