I-66 Slugging Challenge and New Slugging Corridor to Launch Sept. 14

66-Day Initiative Invites Northern Virginia Commuters to Rethink the Ride 

FAIRFAX, Va., Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The I-66 Slugging Challenge launches Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, alongside a new I-66 slugging corridor connecting Northern Virginia commuters with destinations in Washington, D.C., and Rosslyn.

The 66-day challenge, developed by the I-66 Slugging Network, builds on decades of grassroots slugging (also known as casual carpooling) in Northern Virginia and is designed to help establish slugging along the I-66 corridor. Beginning Sept. 14, commuters traveling between Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., or Rosslyn can participate as drivers, riders or both.

Commuters who choose to slug on the new corridor can save time and money while helping reduce local congestion. Drivers with three or more occupants can meet the HOV-3+ requirement and access the I-66 Express Lanes toll-free, while passengers receive a free ride. Those who register for the 66-day challenge can also receive incentives and become eligible to win up to $1,000 in prizes by logging their slugging trips.

"Slugging has long been one of the region's most efficient commuting solutions," said longtime slugging advocate and I-66 Slugging Network Spokesperson David LeBlanc. "With congestion increasing and more employees returning to the office, this Challenge is an opportunity to show how community-powered commuting can save time, reduce costs, and lower emissions."

How to Participate in the Challenge

• Visit: www.slugi66.com to register for the Challenge 
• Participate as a slugging rider and/or driver from designated locations
• Once a car has three or more occupants, the driver switches their E-ZPass Flex to HOV ON mode and uses the I-66 Express Lanes
• Participants log their slugging trips via the CommuterCash app to become eligible for up to $1,000 in prizes
• Have questions? Commuters can speak directly with a member of the I-66 Slugging Network during Slug I-66 Office Hours to learn more about participating, routes, slugging, logistics, and the Challenge. Visit slugi66.com/officehours and click "Click Here to Join Office Hours" during any of the following times:
  • Tuesday, Sept. 8: noon-1 p.m. or 6-7 p.m.
  • Wednesday Sept. 9: noon-1 p.m. or 6-7 p.m.
  • Thursday Sept 10: noon-1 p.m. or 6-7 p.m.

About Slugging

Slugging is a unique form of carpooling where drivers and passengers connect in real-time to share rides along a common route—typically without scheduling or money exchange with fellow carpoolers.  A driver picks up riders (called "slugs") at a designated location to qualify for toll-free HOV-3+ Express Lanes, and riders get a free ride to key destinations.

Expansion of this decades-long local tradition allows DC-area commuters to:

• Save time: Use the I-66 Express Lanes and bypass general lane traffic congestion.
• Save money: Free rides for passengers, and no tolls for qualifying drivers.
• Reduce stress: No workplace parking battles, no solo slog; fast, comfortable, and reliable commutes during peak commuting times.
• Commute in an eco-friendly way: Fewer cars, less traffic, lower emissions, and cleaner air.
• Join the community-powered initiative: Built on trust, routine, and mutual benefit.

There's no money exchanged and no complicated logistics—just a shared commitment to making commuting faster, cheaper, and more sustainable.

About the I-66 Slugging Challenge

The I-66 Slugging Challenge is a 66-day commuter initiative designed to build awareness, boost participation, and reward Northern Virginia commuters who choose casual carpooling over driving solo along the I-66 corridor. Throughout the challenge, participants will be able to track their trips, receive incentives beyond those inherent in free I-66 Express Lanes usage, earn entries into drawings, and win prizes for slugging.

Morning slug line locations will be available at the University Blvd (Gainesville) and Monument Drive (Fairfax) Park and Ride facilities in Northern Virginia, with four drop-off locations in Rosslyn and Washington, D.C. (Rosslyn, L'Enfant Plaza, Navy Yard, and Metro Center.) Reverse slug lines are available in the afternoon for commuters returning from work.

Commuters interested in participating are encouraged to register now to receive route information, challenge updates, commuter tips, and prize information ahead of the Sept. 14 kickoff. Commuters may opt to utilize the I-66 slugging corridor without registering but will not be eligible for the I-66 Slugging Challenge prizes.

Learn more about the challenge and register to participate at: www.slugi66.com/.

About the I-66 Slugging Network

The I-66 Slugging Network is a time-limited coalition of residential groups and public agencies committed to fostering a slugging community along the I-66 corridor. Network members share a passion for efficient, sustainable, and grassroots transportation solutions in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.

I-66 Slugging Network members are committed to:

• Raising awareness of slugging as a time-saving, cost-effective, and safe commuting option along the I-66 Corridor.
• Supporting the I-66 Challenge with signage, digital tools, and community engagement initiatives.
• Providing information and resources for complementary travel options such as the Commuter Connections Guaranteed Ride Home Program or the Fairfax Connector bus service.

Media Contact:

Jennifer Horowitz, HMC
415-218-6339
[email protected]

SOURCE The I-66 Slugging Network