Change to the Commuter Benefits Process
The following email was sent to individuals who utilized the Commuter Benefit between January and April 2026.
Dear Colleague,
We want to make you aware of an upcoming change to the commuter benefit program so that you can plan and prepare to take action for the July 2026 benefit plan.
Why this change is happening
Inspira Financial, the vendor that manages Northwestern’s pre-tax commuter transit and parking benefits, is updating the process for how pre-tax commuter funds are used to purchase qualified transit and parking. Currently, Inspira partners with Edenred to allow faculty and staff to order transit passes directly from a transit authority or fund a pre-paid MasterCard. Starting July 2026, Inspira will no longer partner with Edenred, this change will allow faculty and staff more flexibility with how they use their pre-tax commuter funds.
Here’s what’s changing:
- Commuter benefits will be deposited as a dollar amount on the Inspira debit card.
- Funds will be deposited to the Inspira card on July 1, and the first day of each month after that.
- You will use the Inspira debit card to purchase transit passes directly from a transit authority (e.g., CTA, Metra, METRO, BART, OMNY) and cannot purchase passes from a third party (e.g., Walgreens, Currency Exchange, etc.). You cannot pay out of pocket and be reimbursed for commuter transit passes.
- You may use your Inspira debit card to purchase parking. Unlike commuter transit, you are allowed to pay out of pocket for parking expenses and request reimbursement from Inspira. You also have the option to request payment be sent to select parking vendors directly.
- Any credit balance you have with Edenred will automatically transfer to your Inspira debit card between mid-July and mid-August 2026.
What you need to do
No action is required by you at this time, but starting May 11 through June 5 you will need to place an order for the July 2026 benefit month. We will contact you again on May 11 with instructions and next steps.
Important information about the Inspira Debit Card
If you enrolled in a Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account within the last five years, you were issued an Inspira debit card. Your commuter benefit funds will be deposited to your Inspira debit card on July 1, and the first day of each month after that.
Please note, Inspira debit cards expire five years after they are issued. If you no longer have your card, or it has expired, call Inspira at (844) 729-3539 after placing your July commuter benefit order to request a replacement card. New cards may take up to 10 business days to receive, so please plan accordingly.
Visit the commuter benefits website for more details including FAQs. We will reach out to you again on May 11.
If you have questions about the change, please contact the askHR Service Center at 847-491-4700 or email askHR@northwestern.edu.
Thank you,
Benefits
Office of Human Resources