Metro News Release

For immediate release: October 1, 2004

Metro releases recent internal audit findings to the board of directors

At a recent meeting of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) Board Audit Committee meeting, staff presented the findings of 42 internal audits for the period of April 1 through June 30, 2004. Internal audits are shared quarterly with the Metro Board and media to demonstrate just one of the internal checks that are in place to ensure accountability within WMATA. Highlights of some of the most recently released audits are below. Review of the Fiscal Year 2003 Purchase Card ProgramThe Audit Department reviewed the fiscal year 2003 files of its purchase card holders. Several policy violations were identified, however no abuse was found. The audit disclosed that some cards were used by employees who were not authorized to use them; a few purchase card files were missing; some ’split purchases" were made in an effort to exceed the purchase card single transaction limit; and some purchase card files were not maintained properly. Recommendations for improving the purchase card program including reminding employees with access to these cards to maintain the appropriate records and to follow proper procedures were made.Review of Metro Cell PhonesAn internal audit of company issued cell phones in each department between May and November 2003 was conducted. Metro staff who have cell phones are often on call 24-hours-a-day, others who have cell phones are often working in the field and not in an office so they do not have access to a land-line telephone on a regular basis. The audit called for the return of 183 of the 1,410 cell phones that are in use. Auditors also worked with staff to make changes and recommendations to ensure that cell phone users were signed up for the most appropriate cell phone plan based on their individual needs. As a result, Metro expects to save approximately $27,000 per month.Overview of Other AuditsIn total there were 42 audit reports conducted during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2004. A few of the other audits that were recently shared with the Metro Board of Directors included the following: an inquiry on renovations to the Southeast Bus Garage; two comparative reviews of planned and actual costs for two subcontractors working on the comprehensive escalator canopy program; a review of Transit Union 689’s health and welfare plan; an audit of a proposal by a subcontractor for jet fans and tunnel ventilation;a review of a contract proposal to provide elevator maintenance program restructuring; an audit of a sole source proposal to upgrade technology infrastructure; an audit of a proposal to develop the chemical sensor program; an audit of a proposal for a contract for track geometry testing; an audit of a proposal to develop a regional bus study recommendation implementation plan; and an audit of a proposal for services related to the Rockville Metrorail station access improvements.

News release issued on October 1, 2004.