MTA track inspectors falsified reports, OIG finds

An investigation into MTA elevated track inspectors found they often fail to fully inspect the tracks and sometimes falsify reports, which potentially lead to falling debris.  Photo via Jimmy Van Bramer/Twitter

By Jacob Kaye

The MTA Inspector General released a report last month recommending seven track inspectors be fired for failing “to fully inspect the tracks,” and falsely claiming inspections had been completed.

The report was prompted by several incidents of falling debris, which tumbled from the 7 line train tracks into the streets of Northwest Queens in 2019.

“The OIG became suspicious that inspectors were not doing their jobs because there seemed to be no explanation, in some cases, why the falling debris was not identified during the weekly inspections,” the report reads. “These Inspectors treated their duties like a no- or low-show job.”

The report centers around seven elevated track inspectors, who were observed over the course of six months, according to the Office of the MTA Inspector General. During the observation period, investigators found the inspectors to be often distracted at best and completely missing at worst.

“The OIG’s observations raise alarm about the diligence with which the Inspectors approached their work, due to distractions or their complete absence from the tracks, thereby creating significant safety risks,” the report said.

Track inspectors are supposed to do a weekly walkthrough of the elevated tracks to make sure no debris, like the pieces that fell in Queens, are on the tracks. The inspections last around 5 to 6 hours. However, the OIG found the elevated track inspections are often less than thorough.

All seven track inspectors observed were found to have falsified reports at least once during the observation period, telling their superiors that they had completed an inspection when they actually had not.

In follow up interviews with the track inspectors, one “even admitted that he will sometimes falsely report a complete inspection when he had not actually completed it.”

“Notably, however, most Inspectors did not deny what the OIG found in the surveillance,” the report said.

In March 2019, several chunks of train track came tumbling down from the elevated rails, crashing into the street and into cars below. While no one was hurt, a piece of wood cut through a cab driver’s front windshield. In another incident, a piece of metal shattered the windshield of a car in Woodside.

All seven inspectors observed in the report have been fired, according to the MTA.

“As we have been saying for months, including during discussion of this investigation at board meetings, there is nothing more important to us than ensuring the safety of the riding public,” MTA Spokesperson Aaron Donovan said in a statement. “These inspectors violated the public’s trust, they were caught and immediately removed from service, and as the MTAIG points out, they are paying severe penalties for those violations. NYC Transit has zero tolerance for any action that could impact safety – period.”

The investigation prompted the MTA to conduct an “inspection surge,” where all 665 miles of main line track were checked for safety, according to the transit agency.

Additionally, New York City Transit created a new inspection process, which is being audited regularly, that involves constant oversight by supervisors, Donovan said.