Slugging is one-of-a kind commuting system primarily found in the Northern Virginia, just outside the Washington, DC area. Often referred to as “instant commuting” or “casual carpooling”. It is unique because drivers pick up complete strangers heading in the same direction — all without prior arrangements!

Despite the spontaneity, slugging operates as well-organized system with clear rules, proper etiquette, and designated pickup and drop-off locations. This commuter network leverages thousands of vehicles daily, moving countless people quickly and efficiently.

The best part? Slugging is completely FREE! It allows drivers and passengers to use High-Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes without paying tolls. Not only is it cost-effective, but it is often faster than buses, metro, or trains. If you are looking for an efficient, eco-friendly way to commute to the Nation’s Capital, slugging might be the perfect option.

How Does It Work?

A driver needing additional passengers to meet the three-person high occupancy vehicle (HOV) minimum to use high occupancy toll for free, pulls up to a designated slug line. The driver either displays a sign or calls out the destination, such as “Pentagon”, “L’Enfant”, or “14th and New York”. The first passengers in queue for that destination get in, confirming the drop-off point.

There is no money exchange; it is a mutally beneficial arrangement. Drivers needs passengers, and passengers need rides for a quick route to the Nation’s Capital.

Drop-off points are generally well-understood: “Rosslyn” refers to the Metro Station in Rosslyn, and “Pentagon” means the curb near metro station entrance. However, some destinations may require clarification.

How Did It Start?

It’s remarkable that slugging has been around for nearly fifty years in the Northern Virginia and Washington, DC area! On September 22, 1969, the reversible roadway between Edsall Road and SR 7 was converted to the first separated bus rapid transit route during the peak morning and afternoon commute hours. This was extended north to Shirlington, the following day, and eventually, it reached the bridge on April 5, 1971. The Shirley Highway Express Bus-on-Freeway Project was implemented from June 1971 to the end of 1974, ultimately opening the highway to carpools and vanpools in 1975 with a minimum of 4 people required in a vehicle. This was later changed to 3 people per car to avoid stiff fines.

While there is no exact start date for slugging, one slugger confirms that it was happening by 1979, with an informal slug line forming in front of the FBI building at that time.

The VERY First Slug Line

According to a 1989 study by the Urban Institute, the first formal slug line existed in Springfield, VA, at a location affectionately known as “Bob’s”, situated next to Bob’s Big Boy restaurant at the intersection of Bland Street and Old Keene Mill Road.

The Urban Institute’s study highlighted that Bob’s had all the necessary ingredients for a slug line: parking, a bus stop (or other mass transit options), and easy access to the HOT lanes. With the Pentagon serving as a major commuter hub, the line at Bob’s catered exclusively to riders heading there.

Fast forward over 50 years, and Bob’s has seen many changes. The Big Boy restaurant has been replaced by several establishments, and the original slug line to the Pentagon has evolved into two separate lines: One bound for L’Enfant Plaza and the other for the Memorial Bridge area. The lines themselves have also relocated over the years — first moving across the street to the Sunoco gas station, and now situated at the Springfield Community Business Center Commuter Parking, located at 7039 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, VA.

How Was the Term “Slug” Coined?

How the Term “Slug” Was Coined (Pun Intended). The term “slug” doesn’t refer to the garden mollusk you might think of. Instead, it originated as a somewhat derogatory term given by bus drivers.

Transportation operators have long been cautioned to watch out for counterfeit coins or tokens—also known as slugs—used by riders trying to cheat the fare system. Back then, buses had collection trays, though those are now a thing of the past.

When the reversible lanes opened for carpools and vanpools under the HOV requirement, commuters began standing at bus stops, waiting for rides. Bus drivers, thinking these people were genuine bus riders, would stop to pick them up—only to be waved off when the commuters were actually waiting for carpool drivers. This understandably frustrated the drivers. As these occurrences became more frequent, drivers learned to spot real bus riders versus these “fake” ones and started calling them slugs—akin to counterfeit riders.

The term stuck, as it fittingly described the “counterfeit” nature of these passengers.

Over the years, alternative names like “instant carpooler,” “hitchhike commuter,” and “casual carpooler” have emerged. But despite their more polished tone, the name “slug” has stood the test of time, outliving the more politically correct options.