13-03-2025
Meet the MTA inspector general, the agency watchdog
NEW YORK (PIX11) — Riders have ideas about improving the transit system. Some elected leaders say the agency needs to be audited.
It's a system with thousands of vendors and workers, millions of riders, an operating budget around $19 billion and more than $60 billion in capital improvement plans.
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Many watchdogs are on the beat.
The state created an office in 1983 to provide oversight of the MTA. The Office of the MTA Inspector General is located in a building near Penn Station.
A piece of subway history hangs at the door of Daniel Cort, the MTA inspector general.
'I remember riding the No. 7 train growing up,' he said.
Cort has been on the job since summer 2023. The position is appointed by the governor. He has a three decades of law enforcement background in city and state investigations.
The office and staff produce audits and investigations of MTA policies and procedures.
They watch contracts, and if needed, investigate vendors and workers.
'I don't report to the MTA board or leadership. I report to the public. That's the purpose of an independent watchdog. We don't conduct generally large-scale financial audits. We are concerned about how the MTA spends its money,' Cort said.
The comptroller's office also conducts in-depth audits and issues reports.
The MTA inspector general investigates tips and concerns from workers and the public. Staff can also initiate audits on agency policies or programs.
The number of complaints to the inspector general of the MTA is about five times higher than 2015.
The 2024 annual report shows 4,127 complaints. In total, 83% were referred to the appropriate MTA agency for action.
In 2024, staff performed 419 site visits and issued 18 reports with 68 recommendations.
The MTA can accept or reject the recommendations. The office follows the MTA response and work.
Emergency doors and the Help Point system were the focus of two reports. The MTA has current projects on both issues.
Major topics facing the agency can be addressed. The office is monitoring the implementation of congestion pricing.
Fare evasion is also on the radar.
'We don't have operational control or separate policy. But we know that it is an important issue, and we are in touch with the MTA. In terms of fare abuse, we might look at programs they've enacted and make sure they're implemented properly,' Cort said.
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