Objective

To determine the extent of implementation of the two recommendations included in our initial report, Selected Safety and Security Equipment at Train Stations (2017-S-84).

About the Program

Staten Island Railway (SIR) is a subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Administratively, SIR is a separate operating unit, reporting to New York City Transit’s Department of Subways. SIR operates a single rapid transit line that runs the length of Staten Island (about 14 miles) from St. George Terminal to Tottenville.

SIR’s management oversees capital projects at its 21 train stations, maintains the stations’ structural components, and ensures that security equipment installed at the stations is working, monitored, and tested. As of June 15, 2019, SIR had 199 Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras, 44 stand-alone local cameras, and 45 Customer Assistance Intercoms (CAIs) – intended for customer use in emergencies and for information.

SIR’s Electronic and Electrical Maintenance Division (EEMD) technicians perform preventive maintenance and repairs on safety and security equipment such as CCTV cameras, CAIs, monitors, and Digital Video Recorders (DVRs). The CCTV system is not publicly broadcasted, but is monitored, primarily for surveillance and security purposes. CCTV relies on strategic placement of cameras and the off-site observation of the cameras’ footage.

If a CAI malfunctions, SIR receives an alert from a monitoring system. When an alert lasts 15 minutes or more, the Information Technology manager sends EEMD an email and a technician will address the condition.

Our initial report, issued on April 12, 2018, determined that SIR did not always perform the inspection and maintenance of security equipment (i.e., CCTV cameras and DVRs) on a timely basis. In September 2017, SIR officials developed a new maintenance procedure for security equipment. However, it was unclear if the new procedure included CAIs.

Key Finding

We found that the MTA made progress in addressing the problems we identified in the initial audit report. Of the two audit recommendations, one was implemented and one was partially implemented.

Key Recommendation

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