Virginia Commuter Shapes Workplace Transit Culture
Virginia employee's transit advocacy earns her company Best Workplace for Commuters award
Virginia Commuter Turns Transit Use Into Workplace Benefit
A Virginia employee's personal commitment to public transit has transformed workplace culture at her company. Shawnequa Albert, who commutes between Woodbridge, Virginia, and the Tysons area using Virginia Railway Express, Metro, and other alternatives, helped her employer earn recognition from Fairfax County as a 'Best Workplace for Commuters.' Her advocacy for smart commuting options began while working in human resources at government agencies, where she encouraged colleagues to explore transit alternatives as a workforce support strategy.
Building a Multi-Modal Commute Strategy
Albert's journey into transit advocacy started with her own commuting challenges between Woodbridge and Bethesda, Maryland. She researched alternatives to driving and built a routine combining Virginia Railway Express, local buses, Metro, and slugging—an informal carpooling system popular in the Washington region. Transit experts say multi-modal commuting requires planning but offers flexibility that single-mode travel can't match. Albert found that slugging provided peace of mind since she wasn't behind the wheel worrying about traffic, valuing the time, peace, and efficiency the approach offered.
Emergency Support and Community Connections
The Guaranteed Ride Home program from Commuter Connections proved invaluable for Albert, providing emergency transportation when she had sick children or unexpected situations. The program, which serves commuters throughout the Washington metropolitan area, offers a safety net that addresses one of the primary concerns people have about giving up their personal vehicles for daily commutes. Albert also discovered an unexpected sense of community through her commute, making lasting friendships with fellow transit users and even participating in a lost and found system among regular commuters.
Company Earns Regional Recognition
KNZ Solutions, where Albert now works near the Greensboro Metro station in Tysons, recently received recognition from Fairfax County as a 'Best Workplace for Commuters.' The company offers hybrid work options, commuter transit benefits, and participation in the Guaranteed Ride Home program. Officials didn't specify when the recognition was awarded or how many other companies in Fairfax County have received similar designations. Albert's role in promoting these benefits helped position the company as a leader in supporting alternative commuting.
Family Adopts Transit-First Approach
Albert's commitment to alternative commuting has influenced her entire family, with her three adult sons now regularly relying on public transit and other alternatives to get around the region. Her story demonstrates how workplace support for smart commuting programs can ease the burden of getting to work while saving money and helping the environment. Riders throughout the Washington area can use Moovit to plan multi-modal trips combining VRE, Metro, and local bus services with real-time updates and schedule information.
