GWRideConnect News

At its August 24 meeting, the George Washington Regional Commission (GWRC) recognized Maria Costa for her distinguished service in vanpooling, honoring a remarkable commitment that spanned more than four decades and helped generations of commuters make the daily trip from Stafford County to Washington, D.C.

Maria was presented with a plaque recognizing her service through GWRideConnect, GWRC’s Transportation Demand Management program. But perhaps the most meaningful recognition came immediately afterward, when members of the Commission and those gathered for the meeting rose to their feet and gave Maria an enthusiastic standing ovation.

It was an extraordinary response to an extraordinary accomplishment.

For more than 40 years, Maria operated the same continuous vanpool route from the Courthouse Road area of Stafford County to the FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. Over those decades, the vanpool became much more than a ride to work. It was a dependable part of daily life for the people who relied on it—through changing jobs, changing traffic patterns, economic ups and downs, and even the COVID-19 pandemic.

With an average of 12 to 13 riders, not including the driver, the impact of that single vanpool extended far beyond its passengers. Over its lifetime, the vanpool is estimated to have eliminated more than 3.5 million vehicle miles from area roadways and prevented more than 1,500 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Fewer individual vehicles also meant less congestion, reduced roadway wear, fewer tire particulates, and lower commuting costs for the people who shared the ride.

Her route became the longest-running continuous vanpool route in the GWRideConnect database and an enduring example of what shared transportation can accomplish when someone is willing to make a long-term commitment to it.

During the presentation, GWRideConnect Program Administrator Leigh Anderson reflected on the significance of Maria’s service and the impact that one vanpool can have over time. Maria’s daughter joined her for the evening, making it possible for the Commission to recognize Maria and her contribution in person.

Then came the standing ovation.

For an organization accustomed to discussing transportation projects, budgets, planning and regional priorities, the moment was a powerful reminder that transportation is ultimately about people. Behind every vanpool route, carpool match, and commuter program are individuals making choices that collectively benefit their neighbors and their communities.

Again and again, mile after mile, Maria Costa helped people get to work while quietly reducing the number of vehicles traveling the region’s roads. What began as a commute became a service that hundreds of people would rely upon over the years—and a legacy worthy of recognition by the entire region.

On August 24, the plaque commemorated Maria’s distinguished service in vanpooling.

The standing ovation said the rest.

This fall, commuters along the I-66 Corridor in Northern Virginia will have a new way to save time and money on their commute, and the chance to earn rewards for giving it a try.

The I-66 Slugging Challenge introduces the expansion of slugging – the DC area’s decades-old, real-time casual carpooling model – to the I-66 corridor. Drivers can meet HOV-3+ requirements and travel toll-free on I-66 Express Lanes, while passengers receive free rides to and from major employment centers.

The Challenge runs Sept. 14 through Nov. 20, giving participants the opportunity to log eligible slugging trips, earn rewards, and qualify for up to $1,000 in prizes.

Visit www.slugi66.com and register today to learn more and enter the Challenge.

Save time. Save money. Win prizes. Slug I-66 this fall! 🚘💰