By “slugging” along I-66, employees can improve on-time arrival and reduce commute-related stress. The I-66 Slugging Challenge is happening from September 14th through November 20th. This 66-day challenge encourages commuters to try slug lines on weekday mornings starting from free Park & Ride Lots in Prince William County at University Blvd and in Fairfax County at Monument Drive with drop at Rosslyn, Metro Center, L’Enfant Plaza, or Navy Yard. The slug lines head in a reverse direction for the afternoon commute back.
What’s Slugging?
Slugging is a grassroots way of carpooling and has been available in Northern Virginia for decades as a proven, practical, and legitimate form of commuting. In some circles it’s also known as informal or “casual carpooling” because it’s not with the same fixed group of commuters in the same carpool on a recurring basis. No money or payments are exchanged between the driver and passengers, which allows the passengers to get a completely free ride to work, and allows drivers with at least two passengers to zip along the Express Lanes toll-free.
Employees Seeking to Participate in the I-66 Slugging Challenge Can:
- Register now for the free Challenge at slugi66.com
- Commute by slugging along I-66
- Log slug trips using the CommuterCash app
Rewards for Employees who Commute by Slugging:
Each logged eligible commute trip using the CommuterCash app provides:
- An entry for weekly prize drawings
- CommuterCash rewards points redeemable for cash or E-ZPass credits
How Slugging Works
Each morning, commuters seeking a free ride to work drive to or are dropped off at one of many designated free Park & Ride Lots that offer slugging and stand in an orderly and quick-moving “slug line”. Like clockwork, a random driver pulls up to the slug line and announces their destination. Those waiting in line heading to the same destination as the driver hop in and off they go!
There’s a reciprocal relationship between the driver and passengers. Passengers get to ride free and the driver benefits from traveling on the faster I-66 Express Lanes toll-free, by virtue of meeting HOV-3 requirements with at least two passengers.
While slugging is an organic practice, courtesy is expected through unofficial slugging etiquette. It is important to note that drivers looking to pick up slugs and enjoy toll free travel must have an E-ZPass Flex transponder mounted securely to the upper windshield and set to “HOV-On” mode. Transponders are available online at ezpassva.com, participating retailers across Virginia, and at select DMV locations.
Slugging along Express Lanes is often 20 minutes faster than commuting in the general-purpose lanes and could save as much as $40 in daily tolls. The I-66 Slugging Challenge offers even more savings and benefits as drivers and passengers who participate can earn cash rewards through the CommuterCash app, plus chances to win prizes.
Although the driver and passengers are not necessarily known to each other, the same drivers and passengers tend to use the same slug lines on the same days around the same times and see familiar faces and enjoy a sense of community. Park & Ride Lots that offer slugging are typically well organized and well-marked with signage as to the destination of each slug line. Regardless, the driver will pull up to the slug line and verbally call out the destination, such as “Rosslyn” or “L’Enfant” etc. and/or may hold up a sign indicating such. The next passengers in the queue for that destination’s line get in and confirm the drop-off point before taking off to work.
New commuters are welcome into the slug lines. In fact, experienced slugs will help point them in the right direction, and with a smile. The more the merrier! Slugging passengers need not worry about a ride home, as the slug lines work the same way in reverse fashion for the commute back to the Park & Ride Lot of origin.
For passengers worried about being stuck at work without a car during a family emergency or illness, the Commuter Connections free Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) program provides that safety net. GRH offers a ride home from work for commuters that slug, when instances arise such as personal illness, a sick child, or personal or family emergencies. GRH can also be used for unscheduled overtime when an employer mandates that an employee must stay late. GRH, while free, does require quick registration. Sign up at commuterconnections.org or call 800 745-7433 for questions.
Employers can access the I-66 Slugging Challenge communications toolkit to encourage employees to register. The toolkit includes a flyer, ready-to-send email, intranet content, and newsletter copy. Employees may register before or after the Challenge begins on September 14, but registering early ensures that they will be ready to start logging eligible trips once the Challenge launches and thus can benefit to the full extent of the opportunity.
