Metrocheks

Q. When will the next Metrochek distribution be held?
A. The next distribution will be on December 16 and 17, 2008 from 8:30 AM. to 3:30 PM. in room B841B of the Herbert C. Hoover Building, and makeup day for all designated bureaus will be on December 18, 2008 from 8:30 AM. until 11:00 AM.

Q. What will I receive at this distribution?
A. You will receive three months of Metrochek benefits (January, February and March 2009).
The maximum benefit amount is $115 per month.

Q. Can a co-worker pick up my Metrocheks?
A. No. The Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) rules state that to avoid the risk of fraud, every participating employee must pick up his or her own Metrocheks.

Q. What must I bring to pick up my Metrocheks?
A. You must present a valid building pass with a photo, or a temporary building pass with another form of photo ID. Also, you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Q. Am I required to turn-in my Metrocheks upon separation from my agency?
A. Yes! When you separate from your agency before the end of the month/quarter you must return your Metrocheks (Your maximum monthly benefits are $115.00). If you use more than your monthly benefits you are required to reimburse the department with a personal check or payroll deduction.

Q. How do I use the Metrocheks?
A. Metrorail riders may use them as farecards or transfer them to their SmarTrip Card (SmartBenefits). Metrobus riders must go to Metro Center or another Metro Exchange Center to exchange the Metrocheks for bus tokens or another fare unit. Riders on other commuter trains or buses should contact their transit providers for instructions.

Q. If I miss the Metrochek quarterly distribution, how can I get my Metrocheks?
A. Participating employees who miss the quarterly distribution  may pick up their Metrocheks at the DOT after the last day of the distribution, during DOT’s distribution hours of 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Q. If I do not pick-up my Metrocheks for the quarter, am I still enrolled in the Metrochek Program?
A. Yes. You are still enrolled in the Metrochek Program. However, if you do not pick-up your Metrochek benefit within 6 months, you will be automatically withdrawn from the Metrochek Program by DOT and will have to reapply for the Metrochek Program.

Directions to DOT's Transit Benefit Office:

DOT is located at, 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE, Plaza Level

Take the Metro Green Line to Navy Yard.
DOT is across the street from the subway.
Enter the West Building,
The Transit Office is located on the Plaza Level

Remember to take a valid DOC building pass with a photo. If your valid DOC building pass does not have a photo, you must also have another ID with a photo and will be required to wait until an employee of the TranServ Office escorts you to the pick-up window (current DOT security procedure).

NOTE: You cannot receive Metrocheks for past months. For example, if you pick up your Metrocheks at DOT on August 1, 2007, you will only receive Metrocheks for the month of August and September only. You cannot receive Metrocheks for the past month of July.

Department employees are reminded that during scheduled distribution of transit benefit personnel with-in the National Capital Region, etc., should not pick up Metrocheks to avoid conflicts during the clearing process.

Departing personnel are advised that any unused portion of their transit subsidy must be turn in. Ex. Departing August 5, 2006, September benefit and unused subsidy for August must be returned to clear individual.

Smart Benefits

Q. What is SmartBenefits?
A. SmartBenefits is a program that allows Metrochek participants to receive Metrochek transit benefits electronically each month using their Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) registered SmarTrip card at Passes/Farecards Kiosks at any Metro station.

Q. Can I participate in the SmartBenefits Program?
A. Currently, this program is offered only to participants who use all of their Metrocheks for Metrorail, Metrobus and Metro Vanpools only.

Q. Where can I purchase a SmarTrip card if I do not have one?
A. You may purchase a SmarTrip card for $5.00 via mail, on-line, or at Metro’s sales offices and area transit stores.

Q. How do I enroll in the SmartBenefits Program?
A. You must complete the "SmartBenefits Program Application," which is available from your Transit Point of Contact (TPOC). Return the completed application to your TPOC by the 10^th of the month prior to the next scheduled distribution. For example, if you wish to participate in the SmartBenefits Program during the October 2007 distribution, you must return the form to your TPOC by October 10, 2007.

Q. Where can I get more information on the SmartBenefits Program?
A. You can receive additional information from your Transit Point of Contact or at http://www.metroopensdoors.com

Q. Where can I get more information regarding the Department’s policies and procedures for the transit subsidy program?
A. For more information on the transit subsidy program, go to Department Administrative Order 217-8, Employee Parking, Ridesharing, and Mass Transit Benefit Program.

Q. Are there penalties for fraud or abuse regarding transit subsidies?
A. The DOC Application for Transit Benefit, Form CD-544, which must be signed by each employee in order to receive benefits, contains the following notification:  ...making a false, fictitious, or fraudulent certification may render the maker subject to criminal prosecution under title 18, United States Code, section 1001, civil penalty action providing for administrative recoveries of up to $5000 per violation, and/or agency disciplinary actions up to and including dismissal.  

Q. How do I claim my SmartBenefits to my SmarTrip Card?
A. follow the steps listed below for more detail information click here.

1^st step – Touch card to circular target. (The screen will display SmarTrip value)
2^nd step – Press (A) for SmartBenefits. The next screen will ask if you want a receipt
3^rd step – Press (B) or (C) for receipt (Yes/NO) next screen show current of the SmarTrip card 
and value due you
4^th step – Press (B) Add Value. The screen will show you the total SmartBenefits value available
5^th step – Press (C) to Claim entire benefit. Press C when done
6^th and Final step – Retouch your SmarTrip card to end the process

 

Guaranteed Ride Home Program

Q. What is the Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) Program?
A. The Guaranteed Ride Home Program provides commuters who regularly carpool, vanpool, bike, walk, or take transit to work with a reliable ride home when one of life's unexpected emergencies arises. Commuters will be able to use this program to get home for unexpected personal emergencies and unscheduled overtime up to four times a year.

Q. Where can I obtain further information on the Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) Program?
A. You can receive further information on the Internet at http://www.mwcog.org/commuter/Bdy-GRH.html or by calling 1-800-745-RIDE (7433).

 

If you have any further questions, please call your Transit Point of Contact: