I-66 Slugging Challenge Incentivizes Casual Carpooling in Virginia

The I-66 Slugging Network launched this regional effort to tackle congestion by streamlining the informal practice of ride-sharing. Participants meeting at the University Boulevard or Monument Drive Park and Ride facilities can log their trips via the CommuterCash app to compete for prizes totaling $1,000. The program runs through November 20, 2026, targeting peak morning hours from 6:00 to 8:30 am and afternoon returns between 3:00 and 5:00 pm.

David LeBlanc, a longtime advocate for the practice, views the expansion as a vital response to the demand for flexible, cost-effective travel. Beyond the challenge incentives, the initiative serves as a permanent push to integrate slugging into the daily transit mix. Riders and drivers can utilize designated drop-off points at L'Enfant Plaza, Navy Yard, Metro Center, and Rosslyn. While registration is required for prize eligibility, the network encourages all commuters to adopt the carpooling model to bypass traffic and eliminate the costs associated with solo driving.