Why You Need to Send Transit Feedback to Officials

Handouts at Union Station in DC yesterday complimented travelers for taking public transportation. The flyer is from an organization called Vote Transit trying to raise awareness for what I feel is a critical issue, not only for us now, but for future generations.

Gas and oil are limited resources. Yet, big corporations keep building products with heavy reliance on these fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are not something you can cook up in the microwave. It took thousands to millions of years for them to ferment, for lack of a better word. Contact all your representatives and tell them to Get Eco Smart and fund Public Transportation!

Here is the info from their flyers:

 

FYI - Federal Transit Benefits Are Retroactive

Some good financial news comes in the latest news articles regarding Federal Transit Benefits being upped from $125/month in 2012 to $245/month in 2013 and clarifying retroactive payments for 2012.

"The bill Congress approved earlier this month to avoid the so-called “fiscal cliff” included two key changes to these transit benefits. It increased the monthly cap while also noting that the benefits could be applied retroactively." (Washington Post)

The Examiner notes that "Transit riders will be able to receive even higher federal transit benefits -- and get back money for last year's transit costs."

"The $240 limit will be retroactively applied to 2012, replacing the $125 ceiling that was in place that year (before the bill was approved)." (Washington Post)

The IRS is instructing employers on how to accomodate this change so that employees can benefit. (See the IRS instructions in Notice 2013-8.)

MARC/VRE riders going the distance are most likely to benefit. "A monthly pass on VRE, for example, can cost as much as $294.10, while MARC trains can cost up to $350 a month."

 

Important Note - Those Using Commuter Benefit Plans

For those using commuter benefit plans, the fiscal cliff impacted the maximum we could spend, pre-tax, in 2013 which was less than in prior years. Current approvals have raised the maximum back to $240 per month.

If the change affects you, check into it so you can up your 2013 limit.

 

MLK 2013 Local Event

Check out the New Brunswick Line Schedule

Heads up all. On Monday, January 14, 2013, MARC will issue a schedule revision for the Brunswick Line based on the feedback they've been getting to the one they revised 7/16/2012.  Here is the schedule:

 

 

 
The full listing of the schedule: https://mta.maryland.gov/sites/default/files/Brunswick_Jan2013.pdf


The item-by-item description of the changes: https://mta.maryland.gov/sites/default/files/Bruns_Jan2013_specifics.pdf

 

2013 New Year’s Resolutions for MARC Riders

There are a lot of facts about how well people stick to New Year’s Resolutions. Instead of making New Year’s Resolutions you already know you won’t keep, consider contributing to or joining some of the following:

Interfaith Works provides shelter, food, and clothing to
low-income and homeless neighbors.

Upcoming Event: Companies Caring Breakfast 2013

Join 300 corporate leaders, public officials, foundations, community partners, and friends from the faith community on March 1, 2013 to celebrate our partnership to help those in need.

www.iworksmc.org

Gaithersburg HELPis a year-round food pantry serving the Gaithersburg community since 1968.

Donation by credit card: More Information

Alternate Giving: More Information

Volunteers Critically needed: More Information

www.gaithersburghelp.org/

The Dwelling Place, founded 21 years ago, is a housing program that provides transitional housing and support services in Montgomery County, helping families transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency.

Upcoming Event: Carnival of Chocolates in the Spring of 2013 - details to be announced

Upcoming Event: Community Breakfast in the Summer of 2013 - details to be announced

Upcoming Event: 25th Anniversary Dinner - Fall of 2013 - details to be announced

www.dwellingplaceinc.org/