Comptroller: MTA Security Program Is Flawed
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In a report released yesterday, the state comptroller, Thomas DiNapoli, said the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has repeatedly failed to meet scheduled deadlines and budget projections in the implementation of the Capital Security Program, which includes the installation of surveillance equipment throughout the city’s subway system.
Seventy-five percent of the MTA’s projects in phase one of the security program are a year or more behind schedule, according to the report, and four projects have been delayed three years or more. The cost of the security program increased to $837 million from $591 million.
The comptroller also reported a decrease in the percentage of security-related construction projects that the MTA has completed on time.
The MTA released a statement yesterday responding to the comptroller’s report.
“We have made significant progress despite the difficulties of operating in a 100-year-old system,” the statement said, “and the great majority of cost increases are due to an expanded project scope that secures more locations in our system.”
