Oct. 17, 2025. The Mass Transit and Vanpool Commute Program (Program) provides mass transit and vanpool incentives to all eligible state employees as outlined in the following CalHR Online Human Resources Manual sections:
- Mass Transit Commute Program (new)
- Vanpool Commute Program (new)
The goal of the Program is to reduce the number of vehicles on the road by encouraging employees to explore and use alternate means of transportation to commute to and from work.
The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) filed an amended regulation with the Secretary of State regarding Mass Transit, Vanpool, and Bicycle Commuter Incentives for Excluded Employees. View the proposed and final language of California Code of Regulations, Title 2, section 599.936 online. The effective date for the amended excluded commute program regulation was April 29, 2025.
As noted in CalHR’s Dec. 30, 2024 HR Announcement:
For 2025, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) maximum monthly exclusion amount (monthly limitation) will be $325 for eligible employees (R01, R02, R03, R04, R06, R07, R08, R09, R10, R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, R16, R17, R18, R19, R20, R21, and all excluded employees), including employees headquartered out of state, for:
- Public transit (mass transit) passes
- 100 percent discount on public transit passes sold by state agencies, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.
- 100 percent reimbursement on public transit passes purchased by state employees, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.
- Vanpool participants (drivers and riders)
- 100 percent reimbursement on the monthly fee, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.
The combined maximum allowable monthly exclusion amount for employees who are eligible to claim both mass transit and vanpool shall not exceed the combined IRS maximum monthly exclusion amount.
California Code of Regulations section 599.936 (Mass Transit, Vanpool and Bicycle Commuter Incentives – Excluded Employees) provides mass transit and vanpool commute language for excluded employees. The MOUs provide mass transit and vanpool commute language for represented employees. CalHR’s Commute Programs page and Frequently Asked Questions page provide general information.
In partnership with the policy guidance provided by CalHR, State Controller’s Office (SCO) configures CalATERS Global to accept changes related to the commute program.
To subscribe for CalATERS Global updates and letters, please visit:https://www.sco.ca.gov/calaters_global_letters_subscription.html
For information about changes related to Commute Program – Expense Type Name Changes, please reference CalATERS Global Letter #25-005 released on July 22, 2025 for specific processing information.