Follow-Up of Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) Bus Pass Inventory and Revenue, December 2017

14 | A u d i t o f S C A T B u s P a s s I n v e n t o r y a n d R e v e n u e S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 6 7. Compliance with County Resolution 2011-167 Observation County Resolution 2011-167, effective October 1, 2011, sets the fares and charges for transit services provided by SCAT. The approved rate per the Resolution for the discounted 30-Day Express Pass is $47.50, which is the rate shown in the SCAT publication, RideGuide (effective April 16, 2016) provided at various locations throughout the county. However, it was observed during the audit that the SCAT website lists the rate as $42.50. Data for over-the-counter sales at the SCAT administration location indicates that there were twenty-eight (28) discounted 30-Day Express Passes sold between August 2013 and January 2016. The August 2013 sale was for one pass sold at the $47.50 rate, while all others appear to have been sold for $42.50. Inquiry of two third party locations about the cost of the discounted 30-Day Express Pass revealed that one location charges $47.50 and the other $42.50. Recommendation To ensure compliance with County Resolution 2011-167, SCAT must make certain that rates are published and assessed in accordance with approved fares and charges. Management Response A resolution was presented and adopted at the September 7, 2016 BCC meeting that included correction of the scrivener’s error within County Resolution 2011-167. The new resolution reflects the correct 30 Day Express Pass discounted fare of $42.50.