COMMUTERS
Commuter Connections provides complimentary information on a host of commuter programs to assist in determining which commuting option works best for you.
The Ridesharing Program allows you to find out about others who live and work near you, have similar work schedules, and are interested in carpooling and/or vanpooling to and from work. Commuter Connections’ state-of-the-art ridesharing technology allows you to view an interactive and comprehensive list of all potential ridesharing partners in your area. Over 20,000 commuters rely on Commuter Connections to provide free up-to-the-minute ridesharing information at no cost.
Signing up for Ridesharing also allows you to use your account to pinpoint the closest transit stop to your home and work, closest park and ride lot, and closest telework center. Telework, bicycling, and walking information is also available through the Commuter Connections web site.
If you carpool, vanpool, use public transportation, or bicycle or walk to work two or more days a week, Commuter Connections will get you home in the event of an emergency as part of the Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) program. GRH allows you peace of mind and is regarded as an “insurance policy” in the event you experience an unexpected personal or family emergency or unscheduled overtime. Some restrictions apply, so be sure to read through the GRH program participation guidelines.
Commuter Connections maintains a strict privacy policy. All personal information provided to Commuter Connections will remain confidential. Commuter Connections will never share or sell your information to outside organizations or companies.
Bicycling to Work in the Washington Area
Bicycling is a healthy, quiet, clean, economical, and fun way to get to work. Thousands of DC area employees bicycle to work every day. This guide is designed to ease the transition to bike commuting for Washington metropolitan area employees and to help employers encourage this smarter way to work. Click the links below for Employer and Employee sections.
Bike To Work Day
Bike to Work Day is an annual event that encourages commuters to ride their bikes to work as an alternative mode of travel. Pit stops are located throughout the DC metropolitan region that provide refreshments, giveaways, and even music! To learn more about the event, please visit the Bike to Work Day website at www.biketoworkmetrodc.org.
Commuter’s Bicycling Guide
To view or print a pdf copy of the bicycling employee guide, click the image below:
Bike Map
To order a free print bike map of on and off street trails in the Washington, DC metropolitan region, click here.
Capital Bikeshare
1-877-430-BIKE (2453)
Interested in bicycling but need help figuring out the best route to take? Commuter Connections offers turn-by-turn bicycle routing directions using bicycle-friendly paths and roads. Click here to login to your Commuter Connections account to access the Bicycle Route Finder website. Note: If you don’t have an active Commuter Connections account, you can set one up for free!
Just like driving directions tell you the best route to travel by automobile, the Commuter Connections Bicycle Route Finder website can help you get from point A to point B using bicycle-friendly paths and roads. Users have the option of choosing the ‘Safest Route’ which places increased emphasis on using bicycle paths (where available) or ‘Shortest Route’ which gives preference to roadways with speed limits of 30 mph or below. The recommended route will display on a map along with turn-by-turn directions.
The Commuter Connections Bicycle Route Finder website does not necessarily reflect all available bicycle paths and facilities. It also may take several minutes for the system to determine the optimal route. Please read the disclaimer location on the left-hand side of the search results page before using the recommended directions.
Other Bicycle Routing Sites
Ridesharing and Guaranteed Ride Home FAQ
Q: Does the Commuter Connections Ridematching program operate any Carpools or Vanpools? A: No. The Ridematching program simply connects commuters interested in carpooling/vanpooling with other commuters who travel a similar route and have compatible work schedules. In other words, we help bridge the gap between commuters interested in carpooling/vanpooling.
Q: Why do I need to submit my supervisor’s name and phone number? A: Your supervisor’s information is needed in case you request a Guaranteed Ride Home trip because of unscheduled overtime. We need to verify with your supervisor that you are indeed working overtime. Your supervisor will not be contacted for any other trip reason.
Q: How much does the Guaranteed Ride Home program cost? A: Commuter Connections is committed to getting you home free of charge in the event of an emergency. There are several “elective” costs that are not covered by the Guaranteed Ride Home. If you choose to tip your taxi driver, this cost is not covered by the program. Extra services for a car rental beyond simply the cost of the rental car (including additional insurance and keeping the rental car for more than 1 day) are not covered by the program.
Q: How much does the Ridematching program cost? A: The Ridematching program is completely free of charge. Commuter Connections is committed to putting you in contact with potential carpooling/vanpool partners free of charge.
Q: How do I request a Guaranteed Ride Home? A: Simply call 1-800-745-7433. Choose #1 for English or #2 for Spanish. Next, choose #2 to speak with a dispatcher. The dispatcher will approve your trip if you qualify and provide you with a Guaranteed Ride Home trip.
Q: How many Guaranteed Ride Home trips do I get per year? A: You have 6 trips per year.
Q: Where can I find my Commuter ID Number? A: The Commuter ID Number is printed on your Guaranteed Ride Home Card. This card was sent to you shortly after you registered/re-registered for the GRH program.
Q: Will Commuter Connections sell/share my personal/contact information? A: No. We keep your information secure and will not share it with any businesses.
Q: What is a Ridematch letter? How will I get in contact with potential carpool/vanpool partners? A: A Ridematch letter is sent to you after you have applied for the Ridematching program. This letter will contain the names and appropriate contact information of your potential carpool/vanpool partners. It is up to you to contact these commuters to see if there is a good fit for a carpool/vanpool.
Q: I registered or re-registered for the Guaranteed Ride Home program but I did not receive my new Guaranteed Ride Home ID Card. What should I do? A: It can take up to two weeks for you to receive your Guaranteed Ride Home ID Card. If you have not received your ID Card within two weeks of registering/re-registering, please call us at 1-800-745-RIDE (7433), and we will send you an ID Card.
Q: How long is my Guaranteed Ride Home membership good for? A: The Guaranteed Ride Home membership lasts for one year. After one year you will need to call 1-800-745-RIDE (7433) to re-register for the program.
Q: What does it mean to re-register for the Guaranteed Ride Home program? A: Your GRH registration expires one year after your registration date. After one year, you will need to re-register for the program by calling 1-800-745-RIDE (7433). The process entails updating any change in contact, job or commuting information. The re-registration process takes just a few minutes.
Q: What happens if I need a Guaranteed Ride home trip but I am not registered for the GRH program? A: You are still able to receive your ride home as a Guaranteed Ride Home One-Time Exception. After you take your GRH trip, you will have to go online https://tdm.commuterconnections.org/mwcog/ or call 1-800-745-RIDE (7433) to register for the program. Your One-Time Exception trip will count against your six trips given for the upcoming year-long membership. In other words, after you register following your One-Time Exception trip you will have five trips remaining for the year.
Q: I am having trouble registering for the Guaranteed Ride Home program or the Ridematching program online. What should I do? A: Please call us at 1-800-745-RIDE (7433). We will be happy to help you with any technical problems you are having.
Q: How can Commuter Connections provide these services at no cost to the public? A: Commuter Connections is housed at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and is a program of the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board. Commuter Connections is funded by the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia Departments of Transportation and the United States Department of Transportation.
Q. What other ridesharing options are available in the region? A. Casual and dynamic carpooling (sometimes known as “slugging”) to and from work could be good ridesharing options on a daily basis, or for those looking for a one-time trip. There are websites and commercial mobile apps that can assist you in finding out about these additional options. Commuter Connections does not manage or endorse these forms of ridesharing and accepts no liability for slugging or dynamic ridesharing activity. Each commuter must be aware of the potential risks, hazards, and difficulties associated with accepting a ride from an unknown person.
Q. How does CarpoolNow work? A. The CarpoolNow app allows commuters to connect with one another dynamically for traveling to and from work. It’s a free service that you can sign up for through your Commuter Connections account and can help you save money on every commute trip. Each commuter using this service must be aware of and abide by the mobile apps terms of use.
Q: What is the best way to get to work? A: By setting up a Commuter Connections account and signing up for Ridesharing, you will be able to take advantage of our mapping system which will inform you of your commuting options. You can also use our “Cost of Commuting” calculator to determine your savings from switching your commute mode to ridesharing or transit as opposed to driving alone.
Guaranteed Ride Home (otherwise known as GRH) provides commuters who regularly (twice a week) carpool, vanpool, bike, walk or take transit to work with a FREE and reliable ride home when one of life’s unexpected emergencies arise.
Commuters may take advantage of GRH up to six times per year to get home for unexpected emergencies such as a personal illness or a sick child. GRH can also be used for unscheduled overtime when your employer mandates that you must stay late.
GRH is designed to rescue commuters who are worried about how they’ll get home when an emergency arises. Knowing there’s a guaranteed ride home allows one to use commuting options like transit and carpools with peace of mind and confidence.
Best of all, the GRH service is FREE!
Ready to join the GRH program?
Click here to sign up for Guaranteed Ride Home
Some restrictions apply so be sure to read the PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES
Questions? Call us at 1-800-745-RIDE.
To apply (register) for the Guaranteed Ride Home program, please either create an account or log in to your account (if you already have one).
Click on the registration link below to proceed, and you are on your way!
Notes from real commuters who have used the free Guaranteed Ride Home service:
I wanted to thank your organization for your wonderful service, and what you do for the working community. Your organization is a security blanket for people that have unexpected emergencies and need to get home, so I thank you.
Respectfully,
Darrell Williams
Hi Commuter Connections!
I had been meaning to send a note of thanks for the Guaranteed Ride Home Program. It is a wonderful service for commuters. I live in Charles County, in Southern MD and work in Washington, DC.
Monday through Friday, I park at a Park & Ride and take the Metrobus and Metrorail into work. Occasionally, I take the commuter bus into DC.
On May 7th, I received an email from my daughter’s school. She was ill, had been seen by the school nurse twice that day, and wasn’t improving. I received the email just a few minutes before 1:00pm. I checked the schedules for all of the buses and realized that after 12:55p, none of them would be heading southbound until after 3p!
One of the schedules provided information about the Guaranteed Ride Home Program. I called, and it worked just as advertised. The program is providing great peace of mind, especially to parents who like mass transit, but need the flexibility in an emergency.
Thank you!
Lucinda Rockemore
Hello! I just wanted to share that with GRH this past year I felt encouraged to commute. I never once drove into work despite having free parking at my place of employment. I used GRH 2 times when I had unscheduled over time and was grateful for the network. I think GRH does great work in solving the root problem to our NOVA gridlock, encouraging a community to ride share and use public transit is vital for the long term sustainability of the area. I think many avenues to make ride-sharing/public transit as a part of the public conscious for this area remains, but all good work is never ending. Best of luck and may the program continue to grow. Thank you for your hard work.
Thanks,
Maria N.
I’ve been a carpooler for a few years. Recently my 11 year old son became ill before school and my wife and I had already left for work. My wife’s schedule would not permit her to return home and I was in the carpool and did not have a car that day. I called Commuter Connections and advised the operator of my situation and requested a ride. I ask how long should I expect until I am contacted. She said about 15 minutes. Within five minutes I was called and I think within 20 minutes of saying goodbye to the operator I was picked up by the taxi and taken to my carpool location and was back to my home before 11:00 am. I am truly impressed with the GRH service and very grateful that its offered.
Thank you,
Roxy Grossnickle
Today, for the first time I used the GRH trip program. I am so thankful for the service that was provided to me by you and Fairfax Yellow Cab (#269 in particular). It honestly gave me such a peace of mind, and possibly saved my house & property from harm, but I have to mention this one strange fact also. Immediately when I bolted into my house the radio was on and a Commuter Connections Guaranteed Ride Home commercial was on (station 93.3 Fredericksburg).
Maureen Fiona Neary
Just wanted to thank you for excellent coverage on your part. On Thursday, November 14, 2013 my wife had a medical emergency and I had to get home immediately. GRH allowed me to leave within 20 minutes of contact. This kind of service is beyond the call of duty. Kudos and thank you for assisting me and my family when we needed you.
Gerard (Jerry) LiVigni
I love the GRH Program it is wonderful. Just recently (1/8/10) when my Dad got a call from Johns Hopkins that his compatible kidney had arrived. I was at work at a time when the commuter bus was not going to be running for another 2 hours. Since time was of the essence, I was able to call GRH and a cab was here in 15 minutes. It was wonderful! The cab driver was professional, courteous, and a lot more customer service minded then the late night guards on duty at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. He spoke clearly and respectfully when communicating anything I needed to know. Thank you very much Commuter Connections for this GRH service, it was right there when I needed it.
Lavon Roxbury
I called yesterday and needed a ride home from work to Stafford, VA as I was experiencing an excruciating migraine (allergy to caffeine and apparently the decaf coffee I ordered – was not). You helped me get home in under an hour and I cannot thank you enough. Whoever answered my phone call was pleasant, understanding and above all compassionate! The cab driver was fantastic and caring and made sure I was comfortable and all was quiet in the cab on the way home. I made it home before I embarrassed myself with all that goes on with a migraine and I cannot thank you enough. That was my first time using your services and all I can do is keep thanking you over and over again.
Kristin Weaver
Love this program. Thanks for the service. I think this is a wonderful program, even though I have only had to use it once in three years. When you are sick and have to get home and you have no other means, this is a godsend.
Morgan Seuberling
“Your service is a life saver, performed with style and grace! You run a first class program, with professional and most helpful staff. They’ve saved my sanity on several occasions, and I am indebted. Thank you!”
Donna Pearman
“I signed up for the Guaranteed Ride Home Program about three months ago, never thinking that I would have to use it. Well, on Wednesday of last week I was sick and needed to go home. I must say, the program was extremely well run and hassle free.Your customer service representative was very courteous and efficient—even to the extent of telling me to “stay in the building because I was sick” and the cab company would call me when they arrived. I hope I never have to use it again, but it is nice to know it is there.” Thanks,
Edward G.
Richard Bock of Woodbridge, Virginia is a veteran of the Guaranteed Ride Home program. Over the past few years, he’s used the GRH service three times, twice to get home after unexpectedly working late at his job at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and once for a family emergency, after his son was in an automobile accident. According to Mr. Bock, the GRH program has given him “the peace of mind” to commute in his vanpool.
Loudoun County resident Lieutenant Colonel Bill Arrington takes the Loudoun commuter bus to his Army job on a daily basis. Recently his young son became ill and he needed to get home immediately. One call to the GRH program got him home quickly and the only cost he incurred was a tip to the taxi driver. The taxi fare itself and toll were covered by the program. In a thank you letter to Commuter Connections, Lt. Colonel Arrington describes himself as “…a satisfied customer”.
Anne Arundel County resident Evelyn McGovern, a daily MTA bus commuter, used the Guaranteed Ride Home program recently during a family crisis. Her elderly mother had taken a turn for the worse. As she worriedly called her sister wondering how to get home, a colleague handed her a GRH information card. She called Commuter Connections and explained the situation. Ten minutes later a taxi pulled up at her office.
Terri Kirby of Anne Arundel County travels to her U.S. Department of Agriculture job in Washington, DC on a MTA commuter bus with her seeing-eye dog, Gus. During a recent commute, Gus fell down, couldn’t walk and needed immediate veterinary attention. Terri remembered the Commuter Connections Guaranteed Ride Home program and called for assistance. Minutes later, a taxi took her and Gus to the care he needed.
To view GRH Rewards, click here.
WASHINGTON/BALTIMORE METROPOLITAN AREA GUARANTEED RIDE HOME PROGRAM PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES
Guidelines are subject to change without notice. Call 1-800-745-7433 or visit www.commuterconnections.org for current Participation Guidelines.
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- Commuters must be officially registered with Commuter Connections before using the Guaranteed Ride Home service. However, commuters who have not been officially registered may use the GRH service one time, providing they meet all other eligibility criteria. This is referred to as a “one-time exception.” Any commuter granted a one-time exception must officially register before additional trips are granted. Commuters must provide the supervisor name and phone number and at least two (2) phone numbers (home/cell and work) in order to register for GRH service. Registered commuters are those who have received an official registration letter and GRH ID card from Commuter Connections. Registered and one-time exception commuters must be carpooling, vanpooling, taking transit, bicycling, or walking to their site of employment at least two (2) days per week and on the day they use the GRH service. GRH is only available to people commuting to and from work.
- Commuters must call Commuter Connections and receive authorization from Commuter Connections prior to using the GRH service. Commuter Connections will issue an authorization number to the commuter to approve a GRH trip. Commuters will not be reimbursed for trips not authorized by Commuter Connections. After approval, Commuter Connections will make the GRH trip arrangements for the commuter and, if necessary, provide instructions on how and where the GRH transportation provider will pick up the commuter. Commuter Connections is equipped to provide wheelchair accessible transportation as part of the GRH service as needed.
- Registered commuters may use the GRH program up to four (4) times annually from their official registration date. Commuters who received a one-time exception then officially register with Commuter Connections may use the GRH service three (3) more times within 12 months from the date of their one-time exception GRH trip. The GRH trip credits are non-transferable.
- Commuters must re-register annually to maintain their GRH registration. Commuters may contact Commuter Connections to re-register and update their registration information or request re-registration through the Commuter Connections website.
- The GRH program may only be used in cases of unexpected personal or family emergency, unexpectedillness, or unscheduled overtime. Cases in which the GRH program cannot be used include, but are not limited to, the following: previously scheduled medical appointments, trips to the doctor, urgent care center, emergency room or hospital for a commuter that needs medical attention, personal errands, transit service disruptions and/or delays, business related travel, working late without a supervisor’s request, weather emergencies, any type of office or building closings and/or evacuations, natural and/or man-made disasters. If any of the above unqualified cases should lead to a qualifying reason, the trip will be denied due to its underlying cause.
- Requests to use the GRH program because of unscheduled overtime must be made before the commuter’s registered work end time, and a supervisor’s verification will be required at the time of the request.
- GRH service is available between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except designated program holidays and any planned and/or unplanned Federal Government office closings. GRH TRIPS MUST BE TAKEN BEFORE 10:00 P.M to ensure that the commuter has received their ride. Designated program Holidays include: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
- To be eligible, a commuter must be physically working in the following areas in the Washington, D.C. or Baltimore, MD regions. These areas include: the District of Columbia, the Maryland counties of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s; the City of Baltimore, and the Virginia counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William; and the City of Alexandria as well as all cities within the aforementioned counties.
- Eligible commuters can live anywhere inside the areas listed in Guideline #8 or in any of the following areas: Allegany, Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot or Washington counties in Maryland; and Caroline, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Frederick, King George, Lancaster, Madison, Northumberland, Orange, Page, Rappahannock, Richmond, Shenandoah, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Warren, or Westmoreland counties, the City of Fredericksburg, or the City of Winchester in Virginia; and Berkeley, Hampshire, or Jefferson County in West Virginia; and Adams, Franklin, or York counties in Pennsylvania. Any residence outside of the above-mentioned areas will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- All GRH trips must originate from the commuter’s registered work location. Depending on the nature of the emergency, and home and work locations, a commuter using the GRH service may be required to use a taxi, car rental, transit, or any combination of these services to reach their destination point.Commuter Connections will determine the type of service used and will issue a valid GRH authorization number at that time.
- Commuter Connections will pay for one vendor service and/or one transit service per request. If the GRH trip uses a taxi, Commuter Connections will pay for all charges, excluding gratuity, to the destination. The commuter is responsible only for tipping the taxi driver. Cancellation on the part of the commuter of a GRH trip may count as one of the four annual trips.
If a transit option is used for part of the GRH trip, the commuter will be mailed a transit reimbursement voucher form. The transit reimbursement voucher must be completed and submitted back to Commuter Connections within thirty days of transit use in order for payment to be made. Please allow 45 days for reimbursement. A commuter’s supervisor must sign the transit voucher for any trip granted because of unscheduled overtime in order for the reimbursement to be issued.
If the GRH trip is made by rental car, the commuter is responsible for signing a standard rental agreement, showing a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, providing a credit card number for collateral, returning the rental car within a 24-hour period, and the following charges: gasoline refueling charges, taxes, purchase of insurance (if necessary), and additional rental charges if auto is not returned within a 24-hour period (unless Commuter Connections has given prior approval for additional rental time). The commuter will be responsible for any loss or damage to the rental car. - GRH is a free service provided by Commuter Connections at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG). COG will use its best efforts to provide the Guaranteed Ride Home in accordance with the guidelines shown above. By requesting assistance from the Guaranteed Ride Home program, the participant in the program explicitly acknowledges that COG assumes no liability for the timeliness of the GRH participating vendor(s) or any accidents that may occur on the conveyance.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for the Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) program you must:
- Use one of the following alternative commute modes to travel to work at least twice a week and on the day you request a ride:
- Rideshare (carpools, vanpools)
- Mass transit (bus, train)
- Bicycle
- Walk
- Work in the Washington, DC or Baltimore metropolitan region and live in one of the areas approved by Commuter Connections.
How to Register
You can register with our easy GRH Application or call 1-800-745-7433 for an application form. After Commuter Connections processes your application, and you meet the eligibility requirements, a Commuter ID card with your personal registration number will be mailed to you along with your copy of the Participation Guidelines. Please read these guidelines carefully, since they will explain how the GRH program works. Keep the wallet-size ID card handy at your work site to use GRH services.
Registration is good for one year. You must renew your GRH registration prior to the expiration date shown on your Commuter ID card by calling 1-800-745-RIDE (7433).
How Does It Work?
When you register for the GRH program, you can use the GRH service up to six (6) times per year. Your year begins on your registration date. If a qualifying emergency arises on a day that you use an alternative commute mode (carpool, vanpool, transit, bike or walk) to get to work, call Commuter Connections at 1-800-745-RIDE and listen carefully as menu options have changed. Press (1) for English or (2) for Spanish then select (2) for our dispatching service. Our dispatching service is open Monday through Friday (except holidays) from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Your GRH trip must be taken between these hours. To speed up processing of your GRH trip, please have your registration number from your Commuter ID card ready.
Commuter Connections has contracts with several taxi companies, a rental car agency, and a paratransit service provider to provide GRH transportation to get you to your destination quickly and safely. Our dispatcher will determine the best method to get you to your destination. You will receive a GRH Trip Authorization Number from our dispatcher. You will need to provide this number and your registration ID number to the rental car agency, taxi driver or paratransit service as proof that you have been approved for a GRH trip. There are no vouchers to worry about and in most instances, the rental car agency will pick you up from work and take you to the nearest rental office. Commuter Connections will not reimburse commuters for trips not authorized by Commuter Connections. All GRH trips must be authorized by the Commuter Connections dispatcher.
If an emergency occurs before you have registered, you may still use GRH one time. However, you must register before you are eligible to use GRH again, and the trip you took counts as one of your six allowable trips per year.
Sorry, GRH cannot be used for transit disruptions or natural disasters. The GRH program is for unexpected emergencies and unexpected overtime only. GRH may not be used for personal errands, previously scheduled appointments, business-related travel or working late without a supervisor’s approval. Our dispatcher must verify unscheduled overtime requests with your supervisor. See the Participation Guidelines section for more trip restrictions.
How does it work? It’s easy! First, check to see if your employer allows for flextime, then become a Commuter Connections member in the incenTrip mobile application. Once logged in to your account, navigate to the "Programs' tab in the bottom menu and opt into the program.
When joining the program, you will be asked to select an eligible corridor that is part of your commute. Corridors currently eligible for the Commuter Connections Flextime Rewards cash incentive include:
- I-95 North and South at VA-123/Exit 160
- BW Parkway North at Powder Mill Road
- US-301 South at McKendree Road/Cedarville Road
- I-495 Inner Loop at the I-270 spur
- DC-295 heading southbound at East Capitol Street
The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is also currently offering rewards for the following corridors:
- I-695 IL between I-95 and MD-122
- I-695 OL between I-795 and Edmondson Ave
- I-95 NB between MD-100 and MD-32.
A map displaying these Flextime Rewards cash-corridors can be found in the accordion section below.
Don’t see the corridor you use for your daily commute? You can still sign up to receive daily congestion notifications to avoid wasting time sitting in traffic.
Once your registration is complete, you will begin to receive email notifications and incenTrip app notifications if higher-than-average traffic congestion is projected along your commute corridor(s). These emails contain suggested alternative departure times that may help you avoid the full brunt of the traffic jam. Those that use the defined Flextime Rewards cash-eligible corridors will receive the program incentive once a trip is logged.
If you decide to delay your trip, you’ll need to record your flextrip in the incenTrip mobile app. Simply login to your incenTrip and accept the purple Flextrip option. The app will passively record your trip when you start traveling and shut off automatically when you’ve reached your destination. If your trip takes place on a cash-eligible corridor, congratulations – you just earned enough points for $8!
Some restrictions apply. Click the participation guidelines below and see if your commute is eligible for participation!
Program Purpose
The purpose of the Commuter Connections Flextime Rewards Program (the “Program”) is to encourage commuters to take advantage of flexible work schedules offered by their employer. By doing so, commuters will avoid increasing peak-period congestion during major incidents or higher-than-average traffic days along selected corridors.
The Program is for commuters in the Washington, DC region who work for employers that permit the flexibility to stagger arrival and departure times from work on any given day, based on traffic conditions.
A collaboration between the University of Maryland and Commuter Connections, it helps commuters avoid sitting in heavier-than-usual traffic. The FlexTime program helps lower stress by removing the unpredictability of commuting by car in the DC region.
- It’s free to sign up and use.
- Commuters indicate which routes they take to and from work.
- An alert is sent to the commuter when particularly heavy traffic congestion occurs along their route, during peak morning or afternoon periods.
- On such days, the commuter may elect to delay travel until after peak hours, thus avoiding excessive time spent in traffic.
- Peak hours are Monday through Friday, 6:30 to 9:30 a.m., and 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
- To participate, sign up for a free account with Commuter Connections, then apply for the free Program.
FlexTime Rewards
Bonus for Bottlenecks! We’ve identified the four corridors below, notoriously known for becoming overly congested at times, on any given day. Commuters will be eligible for $8-per trip, $16 per day ($600 cap on all incentive payments) who would otherwise travel through one or more of the eligible corridors during peak times, and after receiving a notification, elects to delay their trip outside of the peak time frames.
- I-95 North and South at VA-123/Exit 160
- BW Parkway North at Powder Mill Road
- US-301 South at McKendree Road/Cedarville Road
- I-495 Inner Loop at the I-270 spur
- DC-295 heading southbound at East Capitol Street
To become eligible for incentive payments, participants must sign up for a free account with Commuter Connections, then apply for free Program to start receiving alerts and log their off-peak commute.
Rules of Eligibility
- A commuter must download the incenTrip or Commuter Connections mobile application to participate in the Program is a “User”.
- User must be commuting to and from work to qualify for the Program. Students traveling to school are not eligible.
- User must currently be commuting during the peak period, i.e., non-holiday, weekday between 6:30-9:30 a.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m. to qualify for the Program.
- User must commute to work an average of two (2) or more weekdays, i.e., Monday through Friday, for the entire duration of the Program to qualify. Commutes on the weekend do not qualify. User must indicate which days of the week he/she travels to and from work.
- User must officially register with Commuter Connections and submit a completed Flextime Incentive Application, which includes, but is not limited to, User’s name, address, phone number and the name, address and phone number of User’s employer, and User’s agreement that Commuter Connections may contact the employer to verify information. Existing Commuter Connections members may opt into the Program once they meet all requirements.
- User must not be teleworking an average of more than three (3) days per week during his/her participation.
- User must be using one of the following corridors for his/her commute:
- I-95 North and South at VA-123/Exit 160
- BW Parkway North at Powder Mill Road
- US-301 South at McKendree Road/Cedarville Road
- I-495 Inner Loop at the I-270 spur
- DC-295 heading southbound at East Capitol Street
Participation Requirements
- Commuter Connections maintains the right to terminate the Program with or without notice at any time and for any reason.
- If accepted into the Program, User must provide a valid email address and/or download the Commuter Connections mobile app in order to receive a notification for participation.
- In order to be eligible for incentives, User must utilize the “Start Flextime Trip” real-time logging feature within the incenTrip or Commuter Connections mobile application. If a User does not have a SmartPhone and cannot use the incenTrip or Commuter Connections mobile application, he/she may contact Commuter Connections at 1-800-745-RIDE to request trip logging assistance from a program administrator.
- Incentive payments are made upon request by User through the incenTrip rewards store.
- Financial incentives offered may come in the form of direct payment, transportation credits, gift certificates/cards or debit cards.
- All information supplied by the User must be accurate. Commuter Connections reserves the right to refuse User’s application and/or discontinue his/her participation in this Program, including the right to withhold payment of his/her incentive, if Commuter Connections/COG believes the User has failed to meet all obligations. Commuter Connections reserves the right to contact the User and his/her employer to verify the information provided. The User’s supervisor must verify (to the best of his/her knowledge) the hours in which the User’s schedule is flexible.
- The User’s accurate and prompt responses to evaluation surveys may be necessary for determining the value of the Program.
- Space in the Program may be limited. Commuter Connections reserves the right to reject any application if the Program capacity is met, even if the applicant qualifies for the Program. Applicants are not officially enrolled in the Program until they receive notification from Commuter Connections.
- If a dispute arises regarding any aspect of the Program, including, but not limited to, interpretation of the Program Requirements or Participation Requirements, accuracy of the information provided by the User or the User’s eligibility to participate in the Program, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments/Commuter Connections shall be the final decision-maker regarding such a dispute. Any decisions will be final.
Terms of Use
- As a condition of participation, User must provide correct, current, and complete information.
- User must provide a valid home/mailing address. All materials will be sent to this address.
- User must provide a valid email address and/or downloaded the incenTrip or Commuter Connections app in order to receive notification to participate in the Program.
- User must provide valid contact information for his/her supervisor at place of employment.
- Commuter Connections reserves the right to contact the User and/or the User’s employer to verify his/her participation in the Program and/or his/her commute behavior.
- The information provided by the User will be used by Commuter Connections to facilitate his/her participation in the Program.
- The incentives offered through the Program are provided to applicants on a first-come, first-serve basis and that Commuter Connections has the right to terminate this Program at any time without notice.
- If a dispute arises regarding any aspect of the Program, including, but not limited to, interpretation of the Program Requirements, accuracy of the information the User provides, or the User’s eligibility to participate, Commuter Connections shall be the final decision-maker regarding such disputes. Any decision will be final and binding on the User’s status as a User in the Program.
- Any incentive payments received by User from Commuter Connections are subject to federal and state income taxes. The User is solely responsible for any liability that may result from such incentive payments.
- Commuter Connections reserves its rights to pursue any penalties and remedies to the fullest extent of the law against a User who knowingly provides false misleading information, knowingly receives public funds fraudulently, and/or knowingly abuses the use of public funds.
- Commuter Connections reserves the right to refuse User’s application, discontinue User’s participation in the Program, and/or withhold incentive payment(s) if the User fails to abide by the Program Requirements, including the Terms of Use.
- By participating in the Program, User acknowledges that he/she has read, understood, and agreed to the Program Requirements, including, but not limited to, the Terms of Use governing the Program and certifies that he/she is eligible to participate and receive the incentives provided by Commuter Connections.
- By providing information on this application, User understands that such information may be used by Commuter Connections or a third party to contact User regarding his/her interest in additional financial incentives, additional programs or services, or for information related to his/her experience using alternative modes of transportation. If User does not wish to be contacted for these reasons, they can indicate so by checking a box when filling out the Flextime Rewards program application.
incenTrip is a multimodal trip planning app that rewards points for each commute trip you plan and take during the a.m. and p.m. peak commuting times and log into the app. Washington area commuters can earn up to $10 after completing 10 trips – or save your points to earn $50. Rinse and repeat. It’s that simple! Up to $600 can be earned per calendar year. You must have a Commuter Connections account to earn cash – but don’t worry, registration is free and easy. Just click the link below to sign-up.
Click here to find out more information and download the app.
Click here to visit the Ridesharing page.
‘Pool Rewards is a commuter incentive program available through Commuter Connections designed to encourage commuters driving alone to and from work to start ridesharing in the Washington Metropolitan region.
‘Pool Rewards for Vanpools
If you drive alone to work and get at least seven people together (including yourself) who wish to form a new vanpool, you may qualify for a $200 monthly ‘Pool Rewards incentive for your new vanpool. Vans are available to accommodate between 7 and 15 total occupants (including the driver).
‘Pool Rewards for Carpools
Commuters who currently drive alone to work may be eligible for a cash payment through ‘Pool Rewards when they start or join a new carpool! If eligible, each carpool member can earn $2 per day ($1 each way) for each day they carpool to work over a consecutive 90-day period. Typically, the maximum incentive for the 90-day reporting period is $130, plus $100 for commuters who travel along the 495 NEXT corridor in Virginia. Carpools may consist of two or more people. Learn more.
‘Pool Rewards for Carpools
Participation is open to solo drivers who begin carpooling during peak rush hour periods in the Metropolitan Washington Statistical Area*. Commuters who currently drive alone to work may be eligible for financial rewards when they agree to start or join a new carpool!
‘Pool Rewards is a program of Commuter Connections designed to encourage current drive alone commuters to try carpooling in the Washington region. If eligible you can earn $2 per day ($1 each way) for each day you carpool to work over a consecutive 90-day period as assigned by Commuter Connections. The maximum incentive for the 90-day trial period is $130 in exchange for going online and logging information about your new commute and for completing surveys about the experience.
Due to the ongoing 495 NEXT express lane construction project in Virginia, Commuter Connections is currently offering an additional $100 to be earned by commuters traveling the I-495 corridor between Old Dominion Drive and the American Legion Bridge. The additional incentive will be calculated based on the number of trips logged and applied automatically.
Each new carpool must commute to work an average of two or more weekdays for the duration of the 90-day program. Applicants must not have used an alternative commute mode (i.e., carpool, vanpool, transit, bicycle, walk) more than three days in the 30 days prior to applying for ‘Pool Rewards. Other rules and limitations apply. Participants must fully read all guidelines before being considered and for participation.
How to sign up for ‘Pool Rewards
All ‘Pool Rewards participants must create an account with Commuter Connections, unless you already have one.
Review these three easy steps below to join ‘Pool Rewards.
1. Go to the welcome page and click the green SIGN UP button. If you already have an account with Commuter Connections, click the “LOG IN” button.
2. After creating your account select ‘Join Pool Rewards.
3. Next you are ready to register your ‘Pool Rewards carpool!
To start the ‘Pool Rewards carpool registration process, each new carpool first needs to have a “Primary Participant”. In order to be the Primary Participant, all you need to have is the name and email address for at least one potential carpool partner ready when registering. After identifying the other potential carpool member(s), the Primary Participant will be issued a six-digit carpool id number.
The Commuter Connections ‘Pool Rewards system will send an automated e-mail message to the other potential carpool member(s). This email will identify the Primary Participant who is forming a new carpool and will contain the carpool id # and a link inviting the person(s) to join the new carpool. Individuals agreeing to join the new carpool will need to have the carpool id # handy while joining up for ‘Pool Rewards online.
* Washington MSA as defined by the US Office of Management and Budget.
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Commuter Connections
‘Pool Rewards for Vanpools Program Participation Guidelines
‘Pool Rewards for Vanpools is a service operated and funded by Commuter Connections, MWCOG’s regional commuter assistance program. The program is designed to reduce rush-hour congestion and improve air quality in the region. The program offers a monthly financial incentive to newly-forming commuter vanpools to offset their monthly lease cost charged by one of the vanpool companies under contract with MWCOG.
Vanpool Eligibility
‘Pool Rewards for Vanpools offers a $200 monthly subsidy to vanpools that:
- Have an origin in Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or the District of Columbia and a destination anywhere in the Washington 8-hour Ozone Non-Attainment area as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. See map.
- Are newly-forming vanpools. Newly-forming vanpools are defined as vanpools that have not previously been in operation within 30 days prior to the submission of the ‘Pool Rewards for Vanpools application.
- Are registered with Commuter Connections.
- Have a 7 to 15 passenger capacity (including the driver).
- Submit an application for the program through one the qualified vanpool providers, Enterprise Rideshare.
Existing vanpools and customers of private transit, private shuttles, or private vanpools are not eligible to enroll. Existing vanpools are not permitted to dissolve and reform in order to qualify.
Participant Eligibility
In order for a vanpool to qualify, the vanpool’s passengers must meet the following requirements:
- Passengers in the vanpool must currently be driving alone to work in order to qualify for this program. Driving alone is defined as operating a motor vehicle to travel to work with no other adult passengers occupying the vehicle.
- Participants must not have used an alternative commute mode (carpool, vanpool, transit, bicycle, walk) more than 4 days in the 30 days prior to your submission of the ‘Pool Rewards for Vanpools application.
- Participants may only earn an incentive for their involvement in one specific vanpool.
- Participants must be commuting to and from work to qualify for this program. Students commuting to school are not eligible.
Maintaining Enrollment
Once enrolled, a vanpool must fulfill the following requirements in order to maintain eligibility:
- Respond by the deadline to Commuter Connections and contracted vanpool providers requests for information, such as:
- Confirming trips using the online ‘Pool Rewards software;
- Available seats listing;
- Monthly passenger and expense reports;
- Odometer reading report;
- Current driver and alternative driver contact information; and
- Other select surveys as needed
- Maintain a minimum of 80 percent vehicle occupancy. A vehicle that fails to maintain 80 percent vehicle occupancy for 3 consecutive months may be changed to either a more appropriately-sized vehicle, or be terminated from the Program.
Application Process
To apply, you must submit an application through the qualified vanpool providers, Enterprise Rideshare. The vanpool driver must submit the form by the 15th of the current month to be considered for enrollment on the 1st of the following month, e.g., apply by May 15th to be considered for enrollment on June 1st.
Program Rules
- The incentive amount will be paid directly to the vanpool provider on contract with MWCOG. The incentive will be passed on to vanpool passengers in the form of a subsidized monthly vanpool user fee.
- There is no limit on the number of months that a vanpool can receive the subsidy. Vanpools may earn the monthly incentive indefinitely as long as the program is in operation and the vanpool and its passengers abide by the Program Guidelines.
- Space in the ‘Pool Rewards for Vanpools program is limited. Commuter Connections reserves the right to establish a waitlist for vanpools to participate in the incentive program. This option may be exercised at Commuter Connections’ discretion at any time.
- The disbursement of the incentive is contingent upon the prompt and accurate submission of daily, monthly, and annual reporting. Commuter Connections reserves the right to withhold subsidy payments or to terminate a vanpool from the program, for failure to provide timely responses to reasonable requests for information such as listed above. Vanpools that fail to submit required data for three or more months during a 12-month period will be discontinued from the program.
- Commuter Connections maintains the right to terminate the program with or without notice at any time for any reason.
- All information supplied by you must be accurate, current, and complete. Commuter Connections reserves the right to refuse your application and/or discontinue your participation in this program, including the right to withhold payment of your incentive, if we believe you have failed to meet this obligation.
- If a dispute arises regarding any aspect of the ‘Pool Rewards for Vanpools program, including, but not limited to, interpretation of the Participation Guidelines, accuracy of the information provided by you, or your eligibility to participate in the program, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments/Commuter Connections Program shall be the final decision-maker regarding such a dispute. Any decisions will be final.
Last Updated: 10/23/19
‘Pool Rewards for Vanpools
‘Pool Rewards is a special incentive program available through Commuter Connections designed to encourage current drive-alone commuters to start or join a vanpool.
Vanpooling is a popular and economical option for commuters traveling within the Washington Metropolitan region, particularly for long-distance commuting.
It pays to rideshare!
If you drive alone to work and get a minimum total of seven people together (including yourself) who wish to start or join a new vanpool, you may qualify for a $280 monthly ‘Pool Rewards subsidy for your vanpool. Vans are available to accommodate between 7 and 15 total occupants (including the driver).
Eligible for newly-forming vanpools with at least seven commuters.
Previously existing vanpools are eligible too but only if they have not been in operation within 30 days prior to submitting a ‘Pool Rewards for vanpools application.
Participants must not have commuted via carpool, vanpool, transit, bicycle, walk more than four days in the 30 days prior to submitting a ‘Pool Rewards for vanpools application.
See Coverage Map for approved vanpool destination areas. Vanpool origins can be anywhere within the District of Columbia and the states of Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Virginia origins are not eligible, just destinations.
Additional rules and restrictions apply, see full ‘Pool Rewards Participation Guidelines.
To start the ‘Pool Rewards vanpool registration process:
A. Get a group of commuters together to start or join a new vanpool. Commuter Connections or the participating vanpool companies below can assist with searching for vanpool partners.
B. Contact the vanpool provider – contact the authorized ‘Pool Rewards participating vanpool company below and their professional staff will make all the arrangements!
Dayna Paszkiet
Commuting Consultant (301) 610-0800
[email protected]
More Funding may be available for Vanpoolers
Many companies provide vanpooling employees with a subsidy of up to $280 each month or the ability to enjoy up to $280 in monthly vanpool expenses on a pre-tax basis. Ask your Human Resources department.
Other programs that offer financial assistance to vanpools:
Click here to visit the CarpoolNow page.
CarpoolNow Driver Incentive Program Requirements
Promotion Purpose
The purpose of the CarpoolNow Driver Incentive Program (the “Program”) is to encourage commuters to carpool to and/or from work by taking advantage of the Commuter Connections mobile application, CarpoolNow. Drivers will receive an incentive payment for picking up a passenger using the mobile application so long as a portion of the trip occurs in the Washington DC Metropolitan Region .
Rules of Eligibility
- Transportation Network Company (TNC’s) employees/drivers such as Uber and Lyft are not eligible to receive this incentive payment.
- User must be a worker commuting to and from his/her place of employment to qualify for the Program. Students traveling to and from school are not eligible.
- User must currently be commuting during the peak period. i.e., non-holiday weekday between 6:30-9:30 a.m. and/or 4:00-7:00 p.m. to qualify for the Program.
- User must have an account or officially register with Commuter Connections and establish an account and the CarpoolNow application on his/her smartphone.
- Qualifying trips must occur in the Washington DC Metropolitan Region. This means the trip can originate, terminate, or pass through the Washington DC Metropolitan Region.
Participation Requirements
- Commuter Connections maintains the right to terminate the Program with or without notice at and at any time and for any reason.
- Incentive payments to drivers may not exceed $600.00 in one calendar year.
- A calendar year is defined as beginning on January 1 and ending on December 31.
- The maximum financial incentive that can be earned per trips is $10.00 paid to the driver/trip.
- Financial incentives offered may come in the form of direct payment, gift certificates/cards or debit cards.
- All information supplied by the User must be accurate, current, complete and up-to-date. Commuter Connections reserves the right to refuse the User’s incentive offer and/or discontinue the User’s participation in the Program, including the right to withhold payment of the User’s incentive, if Commuter Connections believes User has failed to meet this obligation. We reserve the right to contact you and your employer to verify the information provided.
- Financial incentives are limited. Commuter Connections reserves the right to reject any type of incentive offered if the Program capacity is met, even if the applicant qualifies for the Program. If a dispute arises regarding any aspect of the Program, including, but not limited to, interpretation of the Program Requirements, accuracy of the information provided by you, or your eligibility to participate in the Program, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments/Commuter Connections Program shall be the final decision-maker regarding such a dispute. Any decisions will be final.
Terms of Use
- As a condition of participation, User must provide correct, current, and complete information.
- User must provide a valid home/mailing address. All materials will be sent to this address.
- Commuter Connections reserves the right to contact the User and/or the User’s employer to verify his/her participation in the Program and/or his/her commute behavior.
- The information provided by the User will be used by Commuter Connections to facilitate his/her participation in the Program.
- The incentives offered through the Program are provided to applicants on a first-come, first serve basis and Commuter Connections has the right to terminate this program at any time without notice.
- If a dispute arises regarding any aspect of the Program, including, but not limited to, the interpretation of the Program Requirements, the accuracy of the information the User provides, or the User’s eligibility to participate, Commuter Connections shall be the final decision maker regarding such disputes. Any decision will be final and binding on the User’s status as a participant of the Program.
- Any incentive payments received by User from Commuter Connections are subject to federal and state income taxes. The User is solely responsible for any liability that may result from such incentive payments.
- Commuter Connections reserves its rights to pursue any penalties and remedies to the fullest extent of the law against a User who knowingly provides false or misleading information and/or knowingly receives public funds fraudulently, and/or knowingly abuses the use of public funds.
- Commuter Connections reserves the right to refuse the User’s incentive payment(s), discontinue the User’s participation in the Program, and/or withhold incentive payment(s) if the User fails to abide by the Program Requirements, including the Terms of Use.
- By participating in the Program, User acknowledges that he/she has read, understood, and agreed to the Program Requirements, including the Terms of Use governing the Program and certifies that he/she is eligible to participate and receive the incentives provided by Commuter Connections.
High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes: HOV lanes are reserved for carpools, vanpools, buses, and motorcycles during designated time periods. All drivers can use HOV lanes during off-peak traffic hours. They are also known as carpool, commuter, or express lanes. Most of the Washington metropolitan HOV lanes are designated HOV-2, meaning motorists other than motorcyclists must have at least one other person in the vehicle to use the lane during the designated time periods.
HOV lanes are indicated in red and express lanes in green on the following map.
Maryland
HOV Lanes Location
|
Occupants Required
|
Hours of Operation
|
I-270
|
HOV-2
|
Southbound 6:00 am – 9:00 am
|
I-270
|
HOV-2
|
Northbound 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
|
US 50
|
HOV-2
|
24 hrs 7 days a week
(between US 301 and the Beltway) |
For more information on Maryland HOV lanes click here.
Virginia
HOV Lanes Location
|
Occupants Required
|
Hours of Operation
|
Dulles Toll Road
|
HOV-2
|
Eastbound 5:30 am – 9:30 am
|
Dulles Toll Road
|
HOV-2
|
Westbound 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
|
I-66 Inside Beltway Express
|
HOV-3
|
Eastbound 5:30 am – 9:30 am
|
I-66 Inside Beltway Express
|
HOV-3
|
Westbound 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
|
I-66 Outside Beltway
|
HOV-3
|
Eastbound 24 hrs 7 days a week
|
I-66 Outside Beltway
|
HOV-3
|
Westbound 24 hrs 7 days a week
|
I-95/I-395 Express
|
HOV-3 Reversible
|
Northbound/Southbound 24 hrs 7 days a week
|
I-495 Express
|
HOV-3*
|
24 hrs 7 days a week
|
*HOV-3+ vehicles can use the I-66 Express Lanes both inside and outside the Beltway, and I-95 and I-495 Express Lanes for free with an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode.
For more information on Virginia HOV/Express Lanes lanes, click here.
HOV Benefits:
• HOV lanes can save you up to 30 minutes each way.
• HOV lanes move more people in fewer vehicles, reducing the demand for new highways.
• HOV lanes increase the efficiency of existing highways.
• HOV lanes reduce the use of personal resources such as time, fuel, and money.
• HOV lanes benefit drivers of single-occupant vehicles by taking carpoolers out of general use lanes.
Ridesharing means two or more persons traveling together in an automobile or van. Ridesharing is a great way to lower commuting costs, reduce congestion, and decrease parking demand. You will also conserve energy, improve air quality and possibly meet new people.
Sharing your ride to work—in a carpool, vanpool, bus, train, shuttle or a combination of these—is called ridesharing. Finding a ride to share is easy because employees of a single company often live near each other. Neighbors may work at different companies located only a short distance apart and have the same work hours.
To get the benefits of ridesharing, click the REGISTER NOW! button below.
10 Tips for Successful Carpooling
People who carpool together can spend quite a bit of time with each other. Therefore, it is essential that all members of the carpool feel comfortable with fellow carpoolers. Commuter Connections has several suggestions that help to assure a pleasant carpool experience for everyone.
1. Determine Your Carpool Route and Schedule. Establish meeting points and times for both the morning and returning trips. Also, be sure to designate agreed-upon drop-off location(s) for the carpoolers.
2. Draw Up a Schedule for Driving Responsibilities. If there are multiple drivers in the carpool, create a driving schedule so there is no confusion regarding driving responsibilities. Carpoolers sharing driving responsibilities may choose to alternate driving responsibilities on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. If the carpool contains more than 2 people, make a schedule of pick-up times for the passengers.
3. Create a Carpool Contact Information Sheet. Make sure carpoolers share their phone numbers so people can be contacted with any changes in the carpooling schedule. All carpool members should be notified, as soon as possible, of any unscheduled changes (such as illness, family emergency, unexpected overtime, etc.) in the carpool schedule. Scheduled disruptions to the carpool (such as vacation time, teleworking, out of office meetings, etc.) should be shared with all carpoolers ahead of time so that alternate commuting plans can be made. It is also a good idea for carpoolers to share their email addresses with each other so that a carpool schedule containing driving responsibilities, pick up times and locations, and other important information can be distributed to all carpool members.
4. Reimburse Driving Expenses. If the members of your carpool do not share the driving equally, come to an understanding of how the costs will be shared and agree on payment dates. Make sure the reimbursement is agreed upon by all members of the carpool. Be courteous and make sure any payments are paid on time.
5. Be Punctual. Decide how long the driver is expected to wait for passengers before leaving. Use the Carpool Contact Information Sheet to try and contact the missing passenger before leaving.
6. Carpool Etiquette. Everyone in the carpool should come to an agreement regarding carpool etiquette. Common topics to discuss include smoking, music, cell phone use, food/drinks, etc.
7. Drive Carefully and Keep the Vehicle Clean. Speeding and aggressive driving may make other carpoolers feel nervous and unsafe. When carpooling, be sure to obey the rules of the road. Also, keep a clean and tidy car as a courtesy to your passengers.
8. Respect Your Fellow Carpooler. In general, be pleasant, courteous, and respectful of fellow carpoolers. Be mindful that some people prefer to be quiet in the mornings.
9. Make Carpooling Serve One Purpose. Most carpoolers are interested in traveling between their home and work locations. Therefore, the carpool should not make unexpected stops for errands unless it is agreed upon by all carpool members.
10. When in doubt, Contact Commuter Connections – We’re here to help! If you lose a member of the carpool and need help finding a replacement, call us at 1-800-745-RIDE.
Sign up for the Guaranteed Ride Home Program to ensure that you will be able to get home in case of an emergency or if you miss your carpool. The Guaranteed Ride Home Program, which provides up to 6 free rides home per year in the event of an emergency, is the perfect safety net for carpoolers, providing you with the opportunity to carpool to work with piece of mind. Sign up online or call us at 1-800-745-RIDE for an application.
What is Carpooling?
Carpooling is when two or more commuters ride together in a private automobile on a continuing basis, regardless of their relationship to each other or the cost of sharing agreements. Carpooling is the simplest and most common “ridesharing” arrangement.
Finding someone to carpool is easy because employees of a single company often live near each other. Neighbors may work at different companies located only a short distance apart and have the same work hours.
Carpools can be arranged in one of the following ways:
- One person may drive all the time, while the passengers contribute only to the cost (e.g., gas and parking).
- Participants may alternate driving and not exchange money.
- The carpool driver may pick up passengers at their homes, or they may meet at a central location.
- Carpools can and do include family members.
Casual and dynamic carpooling (sometimes known as “slugging”) to and from work could be good options for individuals who may be looking for ridesharing arrangements. These options work well for commuters on a daily basis, or for those looking for a one-time trip, go to their office infrequently, have a telecommuting or compressed work schedule, or are attending a meeting or conference, etc. Various resources, such as websites and commercial mobile apps, may help commuters find a casual or dynamic carpool partner in the Washington DC metropolitan region. Please consult the web or your mobile app store for these options.
You get the picture. Collectively, the carpool participants make up the rules and schedule.
Ready to join or start a carpool? Find out more information here.
What is Vanpooling?
Vanpooling is an important and economical option for individuals commuting long distances. This option is popular in the Metropolitan Washington DC area because of long commuting distances to work sites. A company can give vanpoolers up to $265 in tax-free transportation benefits each month.
Types of Vanpools
There are three kinds of vanpool arrangements:
- Owner-operated vans — An individual leases or purchases a van and operates the van independently. Riders generally meet at a central location and pay the owner a set monthly fee.
- Third-party vans — A vanpool “vendor” leases the vanpool vehicle for a monthly fee that includes the vehicle operating cost, insurance, and maintenance. The vendor can contract directly with one or more employees. The monthly lease fee is paid by the group of riders.
- Employer-provided vans — The employer (or a group of employers) buys or leases vans for employees’ commute use. The employer organizes the vanpool riders and insures and maintains the vehicles. The employer may charge a fee to ride in the van or subsidize the service. Check with your company’s Human Resources department.
Ready to join or start a vanpool? Find out more information here.
Carpooling Advantages
Some of the overall advantages of carpooling include the following:
- Less stress commuting to and from work
- Financial savings due to sharing commuting costs (Calculate your savings)
- Reduces need for parking
- Increases free time for riders
- If an HOV lane is available, trips may take less time
- Reduces pollution due to auto emissions
Vanpooling Advantages
Some of the overall advantages of vanpooling include the following:
- Less stress commuting to and from work
- Financial savings due to shared commuting costs (Calculate your savings)
- Reduces need for parking
- Increases free time for riders
- If an HOV lane is available, trips may take less time
- Reduces pollution due to auto emissions
- Eligibility to receive up to $315 in tax-free transportation benefits from your employer
Ever wonder why you have to work so hard to get to work? More and more commuters are discovering a smarter way to work by teleworking. Rather than commuting to the office every day, they work at home, or at a shared workspace, at a coworking center, telework center, or from an employer’s satellite office one or more days a week. To learn more about how teleworking can improve your lifestyle while keeping your boss happy, please click here to download our employee help-guide. This help-guide is designed to help individuals determine if telework is a suitable option for them, and, if so, how to introduce or expand a telework program within their organization. Topics include:
- Telework Defined
- What Telework is Not
- Trends & Projections
- Benefits
- Is Teleworking for You?
- Options
- Equipment
- Possible Distractions
- Approaching Your Supervisor
- Ready, Set, Go…
- Successful Teleworking
- What if You Get Turned Down?
- Resources
The guide also includes a virtual tour of our Shared Workspaces/Coworking Spaces/Telework Centers, the services provided at the facility and related costs.
DID YOU KNOW? 34% of the Washington metropolitan region’s workforce teleworks at least 1.2 days per week on average. Interested in Teleworking?
Telework Tips: Best Practices
COMMUNICATION
- Do confer with your supervisor on organizing work for the telework days
- Make sure that team members and supervisors have a clear idea of the day(s) you will be teleworking
- Forward office phone to your home phone if possible
- Keep your boss informed of the progress you are making as needed
- Attend on-site or virtual essential department and group meetings
- Respond to communications such as calls, emails, and texts
- Inform family members and neighbors about when you may be interrupted
PRODUCTIVITY
- Do select assignments and deliverable that can be performed remotely
- Develop tasks and deliverables
- Make sure you develop a routine for the telework days
- Stick to all deadlines and keep your work organized
- Do treat your telework day as you would a regular day in the office
ERGONOMICS AND SAFETY
- Have a dedicated workspace at home
- Set up the workspace in an area that is safe and free from hazards
- Do pay attention to the ergonomics of your dedicated workspace at home
- Items to consider are desk height, chair, lighting, safety, electrical support, noise
- Take breaks throughout the day
- Have lunch away from your desk
Telework Tips: What to Avoid
HABITS
- Don’t develop bad habits at home
- Don’t start sleeping late on telework days
- Don’t stay in your bedclothes all day
- Don't let pet or other noise impair your professional image, especially when you are talking on the phone
PRODUCTIVITY
- Don't forget that your employer is paying you to do your work during the agreed-upon hours
- Don’t run errands for everybody in the neighborhood just because you are home
- Don’t telework if you have an infant or an elderly person who requires your attention
- Don't answer personal calls during telework day
- Don't do household chores during telework day
- Don't visit personal social media web sites such as Facebook and Instagram, they are distracting
- Don’t telework, if it is not working for you
Shared Workspaces/Coworking Spaces/Telework Centers
Communicate seamlessly with your office, colleagues, customers, and potential customers. These locations provide entrepreneurs, growing businesses, and established corporate teleworkers with a variety of settings. Features include workstations, high-speed internet, and other amenities which may consist of photocopiers, VoIP/telephony, meeting rooms, and video conferencing.
In general, shared workspaces and Telework Centers are better suited for more established professionals. These types of locations work on a twelve-month lease arrangement and are known for providing more traditional amenities such as conference rooms, professional office furniture, photocopiers, audio-visual equipment etc. Some also offer receptionists, pantries, and separated private offices. Coworking spaces are more ideal for start-up businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneur-types looking for an affordable creative atmosphere to pursue their passions. Usually, coworking spaces can be leased for a shorter period, between three and six months.
There are countless facilities in the Washington, DC metropolitan region, each offering a unique, productive, and flourishing environment. Regardless of location, each offers a surrounding of like-minded people and allow for independence while at the same time a collaborative, supportive community not available when working from home.
Below are just some of the many work centers within the region:
Creative Colony District (formerly DC Workspaces)
Inclusive Innovative Incubator
* Multiple Locations
Federal Teleworkers
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
U.S. General Services Administration
Disclaimer
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) is not engaged in rendering legal advice and provides guidance and other supporting materials free of charge solely to assist businesses in exploring teleworking arrangements with their employees. By using these materials, the recipient (1) acknowledges and agrees that the MWCOG makes no representations regarding the sufficiency (legal or otherwise) of these materials in any particular jurisdiction or for any particular business purpose, and (2) voluntarily and knowingly assumes all risks associated with their use.
For many commuters, public (or sometimes private) transit is the transportation of choice; for others, it’s the ideal backup transportation. Public transit is a dependable commuting option that delivers employees and customers to work and home on a regular schedule.
Services & Schedules- District of Columbia
Rail
(Serves the District, Maryland, Virginia, and many other states.)
Metrorail | Schedules | Map | Parking
(Serves the District, Suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia.)
(Commuter rail serving the District, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore, Baltimore County, Frederick, Frederick County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Washington County, and West Virginia.)
Virginia Railway Express | Schedules
(Commuter rail serving, Fredericksburg, Prince William County, Fairfax County, Alexandria, Arlington, and the District.)
Bus
Dillon’s Bus Service, Inc. | Schedules
Provides service to Baltimore, Bethesda, New Carrollton, Silver Spring, and Washington DC. Origin Areas: Annapolis, Bel Air, Clarksville, Columbia, Davidsonville, Ellicott City, Forest Hill, Havre de Grace, Kent Island, and Upper Marlboro.
Downtown Circulator | Schedules | Maps
(Serves Downtown Washington, D.C.)
Keller Transportation, Inc. | Schedules
Provides service to Washington DC (Downtown & Navy Yard) and Suitland. Origin Areas: California, Charlotte Hall, Dunkirk, La Plata, St. Leonard, Sunderland, and Waldorf.
Serves Crystal City, Pentagon, and Downtown Washington DC. Originates from Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Stafford.
Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) | Schedules
(Serves Baltimore, the District, Annapolis, Bethesda, Charlotte Hall, Clarksville, Columbia, Ellicott City, Frederick, Hagerstown, Kent Island, La Plata, New Carrolton, Prince Frederick, Shady Grove, Silver Spring, and Waldorf.)
(Serves the District, Suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia.)
(Serves Prince William County, the Pentagon, and the District.)
Use The Metro Trip Planner to plan your trip on Metrorail, Metrobus, or any of the Washington D.C. area public transportation services.
Services & Schedules- Maryland
Rail
Metrorail | Schedules | Map | Parking
(Serves the District, Suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia.)
(Commuter rail serving the District, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore, Baltimore County, Frederick, Frederick County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Washington County, and West Virginia.)
(Serves the District, Maryland, Virginia, and many other states.)
Bus
(Serves the District, Suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia.)
Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) | Schedules
(Serves Baltimore, the District, Annapolis, Bethesda, Charlotte Hall, Clarksville, Columbia, Ellicot City, Frederick, Hagerstown, Kent Island, La Plata, New Carrolton, Prince Frederick, Shady Grove, Silver Spring, and Waldorf.)
(Serves Annapolis and Kent Island.)
Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland | Schedules
(Serves Anne Arundel County, Howard County, City of Laurel and Northern Prince George's County.)
(Serves Montgomery County.)
St. Mary’s Transit System | Schedules
(Serves St. Mary’s County.)
(Serves Prince George’s County.)
TransIT Services of Frederick County
(Serves Frederick and Frederick County.)
(Serves Charles County.)
Dillon’s Bus Service, Inc. | Schedules
(Provides service for MTA. Serves the District, Annapolis, Baltimore, Bel Air, Bethesda, Calvert Glenarden, Havre de Grace, Kent Island, Silver Spring, and Upper Marlboro.)
Eyre Bus Service, Inc. | Schedules
(Provides service for MTA. Serves the District, Columbia, Clarksville, Ellicott City, Frederick, Hagerstown, Rock Spring Business Park, Shady Grove, and Silver Spring.)
Keller Transportation, Inc. | Schedules
(Provides service for MTA. Serves the District, Dunkirk, Charlotte Hall, Prince Frederick, La Plata, St. Leonard, and Waldorf.)
Use The Ride Guide to plan your trip on Metrorail, Metrobus, or any of the Washington D.C. area public transportation services.
Services & Schedules – Virginia
Rail
Virginia Railway Express | Schedules
(Commuter rail serving, Fredericksburg, Prince William County, Fairfax County, Alexandria, Arlington, and the District)
(Serves the District, Maryland, Virginia, and many other states)
Metrorail | Schedules | Map | Parking
(Serves the District, Suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia)
Bus
(Serves the District, Suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia)
Arlington Transit (ART) | Schedules
(Serves Arlington County)
(Serves the City of Fairfax)
(Serves the City of Alexandria.)
(Serves Fairfax County.)
(Serves Fredericksburg area)
Loudoun Commuter Bus | Schedules
(Serves Loudoun County)
(Serves Prince William County, the Pentagon, and the District)
(Serves the Reston-Herndon area)
(Serves greater Springfield)
(703) 433-9760
(Serves the District)
Martz Franklin Motorcoach | Schedules
(Serves the District)
Valley Connector
(Serves Northern Shenandoah Valley)
Use The Metro Trip Planner to plan your trip on Metrorail, Metrobus, or any of the Washington D.C. area public transportation services.
If you decide to take public transportation to and from work, here are some of the overall benefits:
• Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) Benefits
• Arrive relaxed and ready to work, free of commuting stress
• A viable option for employees who don’t drive
• Reduces the need for parking space
• Backup transportation for ridesharing employees who work late
• You can receive up to $315 dollars a month in SmartBenefits tax-free
Demo content
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority (Metrobus and Metrorail only) Metrobus Northern Division
4615 14th Street, NW 202-636-3445 (business)
Open Tuesday – Thursday 8:00 a.m.– 100 p.m.
MARYLAND
TRiPs Commuter Store (Metrobus, Metrorail, MARC and Ride On)
8404 Colesville Road, Room 223
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(2nd level of the Silver Spring Transit Center
240-773-TRiPS (8747)
Hours: Monday – Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
TRiPS Mobile Commuter Store
Weekly schedule and hours:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-dir/commuter/trips/mobile-commuter-store-sched.html
240-773-TRiPS (8747)
VIRGINIA
The Commuter Store at Ballston Metro Station (All regional/ local bus and rail)
4230 Fairfax Dr. (Directly above Metrorail entrance)
Arlington, VA 22203
703-528-3541 (commuter assistance)
703-522-4356 (fax)
800-828-1120 (TDD)
Open weekdays 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Saturdays 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. On-line Sales: www.commuterdirect.com
The Commuter Store at Crystal City (All regional/ local bus and rail)
251 18th Street South, Crystal City Shops (across from Dunkin' Donuts)
Arlington, VA 22202
703-413-4287 (commuter assistance)
703-413-4291 (fax)
800-828-1120 (TDD)
Open weekdays 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. On-line Sales: www.commuterdirect.com
The Commuter Store at Rosslyn Center (All regional/ local bus and rail)
1810 N. Moore Street (adjacent to the Rosslyn Metrorail Entrance)
Arlington, VA 22209
703-525-1995 (commuter assistance)
703-525-0060 (fax)
800-828-1120 (TDD)
Open weekdays 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Saturdays 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
On-line Sales: www.commuterdirect.com
Mobile Commuter Store
King St/Union Station - Tuesdays from 1 to 7 p.m. and Fridays from 6 a.m. to Noon.
Mark Center/DoD - Wednesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
703-402-2593 (business)
www.commuterpage.com/mobilestore
Connector Store at Tysons-West Park Transit Station
8300 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, VA 22102
Open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 6:30 am – 10:30 a.m. & 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Closed Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
703-339-7200 (commuter assistance)
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/contact/
Connector Store at Herndon Metro Station
12530 Sunrise Valley Drive, Herndon, VA 20171
Open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 6:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., 3 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Closed Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
703-339-7200 (commuter assistance) http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/contact/
Connector Store at Franconia-Springfield Metro
6880 Frontier Drive (located on the pedestrian bridge next to the Metrorail entrance)
Springfield, VA 22150
Open weekdays 6:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, Closed Saturday, and Sunday
703-339-7200 (commuter assistance)
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/contact/
Connector Store at Reston Town Center Transit Station
12051 Bluemont Way, Reston, VA 20190
Open Monday – Friday 6:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Closed Saturday and Sunday
703-339-7200 (commuter assistance)
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/contact/
Connector Store at Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station
11389 Reston Station Boulevard, Reston, VA 20190
Open Monday - Friday: 6:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Closed Saturday and Sunday
703-339-7200
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/contact/
Connector Store at Stringfellow Park and Ride
4920 Stringfellow Road, Centreville, VA 20120
703-339-7200
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 6:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Closed Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
TRANSIT BENEFIT SALES
REGIONAL
SMARTBENEFITS
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
4100 Garden City Drive, 7th Floor, Hyattsville, MD 20785
202-962-2784 (business)
202-962-6103 (fax)
www.wmata.com/smartbenefits
Antoinette Rucker
Senior Business Development Account Executive
410-962-2744
Email: [email protected]
Al Watson
Senior Business Development Account Executive
410-962-2793
Email: [email protected]
Janiece S. Timmons
Senior Business Development Account Executive
410-962-2771
Email: [email protected]
BALTIMORE AREA
Maryland Department of Transportation's Commuter Choice Maryland Program
For inquiries or general information, please call 410-865-1100. This line is staffed Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
How to Get Started
Consider your general health and the route to work when deciding if this commute alternative is right for you. You may want to begin slowly, one or two days a week, gradually building up to walking full-time. Typically, most walkers commute about two miles one-way to work. Other considerations:
- Select a good pair of walking shoes and appropriate clothing.
- Try a practice run on a weekend to see how long it takes.
- Find a co-worker or friend who walks and commute with them.
Walking Safety
- Walkers generally need sidewalks, crosswalks, and signaled intersections in areas with heavy traffic.
- A weekend test commute may uncover routing problems and will indicate how much time to allow.
- Most likely you will be walking during rush hour; however, consider general lighting and the neighborhoods you travel through in off-peak hours.
- If walking at dawn or dusk, consider reflective wrist or leg bands.
Dealing with Business Clothes
Typically there are two categories of walking: “leisure walking” and “power walking.” Leisure walking is slower paced and allows the walker to dress in his/her work attire and carry parcels. You may want to consider leaving a dress pair of shoes at the office.
Power walking is fast-paced (almost a slow jog) and is best done in gym clothes. One of the biggest obstacles to power walking to work is the need for professional attire at the office. Some health clubs offer “runner’s” memberships, where, for a reduced rate, you can use the showers and locker rooms.
What if I Need to Get home for an Emergency?
The Commuter Connections Guaranteed Ride Home Program provides you with a ride home in the event of an emergency. The GRH program is free and easy to sign up for, just use our GRH Application or call 1-800-745-RIDE (7433).