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Virginia transportation leaders celebrated the commonwealth’s national leadership in commuter-friendly workplaces while opening the application cycle for the 2027 Best Workplaces for Commuters list.
The livestreamed ceremony at the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority’s office in Vienna brought together representatives from the Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, NVTA, and transportation departments in Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties and the City of Alexandria.
Earlier this year, Virginia was recognized as the nation’s leading state for honoring Best Workplaces for Commuters. The designation highlights employers, nonprofits, associations, residential properties, colleges, universities and other worksites offering programs intended to improve employee well-being, ease traffic congestion and reduce air pollution.
Marcus Moore, who leads the Fairfax County Department of Transportation’s Commuter Services team, served as emcee. He credited cooperation between transportation agencies and participating worksites for Virginia’s position and urged local jurisdictions to keep raising the standard.
The event highlighted Virginia’s commuter benefits and transportation-demand programs, collaboration among state and local agencies, and successful initiatives from organizations across the United States and Canada.
NVTA CEO Monica Backmon said expanded transportation choices and workplace commuter benefits are helping reduce congestion, improve quality of life and strengthen mobility across Virginia.
Chris Arabia, DRPT’s manager of statewide commuter programs, emphasized the state’s efforts to expand transportation options and support employers developing more accessible and sustainable commutes.
VDOT Northern Virginia District Engineer Bill Cuttler pointed to the region’s multimodal transportation network and said the recognition program encourages commuters to use transit, vanpools, bicycles and other alternatives.
Best Workplaces for Commuters Program Director Julie Bond described the initiative as a platform for both recognition and collaboration. The program is marking its 20th year as it prepares organizations for a new generation of commuter transportation efforts.
Applications open for 2027 recognition
Employers, universities, colleges, commercial properties and residential communities can now seek a place on the 2027 list. Successful applicants join a network of hundreds of recognized worksites and communities committed to safer, smarter and more sustainable transportation.
Fairfax County currently has nearly 200 designees. Participating employers can receive local and national recognition, technical assistance, training and connections to transportation and sustainability professionals around the country.
Fairfax County organizations seeking more information can contact the county’s Commuter Services team at 703-877-5900.
Best Workplaces for Commuters is managed by the Center for Urban Transportation Research at the University of South Florida. Originally established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the program has promoted commuter benefits and transportation alternatives for more than two decades.