Montgomery County’s Commuter Services office won the MWCOG Employer Services Outreach Award for the second year, honoring its work in promoting commute alternatives with employers.

The award was presented at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) Commuter Connections 50th anniversary celebration on Oct. 2 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

“Montgomery County DOT’s Commuter Services program continues to be a leader in working with our business community to develop incentive programs that reduce reliance on single-vehicle commutes,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “The County is expanding our bus services with the new Ride On extRa Great Seneca Transit Network serving major employment and education hubs in Rockville. Our Flash Bus Rapid Transit network will offer express bus service along some of our County’s busiest corridors.”

Commuter Services has partnered closely with MWCOG’s Commuter Connections, a regional network of transportation professionals committed to helping employers establish, improve, and expand comprehensive commuter and telework benefits. These programs support employee recruitment and retention and contribute to improved air quality, reduced congestion, and climate action by encouraging public transit.

Additionally, Commuter Services collaborates with employers throughout the County to reduce single-occupancy commutes by promoting alternative options. While businesses implement the programs, Montgomery County DOT assists with program design, promotion, and employee participation, offering services at no cost and linking employers to County, State, and Federal resources.

Employees working in the County can receive commuter benefits of up to $315 per month, if their employer contributes $25 per month toward the FareShare program.  These benefits are tax-free for both employees and employers. Employers also can receive a tax credit for their contributions under the Maryland Commuter Choice program.

To read more about this achievement see the full press release

See last year’s coverage of Mongomery DOT receiving this award

By creating incentives for public transit, ride-sharing, and telework, counties can help reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and provide valuable benefits to employers and employees. These programs, which combines local, state, and federal resources to assist employers at no cost, can serve as a model for counties aiming to create sustainable and commuter-friendly communities.