[Claim for Reimbursement for Cost of Limousine Service From Airport]

In response to a certifying officer's request, GAO considered the question of whether an ACTION employee on temporary duty could be reimbursed for the cost of limousine service which she used from the airport to a conference site. The employee's claim had been denied because free limousine service was available. Although this service was not mentioned in the conference announcement, it was prominently advertised at the airport. The employee stated that she had been unaware of the courtesy service and had been directed to the service she used by airline personnel. Although Federal Travel Regulations provide that when courtesy transportation service is available it should be used by employees, the certifying officer conceded that there was no mention of the courtesy limousine in the employee's travel orders or notification. Since the employee was unaware of the availability of courtesy transportation, GAO found no basis to deny her reimbursement for the limousine service she used. Accordingly, the employee should be reimbursed the limousine fee she incurred.