Destination DC Named Top Small Employer in the 2026 goDMV Commuter Competition
At Destination DC, sustainability is core to the operation and part of creating a positive employee experience and supporting a more connected region. That commitment and competitive spirit recently paid off when Destination DC was named the Small Employer Winner of the 2026 goDMV Commuter Competition.
Hosted by Commuter Connections, the annual goDMV Commuter Competition is a free, friendly competition that encourages commuters across the DMV region to explore alternatives to driving alone. Participants log their sustainable commute trips, including transit, biking, walking, carpooling, and vanpooling, through the CommuterCash app, where they can track their progress, earn cash rewards, and compete for prizes throughout the challenge. Additionally, their efforts help reduce congestion and emissions across the DMV, all while gaining regional recognition for their employer team. For Destination DC, their victory was the result of strong internal engagement, enthusiastic employee participation, and ongoing support from goDCgo.
Driving Participation in the goDMV Commuter Competition
When asked about Destination DC’s success in the 2026 goDMV Commuter Competition, Terri Carter, Director of People and Culture, credited the organization’s strong internal promotion and its partnership with goDCgo.
As Destination DC’s primary point of contact for the competition, goDCgo provided hands-on support throughout the campaign by coordinating participation, supplying promotional materials, and serving as a resource for both employees and leadership.
To build excitement before the competition began, goDCgo hosted two on-site events where employees learned about the challenge, received assistance downloading and registering for the app, and explored sustainable commuting options available to them. These events helped remove barriers to participation and encouraged employees to get involved from day one.
Destination DC reinforced these efforts by consistently promoting the competition through weekly employee meetings and reminding staff how to participate in the program, log their trips, and contribute to the organization’s overall success. This ongoing communication fostered a fun, team-oriented atmosphere while keeping employees engaged throughout the competition.
The combination of goDCgo’s hands-on support and Destination DC’s internal engagement strategy resulted in employees logging 1,038 sustainable commute trips and earning the organization first place among small employers in the 2026 goDMV Commuter Competition.
Lasting Changes in Commuting Habits
Not only did the goDMV Competition earn Destination DC a trophy, but it had a lasting impact on employees as well.
Justin Estevez, a Destination DC employee who had recently moved to the District when the competition began, had never ridden Metrorail before participating and drove everywhere, including to work.
“To say that this competition impacted me significantly would be an understatement,” shared Estevez, the Events Staffing Manager at Destination DC. After deciding to participate and give transit a try, his perspective changed completely. “I decided to take the train, and I’m never going back,” he said. “The Metro is incredible. It’s clean, it’s consistent, it’s relaxing, it’s comfortable.”
What began as participation in a workplace competition became a permanent mode shift toward a more sustainable and enjoyable commute.
Support Beyond the Competition
While the annual goDMV Commuter Competition lasts for six weeks, employers can support enjoyable and sustainable commuting among staff year-round. The CommuterCash app rewards sustainable commuters up to $600 annually for logging eligible work commute trips. Employers can encourage employees to use the app to try new commute options, build habits, and gear up for next year’s competition!
Beyond the competition, goDCgo provides employers with free resources, consultations, and educational opportunities that encourage building or expanding a robust commuter benefits program. As an example, goDCgo helped Destination DC participate in the Capital Bikeshare corporate program to provide employees with free annual memberships and delivered a training session covering the membership’s benefits, how the bikeshare system works, and tips for commuting.
“It’s unbelievable that you’re there. You’re easy to schedule with; you have resources whenever we have a question… It’s important for employers to know there’s help out there,” said Terri Carter about goDCgo.
Destination DC’s success in the 2026 goDMV Commuter Competition demonstrates how organizations can leverage these resources to promote sustainable commuting, engage employees, and create lasting changes in travel behavior that contribute to a more connected and sustainable region.
Explore what a partnership with goDCgo could bring to your workplace and book a FREE consultation today!
