Update on FOAPAL Form
Wed 12/03/2019 12:00 PM
Sent: Wed 12/03/2019 12:00 PM to Travel Services Listserv
Message sent on behalf of Francois Pouliot, Director of Procurement Services
++++++++++++++++++++
Dear Traveler,
As part of the continuous efforts to improve the Travel Management Program, Procurement and Financial Services are pleased to announce that rail fare worldwide can now be paid through McGill’s streamlined payment solution. The University pays directly for the authorized rail fare at the time of booking which now removes the process of charging the rail fare to your personal Credit Card and waiting for reimbursement. For reasons of contractual guarantees and financial controls, this only applies to rail booked through McGill’s contracted Travel Management Company, Direct Travel with the use of the updated Airfare/Rail FOAPAL Authorization Form . Whether you use the services of an agent or the online booking tool VisionLink, to book your trip by train, you can complete the Form, obtain authorization and submit to Direct Travel prior to purchase of the rail fare. Please note that any rail fare class for day trip is allowed as long as the cost does not exceed the economy airfare applicable to the given destination. If overnight travel is necessary, sleeper class may be used.
Procurement Services and Financial Services hope this new booking feature will encourage our travelers to use the train, rather than flying, for shorter trips, where this is feasible. The carbon intensity of short-haul air travel is disproportionately high because a greater portion of greenhouse gas emissions is generated during the take-off and landing cycle. Rail travel is an excellent option, especially within Europe, Japan, and eastern North America. Moreover, discounts are available to McGillians through Via Rail. Reducing our travel-related emissions, and switching to rail, can help the University reach its goal to be carbon neutral by 2040.
Please contact travel.procurement [at] mcgill.ca for any questions.