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Drivers in Alexandria are paying an average of $4.09 per gallon for regular unleaded gas as of Monday — above both the Virginia average of $3.89 and the national average of $3.99 — as a regional transportation program steps up efforts to connect commuters with free alternatives to driving alone.
According to AAA, Virginia's average regular gas price has climbed from $2.82 per gallon one month ago to $3.89 today, a jump of more than $1 in 30 days. Prices remain below the state's all-time recorded high of $4.87, set June 14, 2022, but the rapid month-over-month surge is drawing renewed attention to commuter alternatives.
Commuter Connections, a program of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, is promoting several free tools designed to help residents reduce commuting costs, including ridematching, a cash-rewards app and an emergency ride-home safety net.
"With the cost of commuting rising, this is a great time for people to consider alternatives to their drive-alone commute," said COG Commuter Connections Director Daniel Sheehan. "Commuter Connections provides several free options that fit different lifestyles."
goDMV Commuter Competition
Beginning April 1 and running through May 15, commuters across the region can participate in the goDMV Commuter Competition, earning prizes by logging sustainable trips — including transit, biking, walking, carpooling, vanpooling, scooter use and telework — through the CommuterCash app.
Grand prizes include two Washington Nationals tickets, four Washington Wizards tickets and a climbing party for 10 at Sportrock Climbing Centers. Additional prizes include a wine tasting for two at Big Cork Vineyards, four tickets to a performance at 1st Stage, two tickets to Luray Caverns, two tickets to the Shakespeare Theater Company's production of Othello and a bike tune-up from RideDoc.
Qualifying participants can also win gift cards to Moe's Southwest Grill, Shake Shack, Founding Farmers, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens and Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.
Xeniya, the 2025 goDMV grand prize winner, said the competition "made my commute feel a little more rewarding" and that she valued being part of a program encouraging "smarter and more sustainable travel."
Ridematching and rewards
The Commuter Connections Ridematching Program allows commuters to find carpool and vanpool partners, access HOV-3 lanes during rush hour and travel Virginia Express Lanes at no cost. The agency reported a 200% increase in match list requests in 2025.
The CommuterCash app allows commuters to log trips and earn points redeemable for cash, Visa gift cards, Capital Bikeshare credits or Metro SmarTrip fare, with a maximum earning potential of $600 per calendar year. Vanpools of at least seven people may qualify for a $200 recurring monthly subsidy.
Guaranteed Ride Home
Commuters who carpool, vanpool, take public transit or bike to work at least two days per week are eligible for the Guaranteed Ride Home program, which provides a free ride in cases of illness, emergency or unscheduled overtime.
The agency's 2025 State of the Commute survey found transit satisfaction is increasing while satisfaction with solo driving has declined, though the report did not specify the survey's methodology or sample size.
Virginia gas price snapshot (as of March 30, 2026)
According to AAA, Virginia's current average prices per gallon are as follows: regular, $3.89; mid-grade, $4.35; premium, $4.73; diesel, $5.51. One month ago, those same grades averaged $2.82, $3.30, $3.68 and $3.68, respectively.
More information
Commuters can register for ridematching and explore available programs at CommuterConnections.org or by calling 1-800-745-RIDE.
