U.S Senator Charles Schumer [1]unveiled a federal proposal that would double the mass transit tax-free benefits for New Yorkers who use the Metro-North [2]and other transit. Under the current law, the amount of tax-free benefits only cover half the cost of a typical Metro-North monthly pass but under Schumer's proposal, commuters would be fully covered, reports the Poughkeepsie Journal [3]. In addition to saving commuters hundreds of dollars per year in transportation costs and increasing energy conservation, increased benefits and fewer drivers would also mean less traffic, congestion and smog.Under Schumer's plan, some commuters could save up to $750 annually on transportation costs.

Under current law, employers can offer employees a monthly tax-free transit benefit of only $115 dollars to cover mass transit commuting costs, but can offer up to $220 to help cover parking costs for people to drive to work. Schumer's plan would equalize the mass transit and parking benefits at $220 per month, offering a greater financial incentive to use mass transit.