Commuter Modes Explained: Here’s How You Can Commute Smarter This Summer in Hampton Roads

Warm weather in Hampton Roads always brings more traffic congestion. Oceanfront visitors, families looking for things to do with the kiddos on summer break, and amped-up construction projects can put a huge strain on transportation infrastructure, making your daily commute a struggle. 

But goCommute has commuter solutions that can help reduce the stress this summer. 

Why Transportation is a Challenge in Hampton Roads 

This region faces unique commuting hurdles. With so many rivers and the threat of sea level rise, bridges and tunnels make up most of the connections between cities and counties in the region. All these networks require constant upkeep, so there’s typically construction projects happening somewhere in the region on any given day, further exacerbating delays and making daily commutes unpredictable. That’s what makes an innovative program like goCommute so important to the region! 

Smarter Commuter Options in Hampton Roads 

With over 15 cities and counties that make up the region, commuting in Hampton Roads can seem like a major challenge. Here are some commuter options to explore this summer: 

1. Carpooling: Sometimes known as ridesharing, carpooling involves sharing a ride with others traveling in the same direction. It reduces the number of vehicles on the road, leading to decreased traffic congestion. If you’re on the hunt for Hampton Roads rideshares, check out the ConnectingVA app! It’s free, and you can even use the points you earn when ridesharing with others for rewards at local restaurants. 

2. Vanpooling: Vanpooling is ideal for groups commuting longer distances. Participants share a van, splitting costs and reducing individual expenses. goCommute offers affordable options for new vanpool groups, and even groups who lose a passenger or two throughout the year can also explore Hampton Roads vanpool options. 

3. Biking and Walking: For shorter distances, biking or walking can be both healthy and economical. An active commute eliminates fuel costs and reduces environmental impact, if that’s your thing. Recently, more cities in Hampton Roads have invested in expanded bike lanes and repair stations, making the region more bike-friendly. Have a commute longer than 2 miles? Make it multi-modal! All transit modes in the region are bike-friendly, so you can use your bike for the first and last leg of your trip while the bus, train or ferry does the rest. 

4. Public Transit: Speaking of public transit, did you know there are three transit agencies in Hampton Roads? That’s right – Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) and Suffolk Transit serve the majority of the region with bus service. HRT also has light rail and ferry service. Plus, while it’s not a major mode, if you’re travelling between James City County and Surry, you could utilize the free ferry provided by the Virginia Department of Transportation! When you ride transit, you take more cars off the road (causing less congestion) and save hundreds on personal expenses.  

5. Teleworking: If you work in a role that offers some flexibility, consider working from home! Teleworking is the ultimate commuter solution since it completely removes cars from the road during typical commuting hours. While your electricity bill might go up a bit, since you’ll be home using the internet a bit more, the cost is minimal compared to how much you might be spending when driving yourself to and from work every day during the week. 

Benefits of a Smarter Commute 

Commuting smarter brings lots of benefits. Here’s how a smarter commute could benefit you:  

• Cost Savings: Reducing fuel consumption and vehicle wear leads to significant financial savings. Think of all the sweet treats you could buy instead of spending money on gas! 

• Time Management: Avoiding traffic jams and utilizing faster commuting options can save valuable time. You might even be able to get some work done during your commute to save time while in the office! 

• Environmental Impact: Fewer vehicles on the road means reduced greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to cleaner air.

• Health Benefits: Active commuting methods like biking and walking promote physical health. And when you feel better, you can perform better at work. 

• Stress Reduction: Less time in traffic and more predictable commuting options can lead to lower stress levels. Let’s face it – we’re always looking for ways to reduce stress in our lives. 

Taking the Next Step 

Embracing a smarter commute can transform your daily routine, offering a variety of personal and community benefits. By making informed choices, you contribute to a more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable commuting experience in Hampton Roads this summer, and beyond!