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

4.1 Air Transportation

4.1.1 Commercial Airlines

4.1.1.2 Tickets must be purchased using the Purchasing Card.

4.1.1.3 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.

4.1.1.4 Travelers must make advance bookings through the state's E-Travel Management System to secure the least expensive airfare possible. Reimbursement for tickets where reservations were not made through the state's E-Travel Management System requires authorization from the Travel Management Office. Reimbursement may be made to the traveler in advance for airfare purchased 45 to 180 days prior to the trip.

4.1.1.5 In order to receive reimbursement, the traveler must submit the original invoice from the travel service vendor. If airfare is reimbursed prior to 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 a proper credit or refund.

4.1.1.6 If an increase in the cost of airfare is incurred, the charge is reimbursable if the traveler is directed by the appropriate spending officer to change his or her 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.

4.1.1.7 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. In addition, conversion of airline tickets for personal benefit, such as downgrading tickets, returning unused tickets for cash, credit, or personal airline tickets, or any other similar action is prohibited. Any credits, rebates, or refunds resulting from these actions must be returned to the state of West Virginia

4.1.1.8 All major airlines charge a fee to issue paper flight coupons in situations where an e-ticket is available. E-tickets are the industry standard, are issued automatically, and are sufficient for traveling and reimbursement unless the traveler specifically requests a paper ticket. 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 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 traveler must possess a valid operator's license if operating a vehicle. The traveler is personally responsible for any fines or penalties resulting from citations, charges, or warrants attributable to operator negligence. Such fines or penalties shall not be reimbursed.

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 Privately-Owned Vehicles

4.2.4.1 Privately-owned vehicles may be used for state travel with agency approval when agency owned or leased vehicles are unavailable. A privately-owned vehicle should not be used when reimbursement costs are expected to exceed $50.00 per day or mileage reimbursement is expected to cost more than the cost of commercial travel (air, rental car, etc.).

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.

4.2.4.2 Receipts are not required for mileage reimbursement when using privately-owned vehicles.

4.2.5 Commercial Rental Vehicles

4.2.5.1 A commercial rental vehicle should only be used when a temporary need arises, a state vehicle is unavailable, and the cost will be less than the reimbursement associated with a privately-owned vehicle. Only the state employee renting the vehicle is permitted to operate the vehicle.

The Purchasing Card is the only acceptable method of payment when renting a vehicle. Reimbursement for rentals made outside of the statewide car rental contract requires authorization from the Travel Management Office. Reimbursement will be made at actual cost for the daily rental fee for a mid-size, standard, 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 business and for larger vehicles if a group of five (5) or more is traveling together.

4.2.6 Collision Damage Insurance (CDW)

4.2.6.1 The Purchasing Card provides CDW at no cost for rentals up to 31 days.

4.2.6.2 The Purchasing Card 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 eight (8) occupants.

4.2.6.3 The statewide car rental contract may provide CDW for some vehicles excluded by the Purchasing Card Program. Please refer to the current contact.

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 reimbursableexpense for any approved rental vehicle used outside the United States.

4.2.6.4 If 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.

4.2.6.5 Receipts or documentation is required for reimbursement of car rental and mileage charges or fees. Reimbursement may be made for actual fuel costs. Receipts must be attached. Travelers must return rental cars with a full tank of fuel. Refueling costs charged by rental car vendors are not reimbursable.

4.2.7 Rail Service

4.2.7.1 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.

4.2.7.2 Receipts or documentation is required for reimbursement of rail service expenses.

4.2.8 Miscellaneous Ground Transportation

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

4.2.8.2 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. If the Purchasing Card is used to make these payments, a receipt is required.

Notes

W. Va. Code R. § 148-NA-4