Planning for a Smarter Commute: The Ultimate Guide

Between gas prices, traffic jams and the eternal search for a good parking spot, it’s enough to make anyone want to teleport to work. If only we could Apparate, amirite? (That’d also mean admitting you’re one of those millennials who still gets the reference, #iykyk).  

What if we told you there’s a better way? One that, while not exactly magic, saves time, money and maybe even your sanity? 

Enter goCommute - the ultimate commuter solution for anyone living or working in Hampton Roads. Whether you’re a 9-to-5 warrior, a hybrid schedule juggler or new to the area and still figuring out which bridge-tunnel combo won’t ruin your day, this guide has everything you need to plan a smarter, smoother commute. 

Step 1: Know Your Options 

If your current strategy is just “leave early and hope for the best,” it might be time to explore what goCommute can offer. We’re here to hook you up with commuter resources tailored to your lifestyle, your route and yes - even your vibe. 

Here’s a taste of what’s available: 

• Carpooling: Match with folks who live and work nearby. Less stress, less gas money and someone to share traffic rants with.  

• Vanpooling: Carpooling if it went through a glow-up and now owns a 15-passenger van. There’s a chance you could get paid to try this out, too. 

• Transit: With routes from Hampton Roads Transit, Suffolk Transit and Williamsburg Area Transit Authority, transit is a solid option for the Hampton Roads commuter looking to save money, cut emissions and enjoy some guilt-free scrolling. 

• Bike + Walk: Perfect for short commutes or pairing with transit. Bonus – you’ll definitely hit your step goals and feel smug about it. 

• Telework: Still an option for many. Skip traffic, save time and maybe squeeze in a load of laundry between meetings.  

All of these are part of goCommute’s flexible commuter solutions designed to work with real life - not some perfect-world schedule. 

Step 2: Tap into Commuter Resources 

Planning is everything. Luckily, goCommute offers a whole bunch of tools to help you figure out the best route, calculate how much you’ll save and track rewards (yes, there are rewards - we’ll get there in a second). 

Whether you’re commuting to the shipyard, a hospital, school, or anywhere in between, we’ve got resources to make the whole process less chaotic. 

Step 3: Join the Ride Home Rewards Program 

You know how sometimes people hesitate to carpool or take transit because they’re worried about getting stuck without a ride in an emergency? Yeah, we fixed that. 

The ConnectingVA Ride Home Rewards program, offered in partnership with DRPT, is our answer to the “what if I need to leave work unexpectedly?” stress spiral. If you’re using a smart commute option (like carpool, vanpool or transit) and logging your trip, you’re eligible for a free ride home up to six times a year. Think taxi, Uber, Lyft - whatever gets you back safely to your starting point. 

You don’t need to stress about staying late at work, a sick kid at day care or unexpected overtime. We’ve got your back. 

Want more info? Head over to ConnectingVA’s website and learn how easy it is to enroll. 

Step 4: Reduce the Chaos (and Yes, the Traffic) 

Nobody likes sitting in traffic, and the Hampton Roads commuter knows this pain all too well. Every car off the road during rush hour makes a difference - not just for you, but for everyone else trying to get to where they’re going. 

We’re not here to guilt-trip you into “going green” or radically changing your lifestyle. But if you’re looking for a way to make your day-to-day a little easier while contributing to cleaner air and better roads? You’re in the right place. 

Smarter commuting isn’t about perfection - it’s about better. It’s about choices that make sense for your budget, your time and your community.  

Step 5: Track Your Progress and Earn Rewards 

Who doesn’t love a little incentive? With goCommute, every time you log a smart commute, you’re racking up points that can be redeemed for local discounts and prizes. Think of it like a coffee punch card - except instead of caffeine, you’re getting rewarded for helping reduce traffic and emissions in the region. 

We’re constantly updating our reward partners, so you might end up with a free lunch, a discount on your next oil change or something even better just by taking the smarter route to work. 

It’s free to sign up, easy to use, and a fun little perk for doing something good for yourself and your city. 

Step 6: Keep It Flexible 

Life happens. Maybe your carpool buddy is out sick, or you’ve got a random appointment in the middle of the day. The good news? goCommute isn’t about locking you into one mode of transportation forever. 

You can mix and match based on what makes the most sense. Ride transit most days, drive once or twice a week, or bike when the weather’s nice. The tools, rewards and support are all there - no matter how you choose to commute. 

The Bottom Line 

Your commute doesn’t have to be the worst part of your day. With the right tools, the right plan and a little help from goCommute, it can actually be... kind of enjoyable? 

Okay, maybe not fun, but at least less frustrating. And in this region? That’s a big win. 

So, whether you’re new to the area, sick of I-64, or just want to explore better options, start planning your smarter commute today. Your wallet - and maybe your blood pressure - will thank you.