BONUS! Checks
Island-Wide Commuter Voucher Program

WHAT ARE BONUS! CHECKS?

An employer-centered voucher program accepted by TheBus, Vanpool Hawaii, LOTMA (private commuter bus service), and TheHandi-Van.  Participating employers purchase BONUS! Checks from TheBus and distribute them to their employees.  Employees can use the vouchers as cash toward the purchase of monthly TheBus passes, Vanpool Hawaii seat fees, TheHandi-Van and authorized private commuter buses (LOTMA). 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BONUS! CHECKS?

To Employers:

• Easy program administration-BONUS! Checks do not expire like bus passes.

• Tax-deductible business expense.

• “One stop shopping” to subsidize all types of transit and ridesharing.

• Supports both TheBus and private sector transit providers.

• Evens the playing field between private cars and transit use.

• Promotes regular, on-going transit use.

• Meets the needs of companies with little or no employee parking.

• Helps decrease traffic congestion and preserve the environment.

• Employees arrive more relaxed and on time.

To Employees:

• Perceived by employees as a valuable fringe benefit.

• Cost savings on commuting expenses.

• Allows employee choice of several different modes.

• Can be used to pay or reduce vanpool costs.

• Eliminates the stress of hunting for a parking space every day.

• Easy distribution since passes are distributed at work.

IS THERE A COST FOR THE EMPLOYER?

Employers can choose any level of subsidy.  BONUS! Checks are available in $5.00, $10.00 and $30.00 denominations.  Monthly transit benefits up to $100.00 can be provided tax free to the employee.  A monthly TheBus pass is only $40.00 but private commuter service can exceed $115.00 per month.  Any portion of a transit benefit over $100.00 per month is considered taxable income to the employee.  Employers can structure the program as either an employee fringe benefit or as a voluntary pre-tax employee payroll deduction.