As employees make their return to the office, traffic volume in metropolitan Washington is steadily increasing, and commuting trends are changing. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ (COG) Commuter Connections program is helping the region’s workforce make safe and sustainable commuting decisions through its Commute with Confidence campaign, which has included a website, advertisements, and discussion series with leaders like TPB Chair and City of Manassas Mayor Pamela Sebesky.
Since the start of the pandemic, COG has been tracking how COVID-19 is impacting travel in the region. Data released in February 2022 showed that regional traffic volumes had recovered to over 95 percent of 2019 levels by the end of 2021.
To help reduce traffic congestion, travelers are encouraged to take advantage of alternative commuting options such as carpool, vanpool, public transit, biking, walking, and more.
The Commute with Confidence campaign offers tips and resources to help commuters safely use these transportation alternatives:
- Consider sharing a ride with individuals who you know and trust, such as family or coworkers. The Commuter Connections ridematching system is now equipped with employer-based ridematching so you can easily find coworkers who would like to share their ride.
- Be sure to follow guidelines enforced by transit operators when taking public transit.
- If using a bikeshare bike or e-scooter, carry sanitizer to wipe down all points of contact before riding.
- If you must drive alone, avoid distracted driving and speeding to maintain safety on the roads. When possible, adjust your travel outside of peak commute hours.
The campaign has also included a Facebook Live discussion series where Commuter Connections Director Nicholas Ramfos talks with guests about ways to improve commuting in the region.
“As many of us head back to the office it’s important to take a step back and take a fresh look at the many options that are out there,” said Sebesky. “We’re all one region and as long as we continue to work together and [find] solutions, it makes it a better commute for everyone coming from any direction.”
Commuter Connections also offers incentive programs like CarpoolNow, ‘Pool Rewards, and incenTrip, which offer cash payments to participants. Another service, Guaranteed Ride Home, provides up to six free rides per year for commuters who use travel options other than driving alone. Rides can be used for unexpected illness or family emergencies, or unscheduled overtime.
Commuter Connections is a program of the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and is funded by the District, Maryland, and Virginia Departments of Transportation as well as the U.S. Department of Transportation.
MORE: Commuter Connections Winter 2022 Newsletter