Guaranteed Ride Home — Don’t Let Emergencies Limit Your Commuting Options

One thing that discourages commuters from joining carpools, vanpools or even using public transportation to and from work is the possibility of missing the ride home because of unscheduled overtime. Staying late might end up costing money if they have to take a taxi or another paid service.

But missing the ride home isn’t a worry for members of Commuter Connections. The regional network of transportation organizations coordinated by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments offers a guaranteed ride home for those held up by emergencies, such as unscheduled overtime or illness, up to four times a year.

There is no charge for the ride.

The free service is offered as a “peace of mind insurance policy” for carpoolers and those who use public transportation. Commuters who share their transportation save money, reduce stress, contribute to a healthy environment and remove at least one more vehicle from the region’s overworked transportation system (Some restrictions apply; see the website for details).

Commuter Connections offers other free services and programs that help employees and employers throughout the region find the most cost-effective, convenient and safe commutes. Information on ridematching, public transit, HOV lane restrictions, park-and-ride lots, bicycling, and teleworking are among the services Commuter Connections has been promoting since its founding in 1974.

New members can sign up for the program here. Email [email protected], or call 1-800-745-RIDE.