See the announcement for the 2012 save award winner: http://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2012/12/21/2012-save-award-winner

Shift to Senior Transit Fares

Frederick Winter of Arlington, Virginia

Program Officer at the Department of Education

Frederick from the Department of Education proposes that all Federal employees who receive public transit benefits shift from regular transit fare to the reduced senior fare as soon as they are eligible. In the D.C. area, this change would lower the cost of the employee’s travel by 50 percent, with no loss in the effective benefits for the employee.

Reduce Employee Shuttle Buses

Angela Leroux of Locust Grove, Virginia

Accountant at the Internal Revenue Service

Many Federal agencies maintain buses to shuttle employees from one government office to another for work purposes. Too often these vehicles sit idle, or travel their routes with just a few passengers. Angela at the Internal Revenue Service recommends that agencies eliminate or consolidate the bus service and encourage the use of conference and video calls, or provide metro cards to those with a need to travel.

Use Digital Transcription

James Szender of Anchorage, Alaska

Land Transfer Resolutions Specialist at the Department of the Interior

A written transcript of Federal meetings or hearings is often required. James from the Department of the Interior proposes, whenever possible, using digital equipment for transcripts instead of hiring a court reporter, as using digital transcription is significantly less expensive than getting a certified court reporter to attend, record, and transcribe the proceedings.

Post Customs Inspection Information Online

Laurie Dempsey of Alexandria, Virginia

Branch Chief at the Department of Homeland Security

Customs and Border Protection is required to post a bulletin weekly that lists all imported items that have completed the customs inspection process. Currently, Customs ports across the country print this bulletin, which can be hundreds of pages long, and post it in the customs house. Laurie from the Department of Homeland Security suggests instead posting the bulletin electronically on CBP.gov. This change would save paper, reduce costs, and make it easier for the public to find out about what items have been inspected without having to visit the facility in person.