50% Transit Subsidy

"The best part of my commute is the quiet time that I enjoy where I listen to music and mentally prepare for the day."

NICOLE BARKLEY, OFFICE OF THE DEAN OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL
A train pulls into the train station.

Get started with the 50% Transit Subsidy program

Eligibility requirements

  • Full-time graduate students without a campus housing assignment.
     
  • Use public transportation in lieu of an annual parking permit to commute to Princeton's campus or University-affiliated facilities for work or study.
     
  • Home address on file with the University matches transit commute requested for reimbursement.

Commuter benefits

  • 50% reimbursement on eligible transit purchases made starting the same month as enrollment:
     
    • Up to a maximum of $375 in reimbursements per commute month (Academic Year 2024-2025).
        
    • Requests submitted within 90 days of purchase.
       
  • Access to up to 24 daily parking passes and 4 guaranteed rides home throughout the year for added commute flexibility. Learn more.

Your reimbursement options

You must apply and be approved for the 50% Transit Subsidy program to receive reimbursements. 

To receive your reimbursements after enrolling in the benefit, submit the Transit Subsidy request form and include copies of your receipts.

Please see below list of all eligible ticket options eligible for receipt-based reimbursement. Individual one-way tickets and Tap2Pay payment records are not eligible. A reimbursement of up to $375 per commute month, assuming a $750 up-front cost, will be applied directly to your paycheck or stipend.

Transit Provider

Accepted Purchases (effective 1/1/2025)

Ineligible Purchases 

New Jersey Transit (rail/bus/light rail)(1)

Monthly Pass  

10-packs (max two receipts per month) 

Minimum of 4 round-trips purchased in bulk as a single transaction (max two receipts per month)

One-way tickets 

Receipts for less than 4 round-trip tickets

SEPTA(1)

Monthly Pass  

Up to two SEPTA Key fare additions per month, with a maximum total value of $165. 

Individual Tap2Pay SEPTA Key expenses

Card replacements 

MTA Subway/Bus(1)

30-Day Pass (MetroCard kiosk)  

Up to two OMNY Card fare additions per month, with a maximum total value of $136.  

Individual Tap2Pay OMNY purchases  

Card replacements 

MTA LIRR (Long Island Rail) and Metro-North(1)

Monthly Pass  

Ten-Trip Peak/Off-Peak (max two receipts per month) 

 
PATH Train(1)

30 Day Pass  

10 or 20 Trip SmartLink (max two receipts per month) 

 

Individual Tap2Pay purchases 
NYC Ferry(1)10-pack pass One-way tickets
CoachUSA/Suburban Transit

Minimum of 4 round trips purchased in bulk, as a single transaction (max two receipts per month) 

10 or 20 trip pack (max two receipts per month) 

Monthly pass (only sold for trips starting or ending in New York City) 

One-way tickets 

Receipts for less than 4 round-trip tickets 

Amtrak(1)

Receipts can only be submitted for reimbursement starting 45 days prior to the trip date or pass date. 

30 Day Pass  

10-ride passes (max two receipts per month) 

Starting January 1, 2025: A minimum of four round trip tickets.

One-way tickets 
WMATA(1) (requires department approval)

Monthly pass 

Fare add for 10+ rides on SmartTrip (max two receipts per month) 

Individual Tap2Pay purchases 

Card replacements 

(1) Discounts available for senior citizens and/or customers with disabilities. Please check the transit agency’s website for details.


If you use a transit provider not on this list for your commute to Princeton's campus or another official University office location, please contact The Service Point for consideration. 

NJ Transit discounts

You can save 25% on your NJ Transit monthly pass (bus, rail, or light-rail) with the NJ Transit Monthly Pass Student Discount. Discounted receipts are eligible for the 50% reimbursement.

Learn about the NJ Transit Student Discount

 

Do I owe taxes on Revise Your Ride incentives?

Revise Your Ride incentives are paid out at the end of each semester directly through University payroll. Incentives are considered taxable income and are subject to federal and state income taxes. Income tax will be withheld automatically on your paycheck or stipend.

 

Bike to your stop or station

All local public transit (NJ Transit, Coach USA, and TigerTransit) are bike friendly. Buses provide either bike racks on the front of the vehicle or under bus luggage storage space. On NJ Transit trains, folding bikes are welcome any time, and standard frame bikes during off-peak hours.