This fall, Commuter Connections, a regional network of transportation organizations coordinated by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), is renewing its commitment to improving air quality, traffic, and daily commute times. Commuter Connections' successful commuter alternative programs, including Guaranteed Ride Home, aim to reduce traffic congestion in the DMV area, which has been increasing significantly following the pandemic and many workers’ return to the office.    

According to the triennial 2022 State of the Commute Survey Report, 78 percent of commuters drive alone, an increase of 14 percent from 2019. This sharp uptick in solo commuting is likely due to the major changes in workplace culture that have taken place in the last three years.  The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board at COG also found that by the end of 2022, traffic volumes were at 95 percent of 2019 levels, essentially returning to pre-panedmic levels, while transit use was at significantly lower levels. 

“Our region has invested in a variety of transportation alternatives to driving alone—from Metrorail, commuter rail and bus, HOV lanes for carpooling and vanpooling, as well as a network of trails for biking and walking—and we are fortunate to have Commuter Connections to help area residents take advantage of these outstanding options,” said Transportation Planning Board Chair Reuben Collins, who is Commissioner President of Charles County, Maryland.

“We’re pleased to provide DMV commuters flexibility while reducing congestion,” remarked Nicholas Ramfos, Director of Commuter Connections. “Programs like Guaranteed Ride Home allow residents to carpool, take public transit, walk, or bike to work with the assurance that they can take care of life’s last-minute surprises when they need to. Our programs offer a host of incentives that provide commuters the ability to easily choose how they get to work, giving them the opportunity to help their community while building a better work-life balance for themselves.”   

Commuter Connections’ wide array of programs includes Guaranteed Ride Home, the Pool Rewards program, the Flextime Rewards program, and the CarpoolNow app. These programs offer incentives, including free, reliable rides home, cash rewards for commuting sustainably, and access to carpooling on-demand, to area residents. All of Commuter Connections' programs aim to unclog the region’s  congested highways and streets while improving quality of life for its people. Eligible DMV area residents are encouraged to sign up this fall to help their communities and ease their commutes. 

Want to learn more? For more information on our programs and our organization, visit www.commuterconnections.org.