The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ (COG) Commuter Connections program celebrated five local employers and organizations today for their outstanding commute alternative programs at the 28th annual Employer Awards ceremony at the National Press Club. The COG program also announced the winners of its first-ever goDMV Commuter Competition, which challenged area employers to encourage their employees to log the most sustainable trips over a three-month period from March to May 2025.

The World Bank Group, American Public Transportation Association, and Loudoun County Government were recognized as the winners of the goDMV Commuter Competition. A total of 41 employers entered the contest, and more than 1,200 individuals logged 36,000 sustainable trips. Collectively, 425,000 single occupant vehicle miles were reduced.

In addition, Commuter Connections recognized the City of Alexandria, Virginia, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) of Alexandria, Virginia, and Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) of Arlington County, Virginia, with awards for their outstanding commuter benefits and resources that facilitate teleworking and promote various commuting methods, other than driving alone. COG’s regional commuter program also honored Fairfax County Commuter Services with the 2025 Employer Outreach Team Award and Federal Realty – Pike & Rose in North Bethesda, Maryland, with the 2025 Employer Services Organization Award.

“By making alternative transportation easier, these organizations are improving how our region moves. Empowering employees to choose different transit options paves the way for cleaner air, less road congestion, and better mobility,” said James Walkinshaw, Chair of the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board at COG, and Fairfax County Supervisor.

Commuter Connections received nominations from employers throughout the region, all of which focused on improving their work culture and community through innovative commute alternative programs. A selection committee evaluated these nominations and chose winners based on their efforts and accomplishments to reduce gasoline consumption and greenhouse gas emissions through fewer vehicle trips and miles traveled—while creating measurable and sustainable commuter benefits for staff.

“We’re pleased to honor the winners of our 2025 Employer Awards and goDMV Commuter Competition for their leadership in advancing sustainable commuting options,” said Daniel Sheehan, Commuter Connections Director. “These organizations demonstrate how alternative commuting options can benefit both the workforce and the environment, and we hope their efforts inspire others in the region.”

The 28th annual Employer Awardees are listed below, along with a summary of their efforts to improve employee commuting and advocate for commuting alternatives.

Employer Awards

The City of Alexandria, Virginia, received a 2025 Employer Award for its commitment to providing a range of flexible commuting options. The City’s Transportation Demand Management Program, GO Alex, focuses on reducing single occupant vehicle (SOV) travel. Through SmartBenefits, the City subsidizes employees who use public transit and qualified vanpool services. For those on bike or foot, shower facilities, lockers, and covered bike racks are available at most worksites, and employees can obtain annual Capital Bikeshare memberships for free. To shorten commutes, eligible employees living outside the city are offered an interest-free, deferred payment loan of up to $15,000 to help purchase a home within the City. Additionally, nearly a third of employees can telework up to two days per week. In 2024, the City of Alexandria helped reduce 4,974,000 SOV employee miles traveled and saved 226,091 gallons of gas.

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), an individual membership professional organization, earned a 2025 Employer Award for its numerous transit benefits and amenities. APTA subsidizes public transit and gives new employees a free $50 SmarTrip card through SmartBenefits. Awarded a Silver Bicycle Friendly Business designation from The League of American Bicyclists, APTA provides bike racks, lockers, showers, and a bike repair station for employees. The organization also encourages carpooling by designating preferred parking spaces. Furthermore, nearly all employees work from home at least two days per week. In 2024, these benefits helped employees reduce 787,500 SOV miles traveled and save 35,795 gallons of gas.

Washington Headquarters Services (WHS), a Department of Defense (DoD) Field Activity supporting various DoD components—including the Pentagon and Mark Center—was presented a 2025 Employee Award for its impressive coordination and outreach. The Pentagon Transit Center presents the challenge of being the largest transit hub in the region. WHS established a Transportation Management Program Office to manage the DoD shuttle system, encourage non-SOV travel, and mitigate traffic impacts from large-scale construction projects. A member of Commuter Connections, WHS offers transit subsidies, alternative work schedules, compressed work weeks, and bike amenities. WHS’ extensive outreach includes fairs and events, advisories, traffic alerts, rideshare distribution lists, social media, and a monthly newsletter. In 2024, these efforts helped WHS reduce 131,480,000 SOV employee miles and save 5,976,364 gallons of gas.

Employer Outreach Team Award

Commuter Connections is pleased to honor Fairfax County Commuter Services with the 2025 Employer Outreach Team Award for its success in partnering with employers to develop and expand commuter benefit offerings. During 2024, the team held 418 meetings, resulting in an impressive 404 new employer programs within the jurisdiction. County staff also organized numerous transportation events at employer worksites to increase employee participation.

Employer Services Organization Award

Federal Realty received the 2025 Employer Services Organization Award for enhancing commuting options at Pike & Rose, a property in Montgomery County that boasts offices, restaurants, apartments, retail shops, and more. Through the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s FareShare program, Federal Realty offers a monthly transit subsidy for Pike & Rose retail employees, as well as bike racks, lockers, and showers. Federal Realty worked with the State Highway Administration and Montgomery County to help redesign Towne Road for safe bicycle/pedestrian access. Federal Realty also actively promotes SOV alternatives by hosting “Commuter Information Days” and strives to make transportation information accessible.

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goDMV Commuter Competition page