Tollway Worker Perks Raise Eyebrows

By aaroncynic in News on Feb 5, 2010 10:45PM

In a state already plagued by scandal after scandal and corruption allegations galore, it’s never a surprise to hear about someone getting a free ride. According to the Chicago Tribune, Illinois Tollway workers get just that. The Tribune expose revealed that more than 1400 Illinois Tollway employees receive a gratis I-PASS, which translates into nearly $200,000 worth of free tolls. In addition, 55 tollway agency workers get the use of private vehicles.

A spokeswoman for the Tollway system quickly pointed out that employees have enjoyed a free ride since 1958 and noted that the majority of employees using an agency provided I-PASS either work at plazas or maintenance facilities. As for the cars, their users are reportedly on call 24 hours a day. In the event usage occurs outside of tollway business, employees are required to report it. For some critics though, the system requires more oversight. State Senator Susan Garrent (D - Highwood) was a little less happy, saying in an interview “This is a gigantic perk and a benefit that is not shared with other state employees.”

While we’re not surprised in any way by state employees getting handed an I-PASS on the job, we’re not exactly how scandalous this story rings. On one hand, if these workers are using the passes on the clock and those with cars are on call, it actually makes sense for employees to get a free ride. Many employers offer reimbursements when passing through tolls and things like miles traveled on the clock in a personal vehicle are tax deductible. On the other hand, if the agency can only account for a meager $235 in monies paid back to cover “personal-use tolls,” someone isn’t doing good enough accounting.