According to the MBTA’s 2022 Transit Asset Management Plan (TAMP), the MBTA’s Transit Facilities Maintenance department conducts monthly, quarterly, and annual visual inspections of MBTA stations. However, during the audit period, MBTA could only provide limited documentation—in some cases, no documentation—to substantiate the extent to which it had performed these visual inspections.
According to MBTA officials, there are approximately 122 subway stations throughout the MBTA system. In response to our request for documentation supporting the completion of monthly, quarterly, and annual inspections, the MBTA was only able to provide annual inspection reports for 2021, covering 50 of the 122 stations (41%). For 2021, the MBTA was unable to demonstrate that it had performed monthly or quarterly inspections of any of its subway stations (0%). Furthermore, the MBTA could not demonstrate that it performed visual inspections of any of its subway stations during 2022.
A lack of regular inspections increases the risk that safety hazards and maintenance needs may not be identified in a timely manner, affecting the safety of the MBTA’s riders, employees, and the general public.
Authoritative Guidance
According to Section 6.2.2 of MBTA’s 2018 TAMP, the following is the inspection and assessment activity for stations/facilities:
| Inspection / Assessment Activity | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Detailed System Inspections | Monthly |
Effective October 31, 2022, the MBTA’s 2022 TAMP included the following station/facility inspection requirements:
| Inspection / Assessment Activity | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Stations – Structural Inspections | Annually |
| Station and Platform Pit – Inspections | Annually |
| Stations – Cleaning Inspections | Monthly |
| Stations – Visual Inspections | Monthly, quarterly, and annually |
Reasons for Noncompliance
The MBTA does not have formal, comprehensive policies and procedures for subway station facility visual inspections.
Recommendations
- The MBTA should conduct visual inspections of stations on a regular basis to identify and address safety hazards and maintenance needs. The MBTA should maintain records of these inspections.
- The MBTA should implement formal, comprehensive policies and procedures for subway station facility visual inspections, including a monitoring component.
- The MBTA should track and analyze the results of visual inspections to determine trends, manage performance, and conduct other management duties.
Auditee’s Response
The MBTA acknowledges and agrees with the SAO’s recommendations with respect to needing better documentation of inspections of stations. The Transit Facilities Maintenance (“TFM”) was unable to provide evidence of the monthly, quarterly, and annual visual inspections as stated in the 2022 Transit Asset Management Plan (“TAMP”). The MBTA and TFM recognize that, while inspections have been carried out as part of TFM’s ongoing maintenance efforts, improvements are required in the form of formalized documented processes and policies for these inspections, which are essential for compliance and ensuring a consistent approach to monitoring the safety and condition of the MBTA’s facilities. The MBTA is committed to continuing developing and implementing a formalized process for conducting and documenting station inspections. This includes establishing a clearer policy with respect to the frequency of inspections, improved record keeping practices, and ensuring visual inspections are documented and readily accessible for review.
Auditor’s Reply
In response to our concerns, the MBTA is taking steps to address the issue. We strongly recommend that the MBTA establish and implement a formal process to ensure that visual inspections of its subway station facilities are conducted regularly. As part of our post-audit review, we will follow up on this matter in approximately six months.
| Date published: | March 10, 2025 |
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