Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Station Modernization Activities

This is a state performance audit of the MBTA, focused on how it handled station modernization work from 2005 through 2012.

“I am pleased to provide this performance audit of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).”

The Auditor wanted to see whether the MBTA managed its station modernization program effectively and efficiently.

“In accordance with Chapter 11, Section 12, of the Massachusetts General Laws, the Office of the State Auditor has conducted a performance audit of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) for the period January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2012 to determine whether the MBTA was effectively and efficiently administering its Station Modernization Program.”

Poor recordkeeping and billing meant the MBTA risked not getting back money it was owed for work it did for other public entities.

“Because of this inadequate accounts-receivable recordkeeping, the MBTA is at risk of not recouping these unreimbursed construction costs.”

If you use or pay for public transit in Massachusetts, this matters because the MBTA serves millions of people and uses public money for major infrastructure work.

“The MBTA serves 175 communities, providing transportation to almost 4.7 million people over 3,200 square miles.”

The report recommends better design oversight, better coordination inside the MBTA, stronger billing follow-up, and efforts to recover money where possible.

“Based on its response, the MBTA appears to have taken measures to address the deficiencies that existed in its design and construction processes and caused the issues we raise in this report.”

This is significant because the MBTA is one of the country’s biggest transit systems, so mistakes in major projects can affect many riders and large amounts of public money.

“The MBTA is the fifth-largest mass-transit system in the United States as measured by ridership and serves approximately 1.3 million passengers each day.”

“Station modernization” means major station upgrades, such as accessibility work, elevators, escalators, platforms, roofs, lighting, signage, and other improvements.

“Stations comprise the basic structure, roofs, platforms, lights, shelters, elevators, escalators, fare-collection equipment, and collector booths.”