The Metropolitan Transportation Authority should do more to fix the underlying causes of train delays — many of which are controllable — said New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.
"The subways are New York City's arteries, yet on-time performance continues to be an issue," said DiNapoli, who released an audit Aug. 13. "The MTA has actually lowered its own expectations for addressing subway delays. We're encouraged that MTA has put more money toward improving the ride for straphangers, hopefully it will help improve on-time performance."
DiNapoli's audit highlighted what he called a decline in subway on-time performance from March 1, 2013 to March 1, 2014. The MTA's New York City Transit division considered a subway train on time if it reached the end of the line within five minutes of its scheduled arrival and stopped at all of its scheduled stops.
In 2013 and 2014, the authority's goal for on-time performance was for 91.9% percent of trains to arrive on time. It fell far short in meeting these targets, according to DiNapoli, who cited 80.5% and 74%, respectively. The MTA, he added, then lowered its goal to 75%.
Controllable delays, said DiNapoli, involved car equipment problems and track work.
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"Providing high-quality, efficient and safe service is the MTA's central objective, but this audit offers nothing that would help MTA New York City Transit achieve that goal," a spokesman said in a statement. "We disagree strongly with many of the audit's conclusions, beginning with its emphasis on on-time performance."
The MTA has said the best service method is to ensure even wait times between trains.
"We strongly disagree with the assertion that New York City Transit lacks 1) formal processes to explain the underlying causes of delay and 2) formal corrective action plans and programs to address the causes of delays and improve on-time performance," MTA Chairman Thomas Prendergast said in a response, which DiNapoli included in the audit.
The MTA is one of the largest municipal issuers, with roughly $36 billion in debt.
