New Bill Demands Audit of Top 5 Transit Agencies' COVID Relief Spending: Report Due to Congress in 180 Days

The "Make Transportation Authorities Accountable and Transparent Act" orders a deep dive into how the five biggest U.S. transit agencies spent their COVID-19 relief money. This isn't just a quick look-see; the Department of Transportation's Inspector General (IG) is tasked with a full audit, examining every dollar received and spent by these agencies over the five fiscal years prior to this Act's passage.

Digging into the Details

The bill specifically targets funds received under several major relief packages, including the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan, as well as regular transportation funding under Title 49, Chapter 53 of the U.S. Code. The focus is on the five transit agencies that reported the most "unlinked passenger trips" in 2019 – basically, the biggest players in public transit. This detailed audit will reveal the exact amount of federal funds received and how that money was used. The goal is to ensure that taxpayer dollars allocated during the pandemic were used appropriately for their intended purpose.

Real-World Implications

Imagine you're a daily commuter in a major city, relying on the subway or bus system. This audit will show if the billions in relief funds meant to keep those systems running actually went to things like maintaining service, upgrading safety measures, or preventing layoffs. Or, if you are a worker at any of these transit agencies, the audit can tell you how secure the money was spent. For example, if funds were earmarked for protective equipment or hazard pay, the audit will verify whether those allocations were made correctly. The findings could also highlight any inefficiencies or misallocations, influencing future funding decisions by Congress.

Challenges and Long-Term View

One potential hiccup? The bill, in SEC. 2, gives the Inspector General just 180 days from the date of enactment to complete the audit and report back to Congress. That's a tight timeline for such a comprehensive review. Also, while the bill mandates transparency, the effectiveness of the audit will depend on the cooperation of the transit agencies in providing complete and accurate records. The long-term impact is about more than just finding fault. It's about ensuring accountability in how public money is managed, especially during crises. This audit could set a precedent for how future emergency funds are tracked and used, not just in transportation, but potentially across other sectors as well.