Commuter Choice supports mobility goals for both expressway corridors by funding multimodal transportation improvements that move more people, expand transportation options and make the transportation network work better for commuters.

NVTC receives a portion of the revenues from I-66 Inside the Beltway peak-hour, peak-direction tolling and the I-395/95 Express Lanes to invest in multimodal transportation projects that benefit users of the respective toll road. Projects are selected through a competitive process. Commuter Choice supports local jurisdictions and transit agencies by offering both capital and operating funds for a range of improvements, including transit service enhancements.

Jurisdictions and transit agencies shown in the figure below are eligible to apply for Commuter Choice funding.

Commuter Choice has increased I-66 Inside the Beltway and I-395/95 corridor commuters’ travel options by funding expanded local and express bus service and infrastructure improvements to make accessing and using transit easier and more attractive, among other enhancements. During the COVID-19 public health emergency, NVTC provided Commuter Choice grant recipients with flexibility to adjust transit service levels and project implementation approaches to meet reduced travel demand while continuing to support essential travel needs. To maximize the benefits that Commuter Choice provides to toll payers, NVTC encourages Northern Virginia jurisdictions and transit operators to pursue funding for capital projects that will help to improve travel in the two corridors for years to come. For more information on the strategies that Commuter Choice has supported and the impacts of these investments, please see the Commuter Choice Funded Projects page.

Local and Commonwealth investment in public transit and other multimodal projects is essential to ensure the availability of reliable transportation to cover basic needs and to provide access to educational and career opportunities in the Washington metropolitan region. Even people who do not use Commuter Choice-funded services benefit from the growth of a safe, sustainable and more connected transportation network.