Press Releases - Department of Transportation

For Immediate Release: Friday, June 28, 2019

MCDOT celebrates the accomplishments of Silver Spring-based Toole Design Group, which was honored for its outstanding commuter incentives program by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Commuter Connections program at its 22nd annual Employer Recognition Awards at the National Press Club last week.

A selection committee chose Toole for its ability to offer measurable commuter benefits that reduce gasoline consumption and emissions through fewer vehicle trips and miles traveled and for implementing policies that have improved the commutes of their employees.

MCDOT Commuter Services supports Toole Design through periodic “commuter information days.” Through this outreach, MCDOT engages Toole employees on transportation options and telework, and shares information about incentive programs, special activities and news items. These efforts have contributed to the establishment of a commuting culture that promotes the use of transit, biking and other alternatives to driving to work.

“On behalf of MCDOT, I congratulate Toole Design Group on this milestone achievement,” said MCDOT Commuter Services Chief Sandra Brecher. “Their holistic approach to incentivizing smart commuting practices benefits not only their employees, but all of us who benefit from reduced congestion on our roads and a healthier, more sustainable environment.”

Toole Design Group has long supported alternative commuting by providing employees with a robust set of commuter incentives. The number of employees who regularly bike to work has tripled since 2016. Toole Design also offers free bike tune-ups, hiring a mobile mechanic to visit the office and serve employees on-site. To encourage employees to use transit, Toole provides a $125 debit card for use on transportation. Employees are also offered $25 towards annual Capital Bikeshare memberships. In December 2018, they added a healthcare benefit rewarding staff up to $1,095 per year towards their Health Savings Accounts for walking. All full-time employees are issued laptops to maximize flexibility for work and telework. The company offers flexible hours and compressed work weeks, allowing employees to take advantage of off-peak commute times and shortened work weeks, contributing to a better work-life balance and improved employee morale. These programs have enabled Toole to significantly grow their workforce in downtown Silver Spring with little or no impact on traffic or parking in the area.

MCDOT Commuter Services promotes “Better Ways to Work” with a variety of incentives, tools and programs to ease road congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing reliable transportation alternatives to commuters in and around Montgomery County. Commuter Services works with employers in the County to implement and promote alternative commuter programs and services that are mutually beneficial to employers and their employees.