Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) joined his Assembly Minority colleagues in the New York state Capitol today for a press conference to call for a comprehensive audit and greater transparency in the governance of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

Recent reports have exposed serious deficiencies within the MTA, including $800 million in uncollected tolls due to fare evasion, $5 billion in unpaid tolls, falsification of inspection reports, MTA employee overtime abuse and more. These alarming examples of mismanagement and fraud demand immediate action to prevent further waste of taxpayer dollars. A comprehensive audit is essential to restoring accountability and transparency within the agency.

The legislation (A.6088) introduced by the Assembly Republican Conference would require the MTA to hire a certified, independent accounting firm to conduct a full forensic audit. The resulting report would identify redundancies, inefficiencies and areas of potential reform within the Authority.

Assemblyman Slater stated, “Despite the MTA’s budget being bigger than 14 other states in the nation, it continue to be a bottomless pit; Chairman Janno Lieber admitted to the Transportation Committee that no matter how much money the state gives them, the MTA will always be back for more.”

Slater continued, “The MTA’s mismanagement is no secret, it’s an embarrassing reputation for an agency that millions of New Yorkers rely on every day. The waste, fraud and shady dealings within the MTA must stop now. Even our state comptroller has sounded the alarm—how much more evidence do we need before we take action? New Yorkers are tired of leaders who talk about change but do nothing. The MTA is no exception. It’s time to pass this bill, clean up the MTA, protect hardworking taxpayers and give riders the reliable, accountable system they deserve.”

Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R-Deerpark) said, “The MTA’s continued mismanagement and failure to address fraud is taking a toll on New Yorkers. For years, billions have been lost due to unpaid fares and toll evasion, with little to no accountability from the agency. It’s clear that the MTA cannot effectively oversee itself. A comprehensive forensic audit is essential to bringing accountability and restoring the efficiency and transparency that taxpayers deserve. New Yorkers deserve better than the ongoing negligence that has plagued this system.”