Charge Cards Going a Long Way

Travel reengineering efforts may be slow to catch on, but proponents say they're a start.Our special report by Lauren Taylor takes a closer look at the new Defense Travel System, the revamped Washington National Airport and the push to increase use of the government travel card. Also, our picks for the best Internet sites for the travel-savvy.

• More Roadwork Ahead on Travel Rules
  Government travel reengineering is in full swing. It kicked off in December 1995 with 25 recommendations for simplifying government travel from the Joint Financial Management Improvement Program (an alliance of federal chief financial officers). Nearly two years later, 17 of the recommendations are in place, marking a major renovation in the way government runs travel.
• Charge Cards Going a Long Way
  In January, the General Services Administration will choose new vendors for the government travel card. More than $3 billion of the government's $8 billion in travel spending goes on the card. GSA estimates the government gains more than $710 million in administrative savings through using the travel card. Read about the government's new push toward this money-saving technology.
• Sites for Travelers
  Government Executive's choices for the best travel-related Internet sites.
• On the Road to Reengineering
  Two years after the Joint Financial Management Improvement Program issued 25 recommendations for streamlining government travel, here's a scorecard.
• DoD Goes Paperless
  Last year 27 Defense Department facilities cut their travel costs and processing time in half. They did it while testing the new Defense Travel System (DTS). In four years, when the new system is fully in place, every DoD facility worldwide can expect to reap similar benefits and savings.
• Progress Has Landed at Washington Hub
  You thought it would never end, but nearly $1 billion and three-and-a-half years of construction later, Washingtonians and those who visit the city are finally liberated from the ever-changing traffic patterns, crummy temporary waiting areas and general disarray that spelled Washington National Airport.
• City Pairs Cut Fares
  The fiscal 1998 city-pair fares, which were announced July 10, are an average of 70 percent lower than the full walk-up fares. Among the most popular of the 6,100 fares are Washington/Los Angeles round trip for $170 and Washington/Chicago for $98.
• Useful Numbers
  These handy phone numbers are sure to ease the travel planning process.