Vienna-Based Transit Organization Among 2026 Commuter Connections Award Winners

VIENNA, VA – A Vienna-based transit-planning body 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.

The Vienna-based Northern Virginia Transportation Authority plans, prioritizes and funds multimodal projects that reduce congestion and enhance connectivity, its website says.

According to Commuter Connections, all of the NVTA's 21 employees are trained and equipped to telework 2 days a week, and the organization encourages the use of mass transit with a $50 SmarTrip card for new employees and 60 percent subsidization of monthly travel expenses through SmartBenefits, a program accepted by multiple regional public transit entities. The office also offers lockers, shower facilities, covered bicycle racks and free annual Capital Bikeshare memberships.

Nearly a quarter of NVTA 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, Commuter Connections said.

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 OmniRide, based in Woodbridge, and the Rand Corporation, based in Arlington.

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