As a federal employee who regularly commutes from Ashburn to DC, I want to break down why the current push for increased in-person work at federal offices deserves closer scrutiny. Let’s examine this issue through the lens of data, costs, and modern workplace realities. Understanding the True Costs of Commuting Let me share my personal experience: My commute from Ashburn to DC, just three days a week, costs approximately $1,000 monthly. This includes gas, vehicle maintenance, parking, and toll roads. That translates to $12,000 annually – essentially a significant pay cut – simply to sit in traffic for four hours each day to cover a