Employer Pass Discounts

You and your employer may be missing out on the perfect way to save on commuting costs through the Transit Riders’ Incentive Plan or “TRIP,” for short. More than 150 employers offer this valuable transit benefit to their employees.

TRIP member employers save as much as $100 per employee on yearly payroll taxes. Likewise, employees are enjoying the pre-tax savings, discounted monthly bus passes and lower costs to maintain their automobile through TRIP.

Employer Benefits

The ideal employee benefit is one that employees value, but doesn’t break the bank. Through TRIP, employers pay at least $4 toward the cost of a Metro bus pass. KCATA matches the $4, so that the minimum employee discount is $8. And that’s just the beginning.

When you, as an employer, enroll in the TRIP program, you:

• Save up to $100 per employee per year in payroll taxes. (Federal legislation allows employers to receive a tax deduction if you sponsor a transit benefit program such as TRIP.)
• Improve employee recruitment and retention by offering prospective employees discounts on already low-cost bus passes.
• Discover how TRIP enhances the benefits package you already offer, without increasing overall costs.
• Help to reduce employees’ commuting costs. (Riding The Metro and MAX saves on gasoline, automobile maintenance and parking fees.)
• Demonstrate your support for public transportation to save on high gas prices and help the environment.

To enroll in the TRIP program, contact us at or call (816) 346-0274. Our TRIP coordinator will answer your questions, then provide you with a program application.

Once the application process is completed, the coordinator will arrange a meeting to explain and walk you through the required administrative tasks.

You will also receive a program agreement to review and sign. When the agreement is fully executed, your company will be scheduled to begin the program for the next month’s pass sales cycle.

In addition, here’s how we can assist you with encouraging employees to sign up:

1. Provide employees with TRIP and other Metro literature, especially for first-time riders.
2. Provide your company with posters.
3. Arrange an on-site transit fair or meeting with employees typically during the lunch hours for personalized assistance.

Employee Benefits

As an employee, there are simple ways to realize the savings and other benefits:

• Your monthly pass will automatically cost you at least $8 less per month.
• When you pay for your pass through payroll deduction, that amount is exempt from payroll taxes. The maximum tax-free discount is $105 per month.
• Your commuting cost is lowered by at least *$650 a year.
• Enjoy the convenience of picking up your pass at work.

You are also eligible for a guaranteed free taxicab ride home in case of an emergency.

If your employer is currently a TRIP member company, signing up is easy. Just contact the Human Resources Dept. or the department designated to handle employee benefits.

If your employer is not a TRIP member, have an HR representative or company decision-maker e-mail us at or call (816) 346-0274 to request information and further explanation of the program.

*Based on AAA 2004 average cost per mile of 14.1 for gasoline, automobile maintenance and tires. Current average could be higher as a result of higher gasoline prices.