Mileage Authorization and Reimbursement System (MARS) Program

About the Program

Category: County Administration and Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2013

The Los Angeles County (LA County) Department of Auditor-Controller (A-C) and the Internal Services Department (ISD), in collaboration with the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) and the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), implemented a new Mileage Authorization and Reimbursement System (MARS) to enable employees to submit mileage and parking expense claims electronically. The MARS Program is a fully implemented, web-based solution available to all County employees providing an easy, efficient, and convenient way to claim reimbursement for mileage and parking expenses online - replacing the manual claim forms that employees had been using. LA County issued mileage reimbursement to approximately 24,000 drivers totaling more than $17 million during the last fiscal year. MARS allows employees to prepare and submit their claims faster, with fewer mistakes. MARS also promotes employee self-service and the County’s “go green” initiative, meeting both A-C’s and County’s goals promoting service excellence and environmentally responsible practices.