Unrelated to the California discussion, but it'd be relevant if someone searched for a thread like this in the future...

9E provides $50/month for commuters in NYC. It can be added to your paycheck (and taxed), or it can be paid in a commuter card (and not taxed). The commuter card can be used to pay for shared Uber/Lyfts and pretty much any transportation ticket/pass you can buy.

Cue the "but the vaaaaaan" folks in 3... 2...