New state budget requires LIRR to change on-time performance standards

Under the new system, all MTA agencies, including the LIRR, will have to report their on-time performance figures weekly — instead of monthly, as they do now. The MTA also will be required to issue an annual report comparing its performance to that of other transit agencies around the world using various metrics, including the total operating cost per mile and maintenance costs.

And the new law also calls for an independent forensic audit of the MTA to help uncover possible wasteful spending. Sen. James Gaughran (D-Huntington), who pushed for the audit, known as the Rail Act, said lawmakers negotiated the changes as a condition of their support for a congestion pricing plan that could generate billions of dollars in revenue for the LIRR.

“They appear to be a runaway authority. All they’re doing is looking for more and more revenue,” Gaughran said. “And so what we said is, ‘Halt.’ We’ve got to get a total fix on what they’re doing.”

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