News

NEW YORK, NY March 02, 2006 —A new report by State Controller Alan Hevesi finds the MTA is far behind its self-imposed deadlines for upgrading security after the 9/11 attacks. WNYC's Beth Fertig reports.

REPORTER: Security reasons prevented Hevesi from detailing which projects are behind schedule. But out of 16 that were listed as high priority, he says 8 are delayed and only one has been completed. He blamed a lack of federal funding and the MTA's own difficulties in getting up to speed on anti terrorism technologies.

HEVESI: There are good reasons for the delay, it's not acceptable but they're understandable.

REPORTER: The controller said the MTA could have benefitted from working more closely with the city's police department. He also said officials spent a lot of time learning about security programs they were not acquainted with such as electronic sensors. An MTA spokesman did not dispute Hevesi's report - noting the controller's acknowledgment that there were good reasons for some delays.