(WNY News Now) The MTA’s weather resiliency efforts are failing, according to a recent audit by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, which cites insufficient inspections, a dearth of weather alerts, and the susceptibility of critical infrastructure to future storms.
According to an audit released today by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, three agencies under the Metropolitan Transportation Authority—Bridges & Tunnels (B&T), NYC Transit Department of Buses (Transit Bus), and MTA Bus Company (MTA Bus)—need to strengthen their readiness for severe weather. The audit revealed that resiliency equipment was not being maintained or inspected, and that weather alert protocols were not being followed.
In addition to developing plans and procedures to respond for catastrophic weather-related events, the MTA has been investing and executing capital improvements that adapt the transportation system to climate change and harsh weather. However, DiNapoli stated that the effectiveness of these plans depends on how well they are carried out. In addition to ensuring that bus depots and tunnels are maintained, inspected, and ready for the next weather event, this audit highlights areas where MTA needs to make improvements.
The Queens Midtown Tunnel, the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel, and six bus depots suffered significant damage in 2012 as a result of Superstorm Sandy, which cost the MTA almost $5 billion in damages. Following it, the bus operating units of MTA Bus (Bus Operations) and B&T Transit Bus both implemented initiatives to guard against future coastal storms and created protocols to be followed both before and after severe weather.
However, DiNapoli’s audit discovered that these agencies had not conducted a systemwide risk assessment, which is a recommendation made by its own Blue Ribbon Commission on Sustainability to assist determine the likelihood of system harm. Although some individual assessments were conducted in conjunction with efforts to protect against extreme weather, B&T officials stated that they did not perceive a risk and had no plans to do an assessment. Despite some risk reviews being conducted at four depots that had been recognized as having previously flooded, Bus Operations personnel did not produce a systemwide risk assessment for depots.
In order to guarantee that flood protection equipment is available to fend off future extreme weather, auditors discovered that inspections and maintenance were either not always conducted as necessary or were not documented. Overall, the audit concluded that B&T’s storm mitigation infrastructure may be at danger due to its lack of timely, routine inspections and maintenance.
There was no proof that the 12 flood doors in two B&T tunnels had been inspected. During their visits, auditors discovered that three doors had failed gasket seals, which might have let water seep through.
When auditors went to six bus depots, they discovered that necessary inspections were not being conducted. For instance, during the course of a year and a half, 336 inspections of the big vehicles used for snow removal at four depots should have been conducted, but only 59 were recorded. To make sure the equipment will be operational when needed, inspections are required. Additionally, there was no proof that staff members at two depots had received training on how to examine flood control equipment.
Bus Operations and B&T both have a set of protocols and warnings for severe weather. Ten dates with severe weather were selected by the auditors, who discovered that protocols were not always followed. Three of the ten occasions, according to bus officials, had weather that was not bad enough to warrant a weather alert. However, on July 10, 2020, Tropical Storm Fay brought with it 2.31 inches of rain and gale-force winds at JFK Airport. The lack of communications about the weather during those three days was interpreted by officials as proof that the conditions were favorable. Bus depots flooded on two of the last seven days, August 21 and September 1, 2021, but no warnings or steps were taken to lessen the effects of the weather. According to officials, they have made sure that future alerts will be sent out. Additionally, the audit found that there were no protocols in place for unforeseen weather occurrences like tornadoes or flash floods.
13 recommendations were made by DiNapoli’s audit, including the following: B&T and Bus Operations should update their systemwide risk assessments on a regular basis to reflect progress and any new issues that need to be addressed; equipment should be maintained and inspected as needed and promptly; and protocols should be put in place to handle all weather events, including tornadoes, flash floods, and flash freezing.
MTA officials acknowledged the recommendations in their answer, and in a small number of situations, they agreed with all or some of them.
Risk Assessment and Execution of Strategies to Handle Severe Weather Conditions Audit Metropolitan Transportation Authority MTA Bridges & Tunnels, MTA Bus Company, and New York City Transit-Department of Buses
Associated WorkNew York City Transit: Risk Evaluation and Execution of Strategies to Handle Severe Weather Events (Sept. 2023) Metropolitan Transportation Authority
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