New York Assembly Republicans are calling for an independent forensic audit of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), citing years of financial mismanagement, fraud, and wasteful spending. Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) introduced legislation mandating the audit, arguing that the agency has repeatedly failed to rein in skyrocketing payroll costs and unpaid fares while demanding more taxpayer funding.
“The MTA is failing taxpayers,” Ra said, noting the agency’s history of financial scandals and inefficiencies. “Turning a blind eye to these failures would be a betrayal of every New Yorker who depends on the system and expects accountability.”
Among the most glaring financial issues is the MTA’s ballooning payroll, with overtime spending reaching a staggering $1.4 billion in 2024 alone. In addition, from 2021 to 2024, the agency lost more than $5 billion in unpaid tolls and another $700 million in fare evasion in 2022. The MTA also spent nearly $8 billion on flood-resilience projects after Superstorm Sandy, only to find that key components, like flood door gaskets, were failing.
Despite efforts to curb these issues, recent audits suggest that the MTA has made little progress. A 2019 transformation plan meant to improve efficiency and service has fallen short, with a state comptroller audit concluding the agency failed to demonstrate improved service levels or cost reductions.
Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) criticized the state’s recent introduction of congestion pricing, arguing that it unfairly burdens New Yorkers while failing to address the root causes of the MTA’s financial woes. “Hardworking New Yorkers are being penalized for the inept leadership at the MTA,” Barclay said. “An independent, comprehensive forensic audit is the only way to restore accountability and efficiency to this bloated agency.”
Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark) echoed those concerns, calling for greater oversight of the agency’s financial practices. “For years, billions have been lost due to unpaid fares and toll evasion, with little to no accountability from the agency,” he said. “It’s clear that the MTA cannot effectively oversee itself.”
The proposed bill (A.6088) would require the MTA to hire a certified independent accounting firm to conduct the forensic audit. The audit would assess redundancies, inefficiencies, and governance failures, with the goal of providing actionable recommendations for reform.
The financial strain on the MTA is particularly pressing as the agency seeks additional taxpayer support. At a recent Joint Budget Hearing on Transportation, MTA Chairman Janno Lieber warned of the agency’s dire fiscal situation, requesting more than $33 billion to support a $68.4 billion capital plan. Yet, with reports showing continued losses from uncollected fares and payroll excesses, lawmakers in the minority conference say throwing more money at the agency without addressing systemic issues would be a mistake.
Assemblyman Mike Reilly (R,C-Staten Island) called the forensic audit long overdue, emphasizing the impact on everyday commuters. “Billions of dollars lost to waste, fraud, and mismanagement, while commuters are left footing the bill through higher fares and congestion pricing,” Reilly said. “The MTA needs to be held accountable.”
With mounting public frustration over service quality, rising costs, and continued financial scandals, Assembly Republicans insist that a forensic audit is the only way to restore faith in the agency. Whether their legislative push gains traction in Albany remains to be seen.
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