W. Va. Code R. § 148-ADM-4 - Transportation

4.1 Air Transportation

4.1.1 Commercial Airlines

4.1.1.1 Allowable reimbursement for commercial airline travel shall include the actual expense or cost for the least expensive logical fare via the most direct route, or a reasonable alternative route if it results in lower fare. Travelers may not specify a particular airline to accumulate mileage or promotional plans, such as frequent flyer programs, if it results in a higher airfare. See Section 11.

4.1.1.2 Travelers are expected to make advance bookings through the contracted travel service vendor to secure the least expensive airfare possible. Reimbursement for tickets where reservations were not made through the contracted travel services vendor requires authorization from the Travel Management Office before reimbursement will be made.. Reimbursement may be made to the traveler in advance for airfare purchased between 45 and 180 days before the trip begins.

4.1.1.3 In order to receive reimbursement, the traveler must submit the original invoice from the travel service vendor. If airfare is reimbursed before the trip, it must be referenced on the traveler's final expense account. Refundable or unused airline tickets shall be returned immediately to the ticket issuer for proper credit/refund.

4.1.1.4 Commercial airline tickets may be direct billed to the spending unit and paid before the travel if allowed by the spending units' administrative policies and procedures. The traveler must attach a copy of the travel agency's itinerary or other proof of travel to the expense account settlement.

4.1.1.5 If a change in the cost of airfare is incurred, the charge is reimbursable if the traveler is directed by the appropriate spending unit officer to change her or his travel plans, or if other extenuating circumstances arise. Increased or extra charges incurred due to the traveler's negligence will be considered a personal expense of the traveler and shall not be reimbursed.

4.1.1.6 Deliberately causing increased costs or delays to obtain personal gratuities, such as denied boarding compensation, frequent flier points or mileage, or similar benefits, is prohibited. Conversion of airline tickets for personal benefit, such as downgrading tickets, returning unused tickets for cash, credit, or personal airline tickets, or similar actions, is also prohibited. Any credits, rebates or refunds resulting from these actions must be returned to the state of West Virginia. See Section 11.

4.1.1.7 Charge for paper tickets: All major airlines now charge a fee to issue paper flight coupons in situations where an e-ticket is available. E-tickets are the industry standard and are issued automatically unless the traveler specifically requests a paper ticket. The e-ticket will be sufficient for traveling and reimbursement. If a paper ticket is requested, the service charge will not be reimbursed. If travelers experience problems with e-tickets when exchanging due to flight cancellations or delays, particularly when changing airlines, the travel service vendor is required to assist and provide proper documentation.

4.1.2 Non-Commercial Aircraft Service.

4.1.2.1 For any state owned or private aircraft service, please contact the Aviation division, 558-0403 for policies, procedures and instructions.

4.2 Ground Transportation

4.2.1 The traveler may use a state-owned vehicle, privately-owned vehicle, or a commercial rental vehicle for ground transportation. The availability and use of a state-owned vehicle will be determined by the Fleet Management Office and/or the spending units' administrative policies and procedures.

4.2.2 The operator (traveler) of a vehicle must possess a valid operator's license. The operator is personally responsible for any fines and/or penalties resulting from citations, charges, or warrants attributable to operator negligence. Such fines and/or penalties shall not be a reimbursable expense.

4.2.3 In cases where a traveler chooses to drive rather than fly while on business, reimbursement will be based on actual in transit expenses (mileage, hotels, parking, meals, etc.), not to exceed the lowest available commercial airfare plus local transportation, and parking (where required) to and from the airport.

4.2.4 Roadside assistance services, if needed for a state vehicle, may be reimbursed at actual cost if deemed appropriate and reasonable by the spending officer.

4.2.5 State-owned Vehicles

4.2.5.1 State owned vehicles may be requested from a spending unit's motor pool according to the spending unit's administrative policies and procedures. State-owned vehicles are for "official business use" only and must be operated by an employee of the spending unit,

4.2.5.2 Receipts/documentation is not required for use of state-owned vehicles. When the gas card is not used a receipt is required for fuel.

4.2.6 Privately-owned Vehicles/Courtesy Vehicles

4.2.6.1 Privately-owned and courtesy vehicles may be used when traveling on state business. Reimbursement will be made at the prevailing rate per mile established by the Travel Management Office, excluding normal daily commuting mileage, for actual miles traveled using the shortest practicable route to the point of arrival at the traveler's destination. This rate is intended to cover all operating costs of the vehicle (including fuel, maintenance, depreciation, insurance, etc.), and no additional reimbursement will be made.

4.2.6.2 Receipts are not required for reimbursement of mileage for using privately-owned/courtesy vehicles.

4.2.7 Commercial Rental Vehicles

4.2.7.1 Commercial rental vehicles may be used when traveling on state business with the contracted car vendor. Reimbursement for rentals not made with the contracted car vendor requires authorization from the Travel Management Office. Reimbursement will be made at actual cost for the daily rental fee for a mid-size or smaller vehicle, plus mileage fees and fuel costs. For travel of more than a few days in duration, weekly rental rates may be reimbursed if they will result in a lower total cost than the daily rate. Reimbursement may be made for full-size vehicles if more than three (3) people are traveling together on spending unit business and for larger vehicles if a group of five (5) or more is traveling together.

4.2.7.2 Insurance: Collision damage insurance for automobile rentals of seven (7) days or less are reimbursable, and should be taken, unless the rental has been made using the State Travel Credit Card, which provides collision damage coverage at no cost for rentals up to 60 days.

The program does not cover the rental of trucks, campers, off-road vehicles, trailers, motorized bikes, motorcycles and motorized scooters, antique cars, high value, special interest and exotic cars or vans that seat more than 15 occupants.

Collision damage insurance for rentals of more than seven (7) days is not reimbursable and should not be taken. The state of West Virginia insurance program automatically covers collision insurance for vehicle rentals more than seven (7) days. No other insurance or insurance-like product is reimbursable for rentals used in the United States, unless required by law. Full coverage insurance is a reimbursable expense for any approved rental vehicle used outside the United States.

4.2.7.3 It is not mandatory to reserve rental vehicles through the contracted travel agency vendor. However; in the case where a third party booking incurs a service fee, that fee will not be reimbursed (i.e. some internet sites charge a service fee for booking cars). Travelers may use car rental services from another company in the following situations:

a) Rental car vendor does not have a location in the specific area.

b) Rental car vendor does not have the appropriate vehicle at the time needed.

c) Rental car vendor does not have the appropriate vehicle for the duration needed.

Travelers must note these exceptions on the travel expense settlement form.

4.2.7.4 Receipts and/or documentation are required for reimbursement of car rental and mileage charges or fees. Reimbursement may be made for actual fuel costs. Receipts should be attached, if available. Travelers must return rental cars with a full tank of fuel; refueling costs charged by rental agencies are not reimbursable.

4.2.8 Rail Service

4.2.8.1 Travelers are expected to make advanced bookings through the contracted travel services vendor and use the least expensive logical fare via the most direct route, or other reasonable route that results in a lower fare.

4.2.8.2 Receipts/documentation is required for reimbursement of rail service expenses.

4.2.9 Miscellaneous Ground Transportation

4.2.9.1 When courtesy transportation is provided by a hotel, motel, or other service facility, the traveler is encouraged to use their service.

4.2.9.2 Travelers may be reimbursed for taxi, bus, and other forms of public transportation. Receipts are not required if under the limit authorized by the Travel Management Office.

Notes

W. Va. Code R. § 148-ADM-4