Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
10/02/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/02/2024 13:11
Commuter Connections celebrates 50 years of serving DC area commuter
Today, officials from across the region gathered at the National Press Club to celebrate Commuter Connections' 50th anniversary and reflect on its strong track record of helping commuters find smarter ways to work, while reducing traffic and air pollution.
The program, coordinated by the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, was originally created to assist commuters during the OPEC oil embargo in the 1970s. The embargo caused a gas supply shortage and a steep uptick in costs for consumers, making the need to increase carpooling a priority for area leaders.
Over the past half century, Commuter Connections has grown to offer a wide range of free services, including a system that matches people with similar commutes together for carpools and vanpools, the Guaranteed Ride Home program, which provides commuters with a free ride home in the event of an unexpected emergency, personal illness, or unscheduled overtime, as well as several incentive programs that reward commuters when they choose alternatives to driving alone or avoid driving during peak hours of traffic.
"We are grateful to have partners like Commuter Connections innovating to meet the needs of residents, workers, and visitors," said District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser, who provided the keynote speech at the event. "We know that Washington, DC is a world class city, and world class cities have world class transportation options. Together, we will continue to expand our transportation network, protect the environment, and grow our economy."
Commuter Connections also helps employers establish commuting benefits and assistance programs, including telework programs, and organizes major events like the region's Bike to Work Day-in partnership the Washington Area Bicyclist Association-which has grown from 1,100 registrants in 2001 to 14,000 in 2024.
Taking into account all of its programs and services, Commuter Connections reduces 119,500 daily vehicle trips, which results in 2.1 million fewer vehicle miles of travel and more than half a ton fewer pollutants impacting the region's air quality each day.
District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser speaks at the Commuter Connections 50th Anniversary Celebration
COMMUTERCASH PREVIEW
The anniversary event also looked ahead to Commuter Connections' next featured program, the CommuterCash mobile app, which will be available to commuters later this year. CommuterCash is the enhanced version and rebranded name of the incenTrip app, a successful pilot project that was developed in partnership with the Maryland Transportation Institute at the University of Maryland. The app incentivizes commuters through its gamification and meaningful rewards system, serving as a trip planner and also providing real-time traffic predictions to help commuters avoid heavy traffic. CommuterCash users will be able to earn up to $600 within a calendar year.
"Throughout Commuter Connections' 50-year history, our program has always sought to harness the latest technology to promote sustainable transportation options," said Council of Governments Executive Director Clark Mercer. "CommuterCash will help people find alternatives to driving to work alone, or, before they head out the door, the best time to leave. And by changing their travel behaviors, participants will improve their quality of life and help our region reduce traffic and clean the air."
EMPLOYER AWARDS
At the ceremony, Commuter Connections also recognized employers that offer top-notch commuter benefits, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable transportation and improving employees' work life balance and well-being.
Horizon/McDonald's, in North Bethesda, Maryland, was awarded the Incentives Award. The employer provided incentives by developing a work schedule system that allows store managers to adjust for employees' public transportation schedules when planning and assigning work hours. Employees also received a monthly transit subsidy of up to $50 ($25 for part-time employees), administered through Metro's SmartBenefits.
Comstock Companies, a leading asset manager, developer, and operator of mixed-use and transit-oriented properties, residing in Reston, Virginia was honored with the Marketing Award. Comstock provided $50 SmarTrip® cards through the Plu$50 program and employees who started taking public transit regularly were provided with a $100 match from the company per month.
Groundswell, a technology company, residing in McLean, Virginia was awarded the Telework Award. In 2022, The business grew significantly, acquiring three companies within a short period of time. The company's telework program was created to support both business and work-life balance needs of its rapidly growing employee base.
In addition, Commuter Connections honored Montgomery County Commuter Services with its Employer Services Outreach Team Achievement Award for its work partnering with employers to develop and expand commute benefit offerings. Commuter Connections also recognized the District Department of Transportation's goDCgo program with an Employer Services Organization Achievement Award for providing complimentary consultation to businesses interested in starting or enhancing their commuter benefits programs.