After the 2009 DiNapoli audit, the authority stepped up its monitoring and identified three Thruway travel plaza operators that overcharged customers more than $16,000 for gasoline.
"After our audit, some service stations continued to overcharge for gas," [image-nocss] said DiNapoli. "The amounts were small, but even small amounts can make a big difference to businesses and drivers who are frequent travelers on the Thruway. The authority is not taking things lightly; they've even recommended a dealer be terminated for intentionally ripping-off customers. Still, more needs to be done to ensure drivers aren't getting nickel and dimed at the pump."
The authority contracts with Sunoco, Phiadelphia, and Lehigh Gas Corp., Bethlehem, Pa., to provide gasoline at the Thruway's 27 travel plazas. When the authority found out that Sunoco had overcharged customers at its Ardsley, Ramapo and Sloatsburg (pictured) stations, the authority requested Sunoco terminate the dealer. Instead, Sunoco decided to compensate the public for the overcharges by offering customers a "gas holiday" month during which they only had to pay the absolute average for gasoline.
Of the 12 audit recommendations made in the original audit, one was not implemented, one is no longer applicable, five were partially implemented and five were fully implemented, including:
Inspecting travel plaza fueling stations in a manner that is not easily predictable. Ensuring all approved gasoline prices comply with pricing restrictions. Adding additional guidelines on price comparison surveys to the Service Area Representative Manual. Resolving any discrepancies identified by the test-surveys. Comparing actual prices for gasoline charged on days prior to inspection to the prices allowed per the contract. The authority has 30 days to respond and address any unresolved issues discussed in this follow-up audit.
Click here to view the initial audit.
Click hereto view the followup audit.
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