As federal agency and military installation employees increase their in-office work, the county is expanding its programs to provide comprehensive commuting solutions for workers in the region. Our Department of Transportation’s (DOT) new Federal Return to Office webpage lists commuter benefits and transit options that are available throughout the county and region.
With possible increased traffic congestion, DOT’s Fairfax County Commuter Services is committed to offering accessible and efficient transit options that ease the daily commute and reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles.
Comprehensive Commuter Programs for Federal Employees
DOT is collaborating with the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) to help federal agency and military installation workers be informed about transit benefits and ridesharing commuting options. These programs include access to the Virginia Railway Express (VRE), Metrorail, Fairfax Connector, carpools and vanpools, which provide convenient and cost-effective alternatives to driving alone.
Federal commuters can:
- Save hundreds of dollars on Park-and-Ride annually by parking at the free Monument Garage and riding Fairfax Connector to Vienna. The 699 Express Bus helps save time and stress by serving Monument Garage direct to the U.S. State Department.
- Take a virtual tour of the Springfield Garage, where commuters can park for free and “slug” to avoid tolls on the HOV.
- Attend their agency’s transportation fair, if available. The county is working with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency to shift its annual transportation fair to March, allowing federal employees as much time as possible to explore commuting solutions and make informed decisions as they return to the office. In addition to in-person transportation events, DOT is supporting federal employer sites with updated transportation information.
Encouraging Employer Participation in Commuter Initiatives
With local federal employees returning to the office, commuting may now be a challenge for everyone. Regional employers are urged to implement transit benefit programs and encourage alternative commuting methods (transit, ridesharing, biking, teleworking, alternate work schedules and more) among their workforces. These initiatives not only alleviate congestion but also contribute to a more sustainable and efficient transportation network throughout Fairfax County.
