Every day thousands of commuters travel to Arlington using a variety of transportation options. Many take advantage of sustainable methods such as public transportation, carpooling, or vanpooling. However, for those commuting more than 15 miles, incorporating sustainable options into part or all their journey can sometimes feel challenging. Sustainable commuting offers numerous benefits, including reduced stress, lower transportation costs, and a smaller carbon footprint. Fortunately, a range of regional commuting services make it possible for commuters, regardless of distance, to include sustainable options into their daily routines.
During our webinar on Regional Commuting Services, we welcomed guest speakers from three leading organizations: Virginia Railway Express (VRE), OmniRide, and GWRideConnect. Each presenter shared valuable insights about their programs, the services they provide, and how commuters can leverage these resources to create a commute tailored to their needs. Below, we highlight some of the key takeaways from each presentation.
Lindsey Martin, Public Affairs Administrator for VRE, joined our webinar to offer valuable insights into their services and upcoming initiatives. She highlighted the 32 daily trains that connect Northern Virginia communities - from Manassas in the west to Spotsylvania in the south - with Arlington in Crystal City. She also discussed how commuters can conveniently apply SmartBenefits directly to their VRE travel. In addition, she emphasized VRE’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, family-friendly programs like Kids Ride Free, and the upcoming Amtrak Step-Up program, which allows VRE riders to enjoy reduced fares on select Amtrak trains, expanding commuting options across the region.
OmniRide is another outstanding resource for commuters traveling from Arlington’s surrounding counties. Serving Prince William, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Fauquier, and Warren counties, as well as the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. OmniRide operates a fleet of more than 150 vehicles each weekday with stops in Ballston, Rosslyn, and the Pentagon. The organization offers a wide range of services, including ridesharing, microtransit, and paratransit options. During the webinar, Sarah McGowan, OmniRide’s Transportation Demand Management Program Manager, highlighted several routes that connect Arlington with neighboring counties and showcased the Monthly Express Pass, available through the OmniPay mobile payment app. This pass offers a significant 41% discount for monthly rides and can be conveniently purchased using SmartBenefits.
Our webinar also featured guest speaker Kerry McKenney, Program Coordinator for GWRideConnect. This is a free ride-matching service that helps commuters find the best transportation options for their needs and connects them with resources to make the most of those options. Kerry provided guidance on how to utilize programs such as VRE and OmniRide, highlighting how these services benefit commuters in Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline, and King George counties. She also discussed additional commuting alternatives, including vanpools and slugging, and shared helpful resources for learning more about these options and incorporating them into daily travel routines.
In addition to the featured programs, webinar participants had the opportunity to learn about a variety of other regional commuting options, including Amtrak, Fairfax Connector, Loudoun County Transit, and the Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC). These services further expand the region’s network of transit choices, making it easier to integrate sustainable commuting into the daily routine. The webinar also highlighted the Guaranteed Ride Home program, which offers up to six free rides per year for those utilizing sustainable transit methods for at least part of their commute. This service can provide a valuable safety net, especially for commuters with longer journeys.
Finally, we shared how ATP supports both organizations and individuals in maximizing these opportunities. ATP offers guidance on setting up and maintaining commuter benefits programs like SmartBenefits, creates custom resources and trip planners for employees, and facilitates direct information sharing through tabling at events or speaking at staff meetings. With the variety of programs highlighted by our speakers and support from ATP, sustainable commuting is easier and more convenient than ever, regardless of distance.
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