The purpose is to inform riders on the LIRR and Metro-North that the mass transit benefit has doubled from $120 per month to $230 per month.
It was contained in a bill passed as part of the economic stimulus package. Riders receive the benefit through their employers, meaning commuters of companies that participate could pay for most, if not all, of their commuting costs with pre-taxed dollar. The senator says he'll encourage more employers to participate.
"The stimulus plan is supposed to help by putting more money in people's pockets, and this benefit does just that," said Schumer.
Schumer says commuters could save up to $1,000 a year. He adds that roughly 50,000 commuters, or 36 percent, currently take advantage of the benefit.
"The most important issue is that employees have to ask their employers," Williams said.
Schumer and Williams unveiled posters that will be displayed on trains and stations reminding customers about the benefit.
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