The state Auditor General says travelers on the Pennsylvania Turnpike got at least $7.7 million dollars in free trips during a four-year period. The problem is he can’t find out if any of the trips were inappropriate.
Tolls on the PA Turnpike will jump again on January 6. But Auditor General Jack Wagner says before the fare increase goes into effect, the Turnpike Commission should impose controls to know who is doing what when travel for free.
More than 7,000 people have access to a free ride on the PA Turnpike. 2100 are employees who simply show an employee ID badge. 3800 consultants and contractors are issued non-employee id cards.
Another 1600 drivers have been given free EZ-Pass transponders, including 655 turnpike employees, 900 state police and 30 other state officials. The Auditor General says the toll-free travel impact over the nearly five-year period is at least $7.7 million dollars.
The travel could be work-related or personal, but no one knows for sure.
“A significant amount, maybe close to all of it is appropriately utilized,” explained Auditor General Jack Wagner. “But the simple fact is they can’t tell you that. They can’t tell our auditors that. They can’t prove it. And in today’s modern world they should be able to.”
Currently Turnpike employees can travel the toll road for free for work or for personal reasons. Wagner says it’s time there are no more free rides for employees unless it’s work-related.
Wagner’s letter is available to the public at www.auditorgen.state.pa.us.
Tolls on the PA Turnpike will jump again on January 6. But Auditor General Jack Wagner says before the fare increase goes into effect, the Turnpike Commission should impose controls to know who is doing what when travel for free.
More than 7,000 people have access to a free ride on the PA Turnpike. 2100 are employees who simply show an employee ID badge. 3800 consultants and contractors are issued non-employee id cards.
Another 1600 drivers have been given free EZ-Pass transponders, including 655 turnpike employees, 900 state police and 30 other state officials. The Auditor General says the toll-free travel impact over the nearly five-year period is at least $7.7 million dollars.
The travel could be work-related or personal, but no one knows for sure.
“A significant amount, maybe close to all of it is appropriately utilized,” explained Auditor General Jack Wagner. “But the simple fact is they can’t tell you that. They can’t tell our auditors that. They can’t prove it. And in today’s modern world they should be able to.”
Currently Turnpike employees can travel the toll road for free for work or for personal reasons. Wagner says it’s time there are no more free rides for employees unless it’s work-related.
Wagner’s letter is available to the public at www.auditorgen.state.pa.us.