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In the D.C. region, where long commutes and heavy traffic are part of daily life, more workers are turning to carpooling as a way to save money, reduce stress and make travel time more productive.
鈥淐arpooling is the easiest and most common way to share a ride,” said Marcus Moore, transportation demand management liaison at the Fairfax County Department of Transportation.
For employees at ActioNet, a Vienna-based technology company that works with federal agencies to build, manage and modernize IT systems, carpooling has become a routine part of getting to and from the office.
ActioNet has been consistently recognized by Fairfax County as one of the region鈥檚 (BWC) awardees.
Through the program, the county helps employers qualify for the BWC designation by supporting commuter benefits such as transit subsidies, telework options, vanpools and biking incentives.
“It can be as simple as riding together once a week or sharing a ride every day,” said Moore. “Each carpool makes their own rules about how and when they ride together, and each shared ride helps to reduce traffic congestion in Fairfax County.”
Making long drives feel shorter
The benefits of carpooling stretch beyond easing traffic congestion on the local roads and major highways in the region.
Crystal Thomas, a payroll manager at ActioNet, carpools with her colleague Maricar Rothgeb, a contracts manager.
Both live in the Chantilly area and coordinate their schedules to share the drive.
“We talk about our activities, and we get to trade stories,” said Thomas. “It’s nice to have that time to get to know each other before our hectic day starts.”
Their commute can vary depending on conditions, but carpooling consistently improves their day-to-day routine.
“We live in the same general neighborhood,” said Rothgeb. “I get Crystal, pick her up and we’re about 12 Northern Virginia miles from work, which can take anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic or weather.”
The ride itself has become a valued part of their day.
“It’s good stress relief,” said Rothgeb. “We make each other laugh, so that’s a big benefit for both of us.”
Others at ActioNet describe similar experiences, especially when carpooling involves long distances.
Aaron Grafton, a senior manager of IT operations, meets up with colleague Alex Kukovich, a senior systems administrator, to share a commute that begins all the way in Western Maryland.
“We joke that whoever is not driving has the opportunity to time travel,” said Grafton. “If they get a nice long nap in on that commute, they wake up and they’re suddenly back, like waking up in the future.”
The ability to use HOV lanes is another major advantage, often making a noticeable difference in travel time.
The pair take turns with driving responsibilities, allowing each to rest or prepare for the day.
“It makes it a lot easier to get into the work mindset earlier,” said Kukovich. “When I get to the office, I don’t need to get in the headspace to begin my day because that already kind of happened while we were driving.”
Building bonds while sharing rides
Carpooling has become a way to ease the financial burden of commuting while simultaneously strengthening workplace relationships.
Althea Burgee, a recruiter at ActioNet, rides in with Lindsey Bush, an administrative assistant and receptionist.
Burgee lives in Pennsylvania and coordinates her commute so she can pick Bush up along the way.
“It’s really great being able to have a ride on the days when she’s coming into the office,” said Bush. “It’s been really convenient, and I’m really grateful that she makes time to pick me up.”
In another example, cybersecurity architect Sandra Montiel carpools with her sister, Laura Montiel, a recruiting manager.
Both live in Northern Virginia, and their shared commute has become a reliable daily routine.
“We have conversations and just catch up on stuff,” said Sandra. “It’s really good to have that time outside of work.鈥�
Convenience is a major factor, along with reduced stress and fuel savings.
“I would normally take Uber or public transportation if she wasn’t here, so it definitely works out,” said Laura. “If you’re trying to save on gas and you go the same way and you want to have fun during your ride, it all makes sense.”
