Audit of the Brockton Area Transit Authority (July 24, 2024)

This is a state performance audit of the Brockton Area Transit Authority, covering January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2022.

“In accordance with Section 12 of Chapter 11 of the Massachusetts General Laws, the Office of the State Auditor has conducted a performance audit of the Brockton Area Transit Authority (BAT) for the period January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2022.”

The audit looked at whether BAT picked up ADA paratransit riders on time and whether it properly investigated and responded to ADA paratransit complaints.

“We also determined whether BAT ensured that all ADA paratransit complaints are investigated and responded to as required by 49 CFR 27.13(b) and BAT’s “ADA Paratransit Services Guide.””

Some people with disabilities cannot use regular fixed-route buses, so comparable paratransit service is required for them.

“The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 recognized that some individuals’ disabilities prevent them from using a fixed-route2 transit system.”

If you use BAT paratransit or care about someone who does, the audit says BAT met the tested requirements for on-time service and complaint follow-up during the audit period.

“We noted no exceptions in our testing; therefore, we conclude that, during the audit period, BAT delivered ADA-required paratransit services on time in accordance with 49 CFR 37.23(a); Sections 5.3, 5.4, and 5.6 of Chapter 8 of the Federal Transit Administration’s Circular 4710.1; and BAT’s “ADA Paratransit Services Guide.””

The auditor’s conclusion was that BAT did what it was supposed to do in the two areas tested: ADA paratransit timeliness and complaint handling.

“We noted no exceptions in our testing; therefore, we conclude that BAT delivered ADA-required paratransit services on time, and BAT ensured that all ADA paratransit complaints are investigated and responded to, during the audit period.”

The report does not list corrective actions or recommendations because the audit found no reportable significant issues.

“Our audit revealed no significant issues that must be reported under generally accepted government auditing standards.”

BAT serves 11 communities in the Brockton area, so the audit covers a public transit service used across multiple cities and towns.

“BAT provides transportation services to the following 11 cities and towns: Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Hanson, Rockland, Stoughton, West Bridgewater, and Whitman.”

ADA-required paratransit means special transit service for people with disabilities that should be comparable to regular fixed-route service available to riders without disabilities.

“Each public entity operating a fixed route system shall provide paratransit or other special service to individuals with disabilities that is comparable to the level of service provided to individuals without disabilities who use the fixed route system.”