Syracuse Sun

Assemblyman Ed Ra, representing Franklin Square, has introduced a bill that calls for a comprehensive forensic audit of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). This initiative follows numerous incidents involving wasteful spending and fraud within the agency. The introduction of the controversial congestion pricing program has also spurred calls for increased infrastructure financing.

The MTA's payroll costs, particularly overtime expenditures, have significantly increased over the years, creating an environment conducive to fraud and abuse. Recent convictions of MTA employees have highlighted these fraudulent activities. Despite attempts at reform by the MTA, results have been unsatisfactory. In 2024 alone, $1.4 billion was spent on overtime.

"The MTA is failing taxpayers," stated Assemblyman Ra, who serves as the Ranking Minority Member on the Assembly Ways & Means Committee. He emphasized that New York taxpayers frequently encounter scandals involving fraud and mismanagement within the agency while it seeks new revenues and funding from Albany. "Clearly, the MTA cannot police itself," he added.

Minority Leader Will Barclay expressed concerns about affordability and cost of living in Albany amid record-high spending proposals and an unpopular congestion tolling plan. He criticized the MTA's failure to collect over $5 billion in unpaid tolls over four years. "An independent, comprehensive forensic audit is the only way to restore accountability," Barclay asserted.

In 2019, a statutory requirement was established for the MTA to create a transformation plan aimed at improving operations and services while reducing costs. However, New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli's recent audit indicated that these objectives had not been met.

Assemblyman Karl Brabenec commented on how mismanagement by the MTA affects New Yorkers due to billions lost from unpaid fares and toll evasion without adequate accountability from the agency. "A comprehensive forensic audit is essential," he said.

Assemblyman Mike Reilly highlighted reckless spending by the MTA as burdensome for New Yorkers who face higher fares due to waste and mismanagement. "A forensic audit isn’t just necessary; it’s long overdue," Reilly stated.

The proposed legislation (A.6088) would require an independent accounting firm to conduct a forensic audit of the MTA and provide reports on redundancies with recommendations for alternative governance structures.

During a Joint Budget Hearing on Transportation, MTA Chairman Janno Lieber described a dire fiscal situation while requesting more than $33 billion for funding its Capital Plan valued at $68.4 billion. Reports indicate losses exceeding $5 billion in unpaid tolls between 2021-2024 alongside additional fare evasion losses amounting up to $800 million in 2024 alone—coupled with rising payroll costs driven by excessive overtime payments where hundreds earned more through overtime than regular pay.