Gas Over $5 a Gallon? Washington County Has Better Options

For many Washington County commuters, a trip to the gas station has become an unwelcome reminder of how much transportation costs can impact household budgets. While fuel prices fluctuate, recent data from the Oregon Department of Transportation shows that fuel prices climbed above $5 per gallon during spring 2026, highlighting the financial burden that comes with driving alone every day.

The good news is that Washington County residents have affordable transportation choices!

Whether it's taking transit, carpooling, vanpooling, biking, walking, or working remotely when possible, even reducing the number of drive-alone trips by a few days each week can result in meaningful savings over the course of a year. For someone commuting 20 miles each way, cutting just two round-trip drives per week can save hundreds of dollars annually in fuel costs alone.

At Westside Transportation Alliance (WTA), we help employers and employees explore transportation options that work for their unique needs. Through our partnership with Get There Oregon, commuters can find carpool matches, explore transit routes, track trips, and earn rewards for choosing alternatives to driving alone.

For employers, supporting commute options can help reduce parking demand, improve employee satisfaction, and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. WTA provides low and no-cost assistance to organizations throughout Washington County, including employee commute surveys, commute program development, transportation resources, and guidance on incentives that encourage the use of transportation options.

When gas prices rise, commuters often feel they have little control over their transportation expenses. The reality is that every commute choice matters. By exploring available options and making even small changes, commuters can spend les time worrying about fuel prices and more time enjoying the benefits of a flexible, affordable commute.

To learn more about commute options and employer transportation programs, visit WTA at wta-tma.org.