Commuter and TDM Solutions
The Convention Store (TCS) currently operates numerous programs designed to assist with transportation demand management (TDM). These operations are based in separate counties in Virginia and operate independently, but together include seven retail outlets, one mobile commuter store, one distribution and fulfillment center and one call center. All of these operations are run for local government agencies and are obtained through a competitive request for proposal (RFP) process.

The Arlington County, VA Commuter Store Family - Commuter Stores, Commuter Information Center, Mobile Commuter Store, Distribution Center.

The Convention Store has been the operator of the Commuter Store at Crystal City since January 1995. In July 1997, The Convention Store assumed operation of the Commuter Stores at Ballston and Rosslyn. Additionally, The Convention Store has been the sole operator of the Commuter Information Center (home to CommuterDirect.com and 228-RIDE), the Columbia Pike Commuter Store and the Mobile Commuter Stores and played an integral role in each of these operations' start-up.

The Convention Store is responsible for management and operation of the Commuter Stores. This includes management, staffing and support for the sale of all local transit and rail provider fare media including Virginia Railway Express, MARC Train, Metrobus and Metrorail, Fairfax Connector, Ride-On, Amtrak. Additional responsibilities include fare media and revenue controlling, accounting for transit ticket sales, inventory control and satisfying all reporting requirements for Arlington County. The newest Commuter Store is the Mobile Commuter Store; a Commuter Store with a twist of mobility. The store travels around the region and sets up operations in parking lots or similar areas at employer sites, shopping malls and even special events.

The Commuter Stores are part of Arlington County's Commuter Assistance Program (CAP). The overall objective of the CAP is to reduce the number of Single Occupant Vehicles (SOV), by involving and informing the commuting public in ride-sharing programs and alternate means of commuting (other than the SOV) and by maximizing the use of existing public and private transit systems. The anticipated rewards for this program include the reduction of vehicular emissions and traffic, the preservation of our natural resources and the creation of a cleaner environment. Other benefits of this program include enhancing Arlington County's position as a business center by reducing the need for parking spaces thus curtailing traffic congestion and assisting Arlington-based businesses in addressing employee commuting issues. To that end, and as a resource to the commuting public, The Commuter Stores provide an attractive and convenient facility in which the public can purchase mass transit bus, rail and Metrorail tickets, as well as receive commuter information for all local transit alternatives. The family of Commuter Stores firmly believes in the fact that "Easy Commutes Begin Here" and we strive to make every customer's experience a positive one.

The Fairfax County, VA's Connector Stores
Since their inception in 1999, The Convention Store has managed and operated the four Connector Stores in Fairfax County: Tysons*Westpark Transit Station, Springfield Mall, Reston East Park-N-Ride and Herndon-Monroe Park and Ride. In this capacity, TCS provides personnel and support for the sale of local transit fare media and disseminates information regarding the local transit operations and schedules. Additional responsibilities include fare media and revenue controlling, accounting for transit ticket sales, inventory control and satisfying all reporting requirements for Fairfax County.

In order to run the operation efficiently, The Convention Store has developed operations procedures and an Employee Handbook so that each operation runs in a standardized fashion. Additionally our employees have assisted the county in coordinating both personnel and training for transit related special events, such as providing concierge service at hubs when major bus routes are changed.