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Important 2026 Commuter Benefits Updates

Effective January 2026, several changes may impact your commute and your payroll deductions. Please review the following updates regarding new MTA fares, new IRS pre-tax limits, and commuter benefit enrollment system availability.

MTA Fare Changes and Your Payroll Deductions

On January 4, the MTA will raise fares for various products (including MTA subway and bus service, Metro-North and LIRR). You can view a complete list of changes on the MTA website. These fare changes may affect your commuter benefits plan.

If you are enrolled in the Commuter Card-No Admin Fee (CC-No Fee) Plan:

  • No action is required.
  • We will automatically increase your monthly payroll deduction from $132 to $140 to cover the new MTA New York City Transit 7-day fare cap of $35.

If you are enrolled in any other plan (e.g., Unrestricted, Transit Pass, Access-A-Ride):

  • Action may be required.
  • Because you designate your own deduction amount in these plans, your deduction will not automatically update to match the new MTA fares.
  • You may need to log in to your agency payroll portal to increase your deduction to ensure your 2026 commuting costs are covered.

IRS Pre-Tax Limit Increase for Transit and Parking

The IRS has announced that the 2026 monthly pre-tax contribution limit for transit and parking will increase from $325 to $340.

  • This only affects you if your monthly commuter benefits deduction is greater than $325.
  • If you are affected, FISA-OPA will automatically update your pre-tax deduction to the new limit by January 1, 2026. You do not need to take action for this tax adjustment.

System Unavailability Schedule

To process these changes, the commuter benefits enrollment system will be temporarily unavailable. During this time, processing for mailing and email address changes is unaffected, but you will not be able to enroll or cancel your benefits.

Department of Education Employees:

  • Unavailable from: Close of business, Monday, December 15, 2025
  • Resumes: Monday, January 5, 2026
  • System affected: DOE Web Payroll Portal

City of New York Employees:

  • Unavailable from: Close of business, Friday, December 19, 2025
  • Resumes: Monday, January 5, 2026
  • Systems affected: NYCAPS Employee Self-Service


Access-A-Ride Plan Update

The MTA will no longer be issuing Access-A-Ride coupons after December 31, 2025.

  • If you are enrolled in the Access-A-Ride Plan, you will remain enrolled in the plan.
  • You will no longer be able to order Access-A-Ride coupons from Edenred.
  • Edenred will mail you an Edenred Commuter Card by the end of November.
  • Your Commuter Card will automatically be loaded with the exact dollar amount of your commuter account balance.
  • Your payroll deductions will remain the same.
  • You will use the funds on your Commuter Card to fund your MTA AAR OMNY ID card.

If you are an Access-A-Ride Plan participant and have not received your AAR OMNY ID card, contact the MTA.

Visit the OMNY for Access-A-Ride webpage to learn more about how these changes may affect you.


Changes to MTA Fares and Tolls in 2026

The MTA has announced fare and toll changes for 2026. Read more about these changes.


MTA MetroCard Discontinuation

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is phasing out MetroCards and moving to the OMNY contactless fare payment system. The Commuter Card, offered through the City of New York Commuter Benefits Program, is OMNY compatible and includes a range of convenient features:  

  • Tap and Go: Speed up your payment experience at OMNY terminals and avoid waiting in line at vending machines with the Tap and Go contactless feature.

  • Digital Wallet Compatibility: Add your card to your mobile phone's digital wallet to pay at OMNY readers.

  • Transit and Parking Flex: Enjoy interchangeable transit and parking funds.

Visit the Edenred website to see a list of where the Commuter Card will work.


Monthly Pre-Tax Contribution Limits for Transit and Parking

These monthly limits are set by the Internal Revenue Service and typically adjust annually for inflation.

  • 2025: $325 each
  • 2026: $340 each


Using Your Commuter Card for the Long Island Railroad and Metro-North Railroad

If you're using your Commuter Card at a Long Island Railroad vending machine and it prompts you for a PIN, there are two ways to proceed:

1. Retrieve Your PIN: You can obtain your PIN by logging in to your account, going to the Card Management page, and selecting "Request PIN". You can also obtain your PIN by calling 833-584-8109.

2. Use Tap-to-Pay: If you select "Credit" and use the contactless/Tap-to-Pay option, you do not need to enter a PIN.

If you're using your Commuter Card at a Metro-North Railroad vending machine, you will be required to enter a PIN for all transaction types. You can easily retrieve your PIN through one of the following methods:

1. Online: Log in to your account, go to the Card Management page, and then select “Request PIN”.  

2. By Phone: Call 833-584-8109, press 1, and follow the prompts to request your PIN.


Edenred Mobile Application is Now Available on App Store and Google Play

Manage your commuter benefits, anytime, any place.

Download Edenred Benefits Mobile Application Guide






Important Note

The Commuter Benefits Program is for NYC government employees only and is offered by Edenred, the City’s commuter benefit provider. Members of the public, including businesses and their employees: get more information about the Commuter Benefits Law, or call 311. The Commuter Benefits Law requires certain businesses to offer their eligible employees a pre-tax transportation deduction.