Commuter Benefits
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Description
Postdoctoral Researchers and Postdoctoral Fellows are eligible to participate in Penn’s Department of Parking & Commuter Services programs. NRSA Postdoctoral Fellows are currently not eligible for commuter benefits due to IRS tax regulations.
Penn’s commuter programs support a range of transportation needs and include discounted, pre-tax purchases of commuter passes and cards that can be used across the regional transit systems serving Penn’s campus.
Transit Passes and Commuter Cards
Penn’s commuter benefit provides discounts on eligible commuter fares and passes purchased through pre-tax payroll deductions. Monthly transit benefits are offered through Jawnt, where eligible postdoctoral trainees can enroll in available commuter benefit options and purchase eligible transit products.
To enroll, sign in to the Jawnt Commuter Benefits Portal using your PennKey and password. Under Available Benefits, select your transit option and click Enroll. Follow the prompts to complete enrollment.
Passes must be purchased in advance. Purchases made between the 1st and 19th of the month are effective on the first day of the following month. Purchases made after the 19th are effective on the first day of the second following month. Elections auto-renew until canceled.
Eligible options may include:
- a 5% discount on commuter fares and passes purchased through pre-tax payroll deductions;
- a 10% discount on SEPTA monthly passes;
- a 50% discount, up to a maximum of $105 per month, on eligible Philadelphia regional transit passes;
- access to SEPTA Monthly City TransPass and Monthly Regional TrailPass options;
- eligible PATCO, New Jersey Transit, and Amtrak prepaid or monthly pass options;
- use of the Commuter Card, which allows participants to load pre-tax contributions onto a debit card for eligible transit expenses.
Please note that SEPTA Key’s Travel Wallet is not included in the 50% regional pass discount.
Beginning July 2026, benefits-eligible employees may purchase tickets from Philadelphia regional transit authorities with a 5% pre-tax discount through Jawnt Pass.
Postdoctoral trainees should review Penn Parking & Commuter Services guidance for current rates, eligible products, enrollment instructions, and program rules.
Indego365 Membership Discount
The Indego365 Membership Discount offers a 20% discount on annual bike share memberships to full-time, benefits-eligible faculty, professional staff, and Postdoctoral Researchers and Fellows.
This program provides access to a sustainable commuting option and can be used by eligible participants, including those already enrolled in a Penn commuter benefit such as a parking permit or mass-transit product.
Membership benefits include:
- access to 250+ bicycle stations throughout Philadelphia, including stations on Penn’s campus;
- the ability to pick up a bicycle at one station and return it securely at another;
- access to city cycling without the expense and upkeep of bike ownership.
Postdoctoral trainees should review Penn’s Indego365 membership information for eligibility, enrollment, and current membership details.
Penn Bike Commuter Expense Reimbursement Program
The Penn Bike Commuter Expense Reimbursement Program provides reimbursement for eligible out-of-pocket bicycle commuting expenses for qualified postdoctoral trainees, up to $240 annually.
Unlike a flexible spending account, this reimbursement comes directly from the University and is considered taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service.
Eligible expense categories may include:
- bike purchases;
- maintenance;
- improvements and bike accessories;
- parking and commercial storage costs;
- safety gear.
Membership fees, program fees, clothing, and apparel are not considered allowable expenses.
Funding for this program is provided by the Division of Business Services in support of the University’s Climate Action Plan.
To confirm eligibility or learn more, postdoctoral trainees should review the program FAQs or contact bikecommuter@upenn.edu.
Penn Policy and Related Guidance
For current commuter benefit details, eligibility, enrollment instructions, reimbursement rules, and transportation options, postdoctoral trainees should review Penn Parking & Commuter Services guidance.
Related FAQs
Am I eligible for commuter benefits?
Eligibility for commuter benefits depends on your postdoctoral classification:
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Postdoctoral researchers (paid as full-time employees through Penn) are eligible for both the Commuter Program (which includes pre-tax deductions and transit subsidies through WageWorks/HealthEquity) and the parking benefit (post-tax payroll deductions).
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NRSA postdoctoral fellows, however, are not eligible for the Commuter Program and cannot use pre-tax deductions for transit. They are eligible only for the parking benefit, which may be paid through post-tax payroll deduction, if applicable.
If you are unsure of your classification or payroll setup, please consult your department’s business administrator.
How do I know if I’m eligible for the Penn Postdoc Benefits Plan?
All postdoctoral researchers and fellows are required to have health insurance. Postdoctoral Researchers and Fellows are eligible to enroll in health through the Penn Benefits Plan for Postdocs. Postdocs have three options for health insurance plans. Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans will mirror options available to faculty and staff. Exceptions to this eligibility rule are rare. If you are uncertain of your funding source, please contact your department or the school’s business administrator.
Is benefits enrollment required for all postdocs?
Yes. You must participate by either enrolling or waiving benefits in Workday. This is required during your onboarding process and each year during open enrollment.
What benefits are available to postdocs?
Postdoctoral Researchers and Fellows are eligible for the Penn Postdoc Benefits plan.
What happens to my benefits if funding for my postdoc position changes?
If your funding changes from NRSA to non-NRSA funding (or vice versa), you will need to switch benefits plans. You will be contacted by Penn HR through Workday to determine whether your support will be from NRSA or non-NRSA funds.