Nick Ramfos, Director of Alternative Commute Programs at COG speaks at the 40th Anniversary Event. Click on his picture for more photos.

On Wednesday, July 16, elected officials and dignitaries from across the region gathered at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) to celebrate an impressive milestone: Commuter Connections’ 40th year as the leader in providing free alternative solutions to the drive-alone commute, reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality in the metropolitan Washington region. 

Originating in 1974 in response to the 1973 gas shortage and oil crisis, Commuter Connections began as the “Commuter Club” providing ridematching service to help the region’s commuters find more cost-effective, environmentally friendly commute alternatives.  In the decades that followed, Commuter Connections expanded its services using the latest technology to meet the demands of the region. Commuter Connections introduced a wide range of regional alternative commute programs, including  ridematching for carpools and vanpools , Guaranteed Ride Home, Bike to Work Day, Car Free Day,  Employer Recognition Awards, and ‘Pool Rewards .  Today, Commuter Connections assists 30,000 commuters each year to find the best commuting option that works with their daily commute.

“Commuter Connections continues to develop and move forward with the times to find new ways to improve mobility in the region and to respond to the needs of today’s commuters,” said Nicholas Ramfos, Director of Commuter Connections. “We’re addressing commuter needs and looking at new, innovative ways to continue making a positive impact on the region’s transportation infrastructure and to enhance the lives and health of our regional commuters as we move into our next decade.”

A digital timeline highlighting Commuter Connections’ 40-year history was featured at the celebration, along with a video containing historic photos that was produced in honor of their anniversary.  Bob Marbourg, WTOP traffic reporter, was among the special guest speakers at the event along with former staff members that were involved with the start-up of the service and representatives from agencies that were early supporters of the program including the General Services Administration and the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission.

To view the 40th Year digital timeline, go to the Commuter Connections website at: http://www.commuterconnections.org/about-us/digital-timeline/