WSF workers arrested for stealing fares

Evergreen Freedom Foundation ^ | 06-08-04 | Jason Mercier

[truth49]

Yesterday's arrest of four Washington State Ferry System employees caught stealing fares has finally put a human face on the repeat audit findings against the Department of Transportation's ferry division.

For nearly two decades, the Ferry System has failed audits due to inadequate controls over ticket sales and revenue collection. The finding dates back to 1986. Eighteen years later, officials still don't know how many passengers ride the ferries, or where all the money collected from passengers ends up.

Without consequences, agencies don't care about audit findings. Consider DOT's flippant response.

The Evergreen Freedom Foundation (EFF) was particularly concerned with the dismissive statement of DOT auditor Wayne Donaldson concerning the WSF ticket sale audit finding. Donaldson said in a briefing paper to the Transportation Commission: "With the exception of the now tired and worn finding at WSF by the State Auditor, relating to the revenue collection process, the agency has faired reasonably well."

Taxpayers are worn and tired of this finding also, especially the lack of corrective action...