T-pass Program for Lincoln Lab Employees
For Lincoln Laboratory employees, MIT subsidizes 50% of the cost of MBTA monthly public transit passes (or “T-passes”), which are available in a variety of options:
- Local Bus pass
- LinkPass (local bus and subway)
- Express Bus pass (local bus, express bus, and subway)
- Commuter Rail pass (commuter rail plus local bus and subway, covering a range of zones)
- Commuter boat pass (all ferries plus local bus and subway)
Who is eligible?
Lexington-based MIT employees who are eligible for payroll deduction.
How and when to get a T-pass, and how to renew it
To obtain a monthly T-pass, you must complete the order in your Atlas account by the 10th of this month for next month’s pass. The monthly pass will renew each month automatically unless you cancel it online.
If you want to cancel your automatically renewing T-pass, you must do this through Atlas by the 15th of your final active month. The T-pass will continue auto-renewing until you cancel. More info.
When and where to pick up the T-pass
Monthly T-passes are couriered in a single batch to Lincoln Lab before the beginning of each month. You will receive an email notification near the end of the current month telling you when and where next month’s passes will be available for distribution.
Alternatively for your convenience, any MBTA pass (commuter rail, semester, or LinkPass) can be mailed to your home address. Just choose “Mail to home” when you order your pass on Atlas.
Pre-tax and/or post-tax payroll deduction for monthly passes
The T-pass cost for the upcoming month will be deducted automatically from the current month’s paycheck. For example, you will see a deduction on your paystub in October for your November T-pass.
Because the T-pass cost is deducted directly from your salary through a payroll deduction, your taxable monthly income is reduced by the amount of that deduction up to the maximum allowed under the tax rules. The balance of the monthly payment is a post-tax deduction that does not reduce your taxable income. If you want the entire amount deducted as a post-tax deduction, you must specifically request this option through Human Resources, in writing, before each October 1st.
On your paycheck, the “MBTA Pass” deduction displays your total cost. Adjustments to taxable income are displayed in the earnings section and labeled as “MBTA Fed Txbl Adj” and/or "MBTA MA Txbl Adj."
If payroll department is unable to deduct the fee
Because T-passes are purchased through MIT, your payment for T-passes must be made as a salary deduction. You cannot receive cash reimbursement for a T-pass purchase you make on your own.
If for any reason the payroll department is unable to deduct the fee from your paycheck, you will have to pay by credit card when you pick up the pass. If payroll is also unable to deduct the fee from your paycheck the next time it is due, and if the problem cannot be rectified, your T-pass account will be terminated.
To make any changes to your T-pass account, go to the Atlas website. T-pass accounts can be suspended for up to three months.
| MONTHLY PASS PRICES (EFFECTIVE FOR 2021-2022) | |||
| Zone | Regular Price | Subsidized Price | |
| Local Bus | $55.00 | $27.50 | |
| LinkPass | $90.00 | $45.00 | |
| Zone 1A | $90.00 | $45.00 | |
| Zone 1 | $214.00 | $107.00 | |
| Zone 2 | $232.00 | $116.00 | |
| Zone 3 | $261.00 | $130.50 | |
| Zone 4 | $281.00 | $140.50 | |
| Zone 5 | $311.00 | $155.50 | |
| Zone 6 | $340.00 | $170.00 | |
| Zone 7 | $360.00 | $180.00 | |
| Zone 8 | $388.00 | $194.00 | |
| Zone 9 | $406.00 | $203.00 | |
| Zone 10 | $426.00 | $213.00 | |
| Inner Express Bus | $136.00 | $68.00 | |
| Outer Express Bus | $168.00 | $84.00 | |
| Hingham/Hull Commuter Ferry | $329.00 | $164.50 | |
| Charlestown Inner Harbor Ferry | $90.00 | $45.00 | |
Car Insurance Discounts for Public Transit Users
Several auto insurance companies offer a discount to Massachusetts auto owners who use the public transit system as their primary source of transportation. Check with your auto insurance carrier for program details.
The MIT Parking and Transportation Office can provide documentation as proof that you are a monthly transit user. Email tpass@mit.edu to request a letter.
To read other Frequently Asked Questions, go the T-pass FAQs page.
