The Commuter Connections program at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) celebrated three local employers and two organizations today for their outstanding sustainable commute and telework programs during its 29th annual Employer Awards ceremony at the National Press Club.
These awards recognize outstanding commuter benefits and amenities offered by employers that promote and facilitate various commuting methods, other than driving alone.
“The employers we are honoring today have implemented innovative and successful commuter and telework programs. We hope that through their example, other organizations will embrace similar initiatives, creating more opportunities to help maximize the efficiencies of telework and shared commutes.” said Neil H. Harris, TPB Chair and Gaithersburg City Council Member.
Commuter Connections received nominations from employers throughout the region, all of which focus on improving their work culture and community through support of sustainable commute methods and/or telework. An independent selection committee evaluated employer nominations and chose winners based on their efforts and accomplishments to reduce employee-driven gasoline consumption and greenhouse gas emissions through a measurable reduction of vehicle trips and miles traveled.
“We’re pleased to honor the winners of our 2026 Employer Awards for their leadership in advancing sustainable commuting options,” said Daniel Sheehan, Commuter Connections Director. “These organizations demonstrate how commuting options and telework can benefit both the workforce and the environment, and we hope their efforts inspire others in the region.”
The 29th annual awardees are listed below, along with a summary of their efforts to advocate for and incentivize use of sustainable commuting solutions, rather than driving alone by car.
Employer Award
Northern Virginia Transportation Authority
Vienna, VA
The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) is an independent regional body of 21 employees that plans and funds multimodal projects to enhance connectivity and reduce traffic congestion. All employees telework two days a week and receive the necessary equipment and training to work effectively. NVTA subsidizes 60 percent of monthly transit expenses through SmartBenefits and provides new employees a $50 SmarTrip card to encourage ridership. For active commuters, the office offers lockers, shower facilities, covered bicycle racks, and free annual Capital Bikeshare memberships. Supported by an accessible location near Metrorail, bus service, and regional trails, nearly a quarter of staff ride transit, a third carpool, and a fifth bike to work. In 2025, NVTA helped reduce 126,000 single occupant vehicle (SOV) employee miles traveled and saved 5,727 gallons of gas.
Employer Award
Suburban Hospital
Bethesda, MD
Suburban Hospital is a not-for-profit community hospital and designated trauma center with approximately 2,200 employees serving Montgomery County and the surrounding area. To encourage sustainable travel, the hospital offers monthly subsidies for employees who use public transit, carpool, vanpool, bike, or walk to work. Transit riders benefit from a free employee shuttle to the Bethesda Metro station, real-time arrival displays, and a custom "Travel Smart Guide" for trip planning. For active commuters, the facility provides secure bicycle storage, showers, and lockers. The hospital also actively promotes alternative commuting through quarterly information events, Bike to Work Day, and the goDMV Commuter Competition. In 2025, Suburban Hospital helped reduce 519,000 single occupant vehicle (SOV) employee miles traveled and saved 23,600 gallons of gas.
Employer Award
RAND
Arlington, VA
The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization committed to delivering evidence-based solutions to public policy challenges, with 428 employees based in its Arlington office. The organization offers complete autonomy for hybrid teleworkers, with the vast majority working from home two to three days per week. For office commutes, RAND provides a $130 monthly transit and vanpool subsidy, supported by a convenient location directly above a Metrorail station. Active commuters who walk or bike regularly can earn financial incentives up to $260 annually and have access to on-site showers, a secure bike cage, and a supportive employee Cycling Group. In 2025, RAND helped reduce 1,185,000 single occupant vehicle (SOV) employee miles traveled and saved 53,900 gallons of gas.
Employer Services Outreach Team Award
OmniRide
Woodbridge, VA
OmniRide, the Prince William County-based mobility brand of the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission, received the Employer Services Outreach Team Award for successfully partnering with local employers to expand commuter benefits. As one of ten Commuter Connections outreach teams serving metropolitan Washington, OmniRide cultivates and supports employer-based transportation programs. In 2025, the team hosted 62 onsite events and led annual Employer and Hispanic Council meetings to actively engage local businesses. OmniRide also successfully expanded its Best Workplaces for Commuters program from two to nine designees. To further enhance regional mobility and workforce development, the organization piloted a travel training program with a local nonprofit tailored for recent adult immigrants.
Employer Services Organization Award
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
Washington, DC
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) is an independent public body of over 1,700 employees that operates the region's two primary commercial airports. To promote a culture of sustainable commuting, MWAA partners with more than 1,100 tenant companies representing nearly 55,000 workers at Washington Dulles International and Ronald Reagan Washington National airports. Leveraging direct Metrorail access at both locations, the Authority actively advocates for transit use through extensive employer outreach, including collaborations with local chambers of commerce and the Airport Airline Management Council. Employee engagement initiatives feature bilingual transit travel training sessions, the distribution of free $50 SmarTrip cards, and targeted promotions at airport benefits fairs. Recognized for its comprehensive transportation programs, MWAA and both airports are designated as Best Workplaces for Commuters.
MORE:
goDMV Commuter Competition page