Commuter tax benefit to become permanent

[spuwho]

A concept I enjoyed while commuting on Metra in Chicago, and I think should be used in metro areas (like Jacksonville) to jump start transit is the commuter tax credit.

Per Trains:

http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2015/12/21-commuter-tax-benefit-may-become-permanent-under-tax-plan

Commuter tax benefit may become permanent under tax plan

WASHINGTON – Among the provisions of tax legislation approved by the U.S. House of Representatives last week is parity of the commuter benefit for public transportation riders. Currently the maximum monthly tax credit for users of public transportation is $130, while the maximum monthly level for those driving and parking their cars is $250. Under the legislation, users of the public transit commuter benefit and the parking benefit will receive the same monthly maximum of $255 starting next year. The legislation still must pass the Senate.

"Permanent parity with the parking benefit has been a long time coming," says American Public Transportation Association President and CEO Michael Melaniphy. "Assuming the tax extension legislation also passes in the Senate, federal tax law would no longer favor driving and parking over public transportation. It is sound policy that will promote greater usage of public transit."