Objective

To determine the extent of implementation of the five recommendations included in our initial report, Operational Training and Medical Assessments of Train Crews (Report 2016-S-26).

About the Program

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is a public benefit corporation that operates North America’s largest transportation network. One of six MTA constituent agencies, New York City Transit (Transit) operates bus and subway service within the City. Transit’s 27 subway lines are divided into two divisions: A Division (the numbered lines and 42nd St. Shuttle) and B Division (the lettered lines and the 7 line).

Train crews consist of two members: a Train Operator (TO) and a Conductor – both of whom have direct responsibility for the safe, timely, and proper operation of Transit trains. Employees new to the TO and Conductor positions must go through Induction Training, where they learn how to operate trains in revenue and non-revenue road service in a yard or terminal; prepare trains for road service and switch cars in the yards; and learn the components of a train and gain familiarity with operating procedures, including how to deal with emergency situations. Training for all positions is conducted both in the classroom and in various train yards. Training for Conductors and TOs also includes “posting,” where the inductee works alongside a permanent employee to use the skills taught in class.

Every three years, train crews must undergo Refresher Training, which includes three days of classroom training, road training, and fire and evacuation training; Conductors receive an additional day of training in communications. Employees new to these positions are required to pass a medical assessment at a Medical Assessment Center (MAC) and periodic medical assessments thereafter (every two years for TOs and every five years for Conductors). Revisits may be necessary as determined by MAC medical personnel. Federal regulations also require Conductors and TOs to have annual hearing tests.

We issued our initial audit report on March 1, 2018. We found that Transit was not in compliance with the requirements of the Induction Training curriculum established for its train crews, and that TOs and Conductors did not always meet or complete Refresher Training requirements. Our review of training files for 45 employees showed that only 16 employees (35 percent) received a passing grade of 80 or higher on the final test, while 23 employees (51 percent) failed the test and returned to work; for the remaining 6 employees, tests were missing from the files. Furthermore, annual hearing tests were not always administered as required.

Key Finding

We found that MTA officials made some progress in addressing the problems we identified in the initial audit report. Of the initial report’s five audit recommendations, two were implemented, two were partially implemented, and one was not 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.