2009-11 Transportation Budget (ESSB 5352)

The 2009-11 Transportation Budget directed this study. The study compared the costs of accepting customer payments via bankcards with other methods of payment at the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The analysis found the least costly method of accepting customer payments varied in three key WSDOT programs. Automation and reduction of labor costs, not payment method, was found to be the key to cost savings. The report identified two opportunities to lower or defray bankcard costs. The report includes recommendations to WSDOT to identify alternatives for reducing bankcard fees, and to OFM and the State Treasurer to provide guidance to other state agencies for situations where options to bankcards may be suitable.