MTS Receives Perfect Score in State Performance Audit

A comprehensive performance audit of the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System’s (MTS) operations performed by the State of California found full compliance, and auditors lauded MTS as positioned well for continued responsible financial management in the future. 

 “A perfect performance audit is a testament to great work being done up and down the ranks at MTS. San Diego residents should be confident that tax dollars are being well-spent now and going into the future,” said MTS Chief Executive Officer Paul Jablonski.

The FY 2013-2015 Performance Audit of MTS was required for the continued receipt of State Transportation Development Act (TDA) funds under California Public Utilities Code. This is a significant source of funding for the San Diego region’s largest transit system. On average, MTS receives $86.6 million in TDA funds annually, equating to 68 percent of its operations budget. The TDA audit covered MTS operations for Fiscal Years 2013, 2014 and 2015, the period from July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2015.

The MTS performance audit included evaluations of:

• Compliance with pertinent sections of the Public Utilities Code
• Progress to implement prior performance audit recommendations
• Agency goals and objectives and performance monitoring systems
• System-wide and functional area performance trends

Audit findings included:

• Continued installation of security cameras on buses and Trolleys (more than 10,000 cameras are used throughout the system)
• Completion of 5-year $660 million Trolley Renewal project to upgrade the MTS rail network
• Initiation of Rapid – the high frequency, limited stop bus rapid transit service
• Continued progress on the $24 million East County Bus Maintenance and Operations Facility
• Completion of the new $30 million South Bay Maintenance and Operations Facility
• Implementation of improvements to labor contract

Auditors concluded, “these accomplishments position MTS well for expanded operations and continued responsible financial management in the future.”

The performance audit was administered by the San Diego Association of Governments and prepared by CH2M Hill.

Just a year ago, MTS received a perfect score for the third consecutive time during a sweeping audit by the Federal Transit Administration that takes place every three years. Transit agency performance audits are conducted as standards of eligibility for state and federal funding,  to identify significant achievements, and highlight opportunities for improvements.