Questions
and Answers:
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you will be automatically withdrawn from the Metrochek Program by DOT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 10th 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.
1st
step – Touch card to circular target. (The screen will display
SmarTrip value)
2nd step – Press (A) for
SmartBenefits. The next screen will ask if you want a receipt
3rd step – Press (B) or (C)
for receipt (Yes/NO) next screen show current of the SmarTrip card
and value due you
4th step – Press (B) Add
Value. The screen will show you the total SmartBenefits value available
5th step – Press (C) to
Claim entire benefit. Press C when done
6th 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:
|
Organization |
Name |
Phone Number |
|
BEA |
Deborah Jackson |
(202) 606-9681 |
|
BIS |
Savette Jones |
(202) 482-1895 |
|
CENSUS |
Sarabeth Rodriguez |
(301) 763-4529 |
|
EDA |
Brenda Davidson |
(202) 482-6325 |
|
ESA |
Wes Dias |
(202) 482-4165 |
|
ITA |
Sharon Russell |
(202) 482-3267 |
|
MBDA |
Clara Colbert |
(202) 482-3341 |
|
NOAA |
Sharon DePiso |
(301) 713-1142, x192 |
|
NTIA |
Lorna Brodsky |
(202) 482-2790 |
|
NTIS |
Vicki Buttram |
(703) 605-6133 |
|
NIST |
Fred Zeigler |
(301) 975-4742 |
|
OS |
Jeanette Darden |
(202) 482-3805/6339 |
|
OIG |
Joyce Baker |
(202) 482-1023 |
Back |
|
|
Top |
|