Military Passes

Presidio of Monterey
U.S. Army Mass Transit Benefit Program
U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy Transportation Incentive Program

Frequently asked questions

What is it?

The Department of Defense has implemented a Mass Transportation Benefit Program under Executive Order 13150 for its members. The purpose of this program is to offset commuting costs to active duty military members and DoD civilian employees, including non-appropriated fund (NAF) employees, to reduce pollution and traffic congestion, preserve the environment, and expand transportation alternatives.

Who qualifies?

Active Duty Service Members, DoD Employees and NAF Employees who commute to work from outside of Presidio of Monterey

Who does not qualify?

Dependents, Contractors, Retirees, Reserve Component Service Members not on Active Duty and Service Members who live on Presidio of Monterey

What is the cost?

There is no cost to qualified applicants. This program is funded by the Department of Transportation at no cost to you!

How do I apply?

The process is very easy. Click on the links for the service that employs you. If you are a Garrison civilian employee and paid by the U.S. Army, go to the Army Application link. If you are faculty or staff of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC), go to the Army Application link. Military Service Members will go to the appropriate service component link. Each service application has three pages. Two of the three pages must be filled out and the last is an explanation page. Both pages should be typed, printed, signed and dated. The form must be turned in to Bldg 614, Rm 110. POC is Shawn Marshall at 242-7590.

Is there a time frame for applying for the program?

No, qualified applicants can sign up anytime. There is no time restriction. From the time an application is sent to the service component POC in Washington D.C., it takes 20 to 30 days for the approved voucher to be returned to Presidio of Monterey.

What do I get when I sign-up for the program?

MST 31 Day Super GoPasses will be issued to approved applicants. Applicants will be notified of the pass pick up dates. Each pass will be signed for by the applicant. Location for pick up of passes will be disseminated through command channels.

Participants need only apply once. As long as they keep taking the bus and signing for their monthly passes, they will remain in the program.

If I apply, do I have to give up my parking privileges on Presidio of Monterey?

No. Participants will not be required to give up their parking privileges or their parking decals for Presidio of Monterey.

So, I should sign up just in case I want to ride the bus once in awhile?

Definitely not. Once you sign up, the U.S. Government is paying the Monterey-Salinas Transit for a months worth of bus transportation for you. The bus should be your primary means of commuting to and from work. That does not mean that you can never use your car to drive to work. If a specific circumstance arises that requires you to drive to work, no problem. Do not be someone who cheats the U.S. Government and taxpayers. If you do, it may very well cost you more than you bargained for.

If I sign up and decide not to use the program, am I stuck with riding the bus?

No, if you decide that you do not want to use the program and commute to work on the free express bus, notify the Program POC (Shawn Marshall, 242-7590). The same application form that was used to enroll you in the program can be used to disenroll you as well.

Are there any other benefits to participating?

Yes!! Dependents of program participants will be given a 35% discount off of 31 Day Super and Basic GoPasses. Children that are 46” tall and under ride for free. Children 18 years of age and under ride for $37.00 a month for a Basic GoPass.

Monthly zone passes can be purchased at the MST Bus Stop Shop at the intersection of Del Monte Ave and Tyler Street in downtown Monterey.

Am I going to have to sit in a tiny seat with no leg room?

Absolutely not. Transit system’s 35-foot buses seat 32 people, while MST 40-foot buses seat 37 people. MST bus seating is much more spacious than standard school buses or the buses used by DOL on Presidio of Monterey.

What if I have to drop off my kids at Monterey High School or the Child Development Center (CDC) on the Presidio?
If your child is 46” tall and under and must go to the CDC on Presidio of Monterey, they can ride with you on the bus for free and get off next to Bldg 614. It is a very short walk from Bldg 614 to the CDC. If your child has to go to Monterey High School, they can ride the bus with you for $37.00 a month and get off on Franklin Street and walk the short distance to the high school. This service makes it quick, easy and inexpensive for both parent and child to ride together to school and to work.

Is there anything to do on the bus?

Lots!! You can relax, read a book, do homework, sleep, listen to your music and check your email (some buses have free wireless access). If there are sufficient numbers of applicants, all Presidio of Monterey express buses will be retro-fitted with wireless. You can also visit with your friends or make new friends with the regulars on your bus line.

How to Apply

The Department of Defense has implemented a Mass Transportation Benefit Program under Executive Order 13150 for its members. If you qualify, please follow these instructions to fill out and submit your application:

1) Open the cover page document of your corresponding military branch. On the cover sheet, type in your information and print the both pages. Once the cover sheet is printed, select residence location (check box), sign and date at bottom.

2) Open the application document of your corresponding military branch. Type in your information and answer all questions on the form (refer to completion explanation document). When completed, print application then sign and date at the bottom. (Each application document includes a second page "completion explanation" that you can print and refer to as you complete the second application document)

3) Hand deliver your signed cover page and application to Bldg 614 Rm 110 (DPTMS)