Thank you for your inquiry regarding the use of government funds to provide shuttle services for employees commuting to and from public Metrorail stations.

Please note that NIH shuttles are used specifically as circulators between NIH facilities, supporting work-related travel between NIH buildings and properties. They are not intended for home-to-work commuting.

While we understand and appreciate the challenges employees face with commuting, federal law generally prohibits the use of appropriated funds for home-to-work transportation, as commuting is considered a personal expense under 31 U.S.C. § 1344(a).

There is a limited exception under 31 U.S.C. § 1344(g) that permits federal agencies to provide shuttle service between a federal worksite and a mass transit facility—but only when there is no safe, reliable and accessible public or commercial transportation available. Even in those cases, the agency must demonstrate that the service is cost-effective, fully justified and formally authorized in writing by the agency head.

While public transit options may not always be the most convenient, they are available.