Purpose

Determine the extent of implementation of the seven recommendations included in our initial audit report, Selected Aspects of Bus Fleet Maintenance (Report 2009-S-51).

Background

Our initial audit report, which was issued on December 23, 2010, examined whether the MTA (1) has standards and procedures for the maintenance of its bus fleet, (2) performs bus maintenance in compliance with these standards and procedures, and (3) has a comprehensive maintenance plan for its bus fleet.  We found that a number of improvements were needed, as routine maintenance procedures often were not performed as required, buses at two-thirds of the 29 depots did not meet their performance goals, and the maintenance cost per mile was unusually high. In addition, we concluded there was not a sufficiently comprehensive bus maintenance plan in place.

Key Findings

MTA made significant progress in correcting the problems we identified. We found that the MTA has implemented four recommendations and partially implemented three recommendations.

Key Recommendations

Officials are given 30 days after the issuance of the follow-up review to provide information on any actions that are planned to address the unresolved issues discussed in this review.