With our user-friendly web-based application, commonly known as Commuting and Parking Services (CAPS), eligible NIH employees can apply, recertify, change, or withdraw from the NIH Transhare Program at their convenience.
CAPS captures all required applicant data from the NIH Enterprise Directory (NED), automatically cross-checks NIH records, and properly captures employee qualifications, certifications, commuting information, and costs.
CAPS is supported by major browsers such as Microsoft Edge, Chrome, and Apple Safari. If you encounter any issues, our dedicated NIH/CIT Helpdesk is just a call away at (301) 496-4357. We're here to ensure your login process is smooth and hassle-free.
Applying for Transhare Benefits
Log into your CAPS account with your PIV card, and choose "Enroll in Transhare"
Note: if you do not qualify to participate in the Transhare program, after logging in, you will not see a button labeled "Enroll in Transhare." Contact your Administrative Officer to ensure the worksite is listed in NED. Employees with "Domestic" worksites do not qualify for the program.
As a key participant in the Transhare Program, we trust you to report your commuting costs accurately. This ensures the program's smooth operation and helps us provide you with the best possible benefits.
WMATA's Trip Planner is a good tool for calculating monthly commuting costs. This planner determines your door-to-door, one-way trip costs for most of the Washington, DC, metro area. Montgomery County commuters can call 311 or 240-777-0311 for route counseling assistance or Commuter Connections.
After determining your one-way costs, multiply by 2 to get your daily costs. Finally, multiply by your monthly total commuting days to work (see example below). The average month of four (4) weeks with five (5) workdays in each week is used to determine monthly costs; see table below. Remember to subtract any days you regularly telework.
| 8-hour days | 20 |
| AWS, 5/4/9 | 18 |
| AWS 4/10 | 16 |
| Part-time | Varies |
Example: 8-hour workdays
One-way costs: $3.20
Daily costs = $3.20 x 2 = $6.40
Monthly Commuting Costs = $6.40 x 20 days = $128
When applying online, follow the on-screen directions and fill out all of the required fields (second screen). After submitting your request, you will receive two emails from "CAPS Admin." The first is a confirmation of your submittal and its pending status. The second will either be an approval or a request denied. If approved, you will receive instructions regarding your SmarTrip® card (if you did not provide one when applying) and other pertinent instructions. If your request is denied, the email will provide a reason.
The NIH Program management will conduct monthly audits on its members' benefit usage accounts. These audits are conducted to ensure the accuracy of commuting cost declarations and the appropriate use of benefits. The NIH Program management reserves the right to modify any participant's monthly subsidy at any time, without prior notice. We will use the above method to determine commuters' monthly costs.
If you do not have access to the NIH network or are waiting to be issued a PIV card, you may submit a paper application, NIH Form 2705-1, Transhare Program Application via email at nihparkingoffice@nih.gov, or fax (301) 480-0854 to the NIH Parking Office.
Annual Recertification/Renewal
Recertifications are required for the Transhare program every year in the month listed below, according to the first letter of the participant's last name.
A - B - C | JANUARY |
| D - E - F - G | MARCH |
| H - I - J - K - L | MAY |
| M - N - O - P | JULY |
| Q - R - S | SEPTEMBER |
| T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z | NOVEMBER |
During the renewal month, you will receive an email directing you to
log in to CAPS and renew. After logging into the CAPS system, please choose the "Renew" button. If your commuter cost or mode of transportation has changed during the last year, you should select the option to "Renew and Modify." This option allows you to both renew and modify your membership at the same time.
Change/Modify
To change/modify your commuting cost declaration, commuting mode, home address, SmarTrip® card number, etc., please log in to CAPS and select the "Modify" button. There, you will follow the prompt screens and you can update any information concerning your home address, commuter cost, etc. (second screen).
Due to system limitations established by the WMATA SmartBenefits system, requests to "change/modify" benefits cannot be made after the 21st of the month. Modifications must be submitted on the 1st of the following month.
You will receive an email confirmation of your submission to modify your account. Members will also receive an email confirmation after the NIH Parking Office has approved the modification.
Terminate
You may terminate the Transhare Program at any time by logging in to CAPS. You can terminate immediately or later, such as two weeks or a month from now.
You will receive an email confirmation of your termination request. When your removal is approved, your benefits (if any remain) will be suspended, and you will be removed from the program. Please note that any personal funds you have on your SmarTrip® will remain on your card, and you will keep your card; the NIH does not collect SmarTrip cards.
IMPORTANT: Members are responsible for terminating monthly pass allocations with Commuter Direct or a third-party company. If you are terminated from the program and you have not canceled your orders, your personal credit cards may be billed. You will need to contact a third party to resolve any issues. The NIH is not responsible for any cost billed from third-party vendors and will not reimburse.
Once removed, you may re-enroll in the NIH Transhare program at any time, or you are eligible to receive parking benefits. To re-enroll, simply follow the same application process as before.