In-depth regional survey shows commuting returning to pre-pandemic patterns

Commuting in metropolitan Washington is shifting back toward pre-pandemic norms, though hybrid schedules remain a fixture for many workers, according to newly released data painting the clearest picture yet of changes in traveling to work before, during, and after the COVID pandemic. The Commuter Connections 2025 State of the Commute Survey Report shows that while telework rates have decreased from their pandemic peak, satisfaction with public transportation has risen significantly, contrasting with a decline in satisfaction among those driving alone.

The triennial survey of more than 7,500 employed adult residents examines commuting, defined as travel to and from work, for the region. Results from this survey inform planning efforts to reduce vehicle trips and emissions, and support transportation goals set by the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG).

"According to our survey, driving alone is still the most common way to get around the DMV, but we have observed that solo drivers reported feeling less satisfied with their commute, while transit riders felt much more positive," said Daniel Sheehan, Commuter Connections Director at COG. "With traffic increasing and fewer opportunities to work from home, now is the perfect time to explore better options. Commuter Connections makes it easy to find affordable, low-stress alternatives to driving alone, and also offers rewards to make the switch even more worthwhile."

Hybrid Work Surpasses Full-Time Telework: The 2025 data reveals a distinct shift from full-time remote work to hybrid models. Nearly half of the region's workers (48 percent) teleworked regularly in 2025, a decrease from 65 percent in 2022. The intensity of telework has also dropped; only 35 percent of commuters teleworked three or more days per week in 2025, compared to 75 percent in 2022. However, this frequency remains significantly higher than the pre-pandemic level of 14 percent recorded in 2019. Notably, federal workers, who reported the highest rates of telework in 2019 and 2022, reported the lowest rates in 2025, which corresponds with return to work mandates.

Satisfaction Shifts: Transit Up, Driving Down: As more commuters returned to the roads, travel times increased across the region compared to 2022, though they remain below 2019 averages. This return to more traffic congestion appears to have impacted commuter morale. Commuters who drive to work alone reported a 7 percent decrease in commute satisfaction compared to 2022, with only 44 percent reporting they were satisfied or very satisfied.

Conversely, satisfaction with transit modes surged. Between 2022 and 2025, Metrorail commuter satisfaction increased by 16 percent. Commuter rail and bus services also saw satisfaction gains of 9 percent and 6 percent, respectively. Approximately 50 percent of all commuters said they were satisfied or very satisfied with their commute in 2025, down slightly from 2022 when 52 percent said they were satisfied or very satisfied. Also, in 2025, commuter travel on transit rebounded, from 8 percent to 22 percent of trips.

Carpool Satisfaction: In 2025, 51 percent of carpoolers and vanpoolers were satisfied with their commute, ranking 7 percentage points higher than those driving alone.

Parking Incentives: Employer-provided parking remains a major factor in mode choice, 77 percent of commuters who drove alone had free parking, compared to just 24 percent of transit riders.

Relocation Factors: Commute length, ease of travel, and proximity to Metrorail stations or bus stops were the top factors cited by commuters who changed home or work locations.

Commuter Solutions: Commuter Connections, coordinated by the TPB at COG, is a regional network dedicated to making commuting easier and more affordable. The program provides free assistance and resources to help commuters find travel options that best fit their needs, whether carpooling, vanpooling, transit, or other alternatives to driving alone. Commuter Connections also provides free services such as ridematching for carpools and vanpools, the CommuterCash rewards app, and the Guaranteed Ride Home program, which ensures a free and reliable way home in case of illness, emergency, or unscheduled overtime. Learn more at commuterconnections.org.

MORE: State of the Commute survey report and presentation