ARLINGTON, VA – An Arlington-based nonprofit research firm was among 3 Northern Virginia organizations recognized by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ Commuter Connections program for offering outstanding commuter benefits and amenities.
The Commuter Connections program held its 29th annual Employer Awards ceremony on Tuesday, recognizing employers that promote and facilitate commuting methods other than driving alone.
RAND, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization with 428 employees in its Arlington office, was recognized for commuter benefits that include flexible hybrid work, a $130 monthly transit and vanpool subsidy, and incentives of up to $260 a year for employees who regularly walk or bike to work. The organization’s Arlington office is located directly above a Metrorail station and offers on-site showers, a secure bike cage and an employee cycling group. In 2025, RAND reduced employee single-occupant vehicle travel by 1.185 million miles and saved 53,900 gallons of gas.
According to Commuter Connections, the winners were selected by an independent committee that assessed the efforts and effects of the various entities in reducing employee-driven fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions through a measurable reduction of vehicle trips and miles traveled.
Commuter Connections said it received nominations from employers throughout the Washington metro area.
“Commuter Connections is proud to recognize these employers for leading the way with commuter programs that make it easier and more affordable for their employees to choose sustainable travel options like transit, bicycling and carpooling,” said Daniel Sheehan, Commuter Connections director, in a press release. “At a time of volatile gas prices, this commitment not only helps their employees save money, but it also strengthens the region by reducing traffic congestion.”
Other Northern Virginia winners were the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, based in Vienna, and OmniRide, the Prince William County-based mobility brand of the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission.
See the full list of winners here.
Commuter Connections is a program of the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments that promotes alternatives to drive-alone commuting. The program provides ride-matching for carpools and vanpools and offers the free Guaranteed Ride Home program. Commuter Connections is funded by the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and the U.S. Department of Transportation
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