Commuter Connections Announces Top Employers for Commuter Benefit

On June 30, Commuter Connections recognized three employers and two organizations for outstanding sustainable commute and telework programs during its 29th Annual Employer Awards ceremony at the National Press Club. The awards honor organizations that help employees choose alternatives to driving alone through commuter benefits, transit incentives, bicycling support, carpool initiatives, and telework programs.

“The employers we are honoring today have implemented innovative and successful commuter and telework programs. We hope that through their example, other organizations will embrace similar initiatives, creating more opportunities to help maximize the efficiencies of telework and sustainable commutes.” said Neil H. Harris, National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) Chair and Gaithersburg City Council Member.

Commuter Connections received nominations from employers across the region, each highlighting efforts to enhance workplace culture and strengthen community impact through sustainable commuting options and telework programs. An independent selection committee evaluated the nominations and selected the winners based on their demonstrated success in reducing employee-driven gasoline consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Winners were recognized for implementing effective strategies that resulted in measurable reductions in vehicle trips and vehicle miles traveled, helping advance regional sustainability and transportation goals.

“Commuter Connections is proud to recognize these employers for leading the way with commuter programs that make it easier and more affordable for their employees to choose sustainable travel options like transit, bicycling, and carpooling,” said Daniel Sheehan, Commuter Connections Director. “At a time of volatile gas prices, this commitment not only helps their employees save money, but it also strengthens the region by reducing traffic congestion.”

The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) is an independent regional organization with 21 employees that plans and funds multimodal transportation projects to improve connectivity and reduce congestion across Northern Virginia. To support sustainable commuting and workplace flexibility, all employees telework two days per week. The Transportation Authority subsidizes 60% of employees’ monthly transit costs through the SmartBenefits program and provides new hires with a $50 SmarTrip card to encourage transit use. NVTA also supports active transportation by offering lockers, shower facilities, covered bicycle parking, and free Capital Bikeshare memberships. Located within easy walking distance of Metrorail, bus service, and regional trail networks, NVTA provides employees with convenient alternatives to driving alone. As a result, nearly one-quarter of staff commute by transit, one-third carpool, and one-fifth bicycle to work.

Suburban Hospital, a not-for-profit community hospital and designated trauma center serving Montgomery County and the surrounding region, employs approximately 2,200 people. To support sustainable commuting, the hospital offers monthly transportation subsidies for employees who use public transit, carpool, vanpool, bicycle, or walk to work. Transit users benefit from a free employee shuttle to and from the Bethesda Metro station, real-time transit arrival displays, and a customized Travel Smart Guide that helps employees plan their commute. Active commuters have access to secure bicycle storage, as well as onsite showers and lockers. The hospital further encourages environmentally friendly transportation through quarterly commuter information events, participation in Bike to Work Day, and the goDMV Commuter Competition, helping employees reduce their environmental impact, while improving their commute experience.

The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization dedicated to developing evidence-based solutions to complex public policy challenges. Its Arlington office is home to 428 employees and supports a highly flexible workplace culture, granting hybrid employees full autonomy in determining their in-office schedules. Most staff choose to work remotely two to three days per week. To support sustainable commuting, RAND provides a monthly transit and vanpool subsidy of up to $130 and benefits from a prime location directly above the Pentagon City Metrorail station. Employees who regularly walk or bike to work can earn financial incentives of up to $260 annually. The organization also offers commuter-friendly amenities, including on-site showers, a secure bicycle storage cage, and an employee cycling group that fosters a supportive community for bike commuters.

OmniRide, the mobility service operated by the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC), received the Employer Outreach Team Award in recognition of its outstanding partnership with Prince William County employers to expand commuter benefits to their employees. As one of ten Commuter Connections outreach teams serving the Washington metropolitan area, OmniRide works closely with employers to develop and support workplace transportation programs. In 2025, the team hosted 62 onsite outreach events and facilitated annual Employer Council and Hispanic Council meetings, strengthening engagement with the local business community. The organization also significantly expanded participation in its Best Workplaces for Commuters program, increasing the number of designated employers from two to nine. Additionally, OmniRide advanced regional mobility and workforce development through a pilot travel training program created in partnership with a local nonprofit organization. The program was designed to help recent adult immigrants gain the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate public transportation.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) is an independent public agency with more than 1,700 employees and is responsible for operating the region’s two primary commercial airports: Washington Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. To foster a culture of sustainable commuting, MWAA partners with more than 1,100 tenant organizations that employ nearly 55,000 across both airports. Leveraging direct Metrorail access at both locations, the Airports Authority actively advocates for transit use through extensive employer outreach, including collaborations with local Chambers of Commerce and the Airport Airline Management Council. Employee engagement initiatives feature bilingual transit travel training sessions, the distribution of free $50 SmarTrip cards, and targeted promotions at airport benefits fairs. Recognized for its comprehensive transportation programs, MWAA and both airports are each designated as Best Workplaces for Commuters designees.

To see 2026 awards ceremony photos, a video showcasing each winner, and a program booklet, please visit commuterconnections.org/employer-award-winners. To learn more about free consultation services for establishing or enhancing commuter benefits at your workplace, visit commuterconnections.org/employers or call 800 745-7433.