Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
COMPTROLLER STRINGER AUDIT REVEALS WIDESPREAD MISMANAGEMENT, WASTE AND SERVICE FAILURES IN MTA’S ACCESS-A-RIDE PROGRAM
Tens of thousands of New Yorkers left stranded; 2.5 million pick-up and drop-off times may have been manipulated to show more favorable performance; Less than 50% of one car service’s trips were on-time
More than 31,000 times in 2015, New York City residents booked Access-A-Ride vehicles that never showed up and failed to provide service, stranding thousands of New Yorkers with disabilities, seniors and others who are unable to take mass transit, according to a new audit released today by New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer. The audit found that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) allowed vendors to act with impunity, failing to monitor and correct problems or improve its Paratransit service.
“Access-A-Ride is absolutely essential for thousands of people to get around New York City every single day, yet this program stranded thousands of people, wasted millions of taxpayer dollars and caused untold harm and distress,” Comptroller Stringer said. “We found serious breakdowns in oversight and operations which have contributed to a culture of indifference and neglect by the MTA. After years of mismanagement, it’s on the MTA to take action now.”
Access-A-Ride services are mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires public transportation authorities to provide a paratransit system for passengers who cannot use public bus or subway services. In assigning Access-A-Ride trips, the MTA delivers service through a network of 16 companies. These companies provide service using MTA Paratransit Division-owned vehicles, such as specially equipped buses and cars, and for hire vehicles that provide transportation to ambulatory passengers through car services.
The Comptroller’s Audit examined Access-A-Ride services for which the MTA paid $321 million in calendar year 2015.
Key findings include:
Access-a-Ride Buses and Cars
Thousands of people were left stranded by Access-A-Ride, and service providers blame customers, not themselves.
- In 2015, self-reported data from Access-A-Ride bus and car providers showed passengers were stranded 31,492 times, nearly double the rate that was allowed by their contracts before penalties and corrective action would be taken.
- One contractor, GVC II, reported 10,100 no-shows, which is when a customer doesn’t show up or a van or car does not show up or arrives at least 45 minutes late and the customer is not provided service. The company blamed customers for more than 7,500 of those instances. However, an MTA review found that the contractor, not the customer, was likely responsible for 40 percent of those no-shows. This is especially problematic as this negative information can be used by the MTA to suspend customers from the program.
- All told, the MTA assessed only $12,000 in penalties in 2015, 0.004 percent of all payments made to bus and car providers in that year, for inaccurately reporting when vehicles were no-shows.
Service providers may have manipulated over 2.5 million electronically recorded pick-up and drop off times to improve their on-time performance data.
When auditors examined all pick-up and drop-off times, a troubling pattern emerged. Of 9.3 million pick-ups or drop-offs, 2.5 million had been “reconciled” by service providers so that it appeared buses and cars arrived earlier than GPS data showed.
By manually comparing electronically recorded times to providers’ hand-written notes and “reconciling” those two times, the vestige of an era when GPS data did not exist, providers can avoid incurring penalties and improve their perceived performance.
A sample of rides found that nearly three-quarters of the time, Access-A-Ride bus and car providers misrepresented or had no data to confirm when customers were picked up.
Although Access-A-Ride buses and cars were required to have GPS systems installed, the MTA routinely failed to use this technology to determine if buses and cars actually showed up for appointed rides and provided timely service. Instead, the MTA has relied on contractors’ self-reported trip and vehicle data, which is often inaccurate and not supported by GPS data.
- In a sample of 150 trips by three providers, auditors found that 73 percent of the time, there was incorrect self-reported data or no data at all to prove when passengers were actually picked up.
Contracted Car Services
Because the MTA lacks GPS data, it may have paid nearly $130,000 for car service trips that never occurred.
- The MTA didn’t enforce contract requirements that car services install GPS. As a result, it couldn’t ensure that taxpayers paid only for trips that were performed.
- The MTA determines how much to pay car service providers by reviewing the total number of trips that were assigned, and deducting cancellations and the number of times a taxi was used to replace a trip that didn’t show up.
- In 2015, customers logged 4,771 complaints about no-show vehicles , but the MTA deducted only 586 reimbursements for taxi rides taken when vehicles didn’t show up. Because billing is done essentially on the honor system, taxpayers may have paid for 4,185 trips, worth nearly $130,000, which never occurred.
Customer complaints for one car service were up to six times higher than the contract allows and half of all rides from one company weren’t on time, yet the MTA did not take meaningful corrective action.
- While contracts stated that there should be no more than 1.5 customer complaints per every 1,000 trips performed, one provider, Corporate Transit Group, logged negative customer service complaints up to six times the allowed rate.
- In addition, a review of performance data for another provider, Medical Transportation Management, showed that less than 50 percent of all rides in 2015 were on time.
- MTA acknowledged that both contractors were poor performers, but never held either company accountable or found alternative service providers. Both companies’ contracts are set to expire this year.
The MTA fails to offer customers the option of taking taxis, which are significantly less expensive on a per-ride basis, imposing a significant cost on taxpayers.
- Ambulatory Access-A-Ride passengers are allowed to take taxis instead of buses or cars if traveling within the same borough or traveling to or from a City airport. However, in 50 sampled reservations in which a taxi option should have been offered, reservation agents gave riders that option just seven times. Taking taxis could save taxpayers significant money, as the average cost of a bus or car trip is $67, while the average cost of a car service ride is $31 and the average cost of a taxi is $18.
“There’s a reason Access-A-Ride passengers call the service ‘Stress-A-Ride.’ Providers left people stranded, manipulated records, may have been paid for rides that didn’t happen, weren’t on time and racked up customer complaints yet the MTA willfully ignored this and essentially did nothing. When Access-A-Ride leaves customers in the lurch, they may miss medical appointments or risk being late to work. It’s time for the MTA to do its job so that all New Yorkers who depend on Access-A-Ride can access transit services that are safe, timely and reliable,” Stringer said.
The Comptroller’s audit made 21 recommendations, including that the MTA:
Ensure that all buses and cars are equipped with GPS technology, and that the GPS is properly functioning and activated when the vehicles are in service.- Direct providers to stop recording “reconciled” times, except when the GPS system fails to operate properly.
- Use GPS data to evaluate performance, including if buses and cars meet minimum no-show and on time performance standards.
- Take corrective action against service providers that inaccurately report trip and vehicle data, including higher financial penalties, reductions in trip referrals, and termination of contracts.
- Consider seeking new car service providers or alternatives to the existing service model.
“In a City that prides itself on its diversity, tolerance and accessibility, the Access-A-Ride program is an affront to all New Yorkers. The MTA needs to respect the civil rights of all riders, bring this program into the 21st century and get serious about actually fixing what’s wrong. Everyone deserves a fair shot to make it here, but when this program fails to work for everyone, we can’t fulfill that promise,” Stringer said.
To read the audit, please click here.
Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj - Decade Masquerade Fundraiser
On behalf of New Beginning Animal Rescue we invite you to the
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Decade Masquerade Fundraiser
Saturday, June 4th, 2016
7pm-11pm
Throggs Neck Memorial Post
1456 Shore Drive
Bronx, New York 10465
-20$ Admission- |
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Come in costumes from your favorite era - 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s or 90s!
-Buffet Dinner
- Door Prizes, Raffles and 50/50 Drawing!
-Separate Cash Bar!
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100% of proceeds go directly to New Beginning Animal Rescue!
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SENATOR KLEIN HONORS COMMUNITY LEADER ROSEMARY DURSO AT THE 19TH ANNUAL NEW YORK STATE WOMEN OF DISTINCTION CEREMONY
Senator Jeff Klein honored Rosemary Durso, director of Boston Road’s Regional Aide Interim Needs (R.A.I.N.) at the 19th Annual Women of Distinction Ceremony in Albany on Tuesday evening.
Since 1998, Rosemary Durso has served the senior population and currently serves as director at Regional Aide Interim Needs Senior Center, Boston Road, a non-profit social service agency serving the senior population in the northeast Bronx. Her experience, expertise, and strong knowledge of the Bronx are instrumental in improving the quality-of-life for the senior population. A lifelong resident of the northeast Bronx, she remains active in her community. Durso has served on numerous boards, such as Community Board #11, Rotary Club, and Visions. She is also a founding member of the Networking Organization of Bronx Women, which began in 1978.
“Rosemary Durso has worked tirelessly to protect the health and enhance the quality-of-life for our senior citizens,” said Senator Klein. “Her steadfast commitment to serving her borough is inspiring, and I am proud to present Rosemary Durso with this year’s Women of Distinction Award.”
“I thank Senator Jeff Klein for this special honor as I enjoy serving the community and working at R.A.I.N. Senator Klein is a tremendous advocate for our senior population and his legislation and programming has truly helped the elderly,” said Durso.
JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center - Upcoming Cultural Events in June 2016
“A Time to Dance,” a sparkling one-woman show written and performed by Libby Skala on Sunday, June 5th at JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center at 2:15 PM. Libby Skala interweaves storytelling, music and dance to portray the dazzling 100 years of her great aunt Elizabeth "Lisl" Polk who transcends poverty, artist icrepression and the rise of Hitler through the love of dance to become a renowned dance therapy pioneer. “Funny. Captivating. Charming.” –The New York Times Lunch served at 1:15 PM: salmon w/dill sauce or chicken breast, fusili pasta w/parsley, zucchiniProvencal, French bread, fruit. Lunch served at 1:15 PM. Refreshments will be served. Recommended senior meal contribution: $2.50 & event donation: $2.00. Non-Senior meal fee: $5.00, event fee: $3.00. Call senior center office 718-549-4700 by Wed. 6/1 for advance meal reservations.
Ling Tang, exuberant Chinese dancer & educator, will instruct one more dance class on Thurs. June 9th before her interactive performance on Thurs. June 23rd at 1:00 PM at JASA Van Cortlandt Sr. Center. A nutritious kosher lunch of Salisbury steak or chicken salad will be served on 6/9 and breaded sole fillet or chicken salad on 6/23 at 12:15 PM. Recommended senior meal contribution is $2.25 and senior event contribution: $1.00. Non-Senior meal fee: $5.00, event fee:$2.00.
Nick Demopoulos, guitar, and Mariella, vocals, will perform classic jazz and Latin songs on Fri. June 10th at 1:00 PM.Nick was the guitar player in NEA Jazz Master Chico Hamilton's ensemble and has recorded several albums with him.He has also released several recordings with his jazz trio, Exegesis.Mariella is a soulful vocalist and mainstay of the New York City circuit. Her poignant lyrics and masterful songwriting have earned her accolades worldwide. A delectable meal of baked chicken legs or gefilte fish loaf will be served at 12:15 PM. Recommended senior meal contribution is $2.25 and event contribution: $1.00. Non-senior meal fee: $5.00 and $2.00 event fee. Refreshments will be served.
Join us for a special dinner of honey lemon roast chicken or ocean perch, broccoli soufflé & carrot tsimmes at 5:30 PMon Wed. June 29th followed by the Bronx Opera Ensemble in concert at 6:30 PM. Recommended senior meal contribution: $2.50 & event donation:$2.00. Non-Senior meal fee: $5.00, event fee: $3.00. Call senior center office 718-549-4700 by Fri. 6/24 for advance meal reservations.
JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center
3880 Sedgwick Ave., First Floor
Bronx, NY 10463
Phone: 718-549-4700
Fax: 718-884-6063
ASIANS NEED NOT APPLY: MINORITY EXCLUSION IN THE STATE GOVERNMENT WORKFORCE
Assemblyman Ron Kim, the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF), Korean American Civic Empowerment for Community (KACE), and the YWCA of Queens have announced a broad, joint initiative for "true inclusion and real diversity" in the public sector. They and other community partners have spoken out against the clear disparity in Asian American representation in New York State’s government workforce, and will be collaborating together on potential solutions.
They have written a letter to Governor Cuomo, signed by many Assembly Members and community organizations, asking him to address the issue: https://drive.google.com/open?
There will also be a large public awareness campaign to reach out to all New Yorkers, encouraging everyone to spread the word, voice their concerns to their elected officials, and sign onto a petition supporting Bill A.08050 – the New York Minority Employment Act – which would include Asian Americans in efforts to reform the state hiring and recruiting system.
The website for this initiative:
“Claiming to champion greater diversity and inclusion while overlooking an entire group of Americans is wrong and misleading, and through his actions the governor has shown a deliberate neglect for the concerns of our community,” stated Assemblyman Ron Kim stated, “When representation of Asian Americans in the government workforce is less than half that of our state’s total workforce, there is clearly systemic inequality that must be dealt with. The support of my colleagues and my office’s community partners has given us a mandate to truly address this problem. Though we hope to work with the administration on this issue, this is only the first step in a larger, community-wide mission to build a public sector that represents all New Yorkers.”
Henrietta Ho-Asjoe, Interim Executive Director, Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, stated: “Diversity and inclusion discussions exist to give a voice to the most historically excluded, as well as those with new perspectives and unheard experiences. The state workforce and Governor Cuomo's Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion are not in line with these goals. We invite Governor Cuomo to join in the fight against the model minority myth and urge him to make sure that those who serve and lead our state truly represent the community”
Dongchan Kim, President of KACE, stated, “Asian Americans in New York State have been underrepresented in many aspects. Especially in the NYS Government work force, only 3.8% are Asian Americans while 8.6% of the total state workforce is Asian American. When Governor Cuomo created the Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion in March 2016, we were very concerned about the fact that Governor Cuomo didn't pay heed to Asian Americans. The exclusion of Asian Americans is becoming systematic. Now we need a systematic measure to address the problem. The NYMEP Act will be the first step to address the problem."
South Asian Community Leader Dilip Chauhan stated, “We urge the NY State Governor to promote and encourage diversity in the state government workforce by including the Asian American population, evaluating the recruiting and employment practices of state government agencies, and mandating proper reporting - as well as including a Chief Diversity Officer in each of the respective agencies to monitor these initiative.”
“The Young Women’s Christian Association of Queens’ mission is to Eliminate Racism and Empower Women,” stated Katherine H. Kim, Executive Director of the YWCA of Queens. “We believe that while current law starts to address the structural inequalities that keep all New Yorkers from gainfully seeking employment in government positions, there is still a long way to go. NYMEP will help everyone keep to task and ensure that our public servants truly reflect the wonderful diversity of our State. As YWCAs are united in our mission, we have engaged our sister associations across New York State to stand with us in this effort. “
Assemblyman Gjonaj's Senior Tea Party
New York State Assemblyman
Mark Gjonaj
Mark Gjonaj
Invites you to his
Senior Tea Party
Friday, May 27,2016
10:00am - 12:00pm
F&J Pine Restaurant
1913 Bronxdale Ave, Bronx, NY 10462
Come dressed in your best outfit for our Best Dressed Contest, Best Hat Contest and Prizes!
Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj's 80th District Office
1126 Pelham Parkway South
Bronx, New York 10461
Phone: (718) 409-0109
Fax: (718) 409-0431
Monday, May 16, 2016
COMPTROLLER STRINGER: NEW YORK CITY ECONOMY CONTINUES EXPANSION IN FIRST QUARTER, BUT SIGNS OF A SLOWDOWN EMERGE
32,000 more New York City residents are engaged in the labor market now than last quarter, the highest quarterly increase in 12 years
Average hourly earnings for City private-sector workers, however, remain stagnant
Strong gains in private-sector payroll jobs helped New York City’s economy grow by an estimated 3.4 percent during the first quarter of 2016, significantly faster than the national economy according to a Quarterly Economic Update released today by New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer. However, signs of a cooling economy emerged as average hourly earnings in the private sector were flat and venture capital fell for the first time since 2012.
“The City’s job market was a bright spot in the first few months of 2016 as more New Yorkers joined the workforce, but there are signs of a slowdown on the horizon,” said New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer. “More City residents than ever before are now employed, but too many of the jobs we’re gaining are in low-wage industries. When New Yorkers work full time and still can’t afford a decent living, it undermines our entire economy.”
Released every quarter, the Comptroller’s Quarterly Economic Update examines a broad range of indicators that reflect the City’s current conditions in the national context.
Specific findings for the First Quarter of 2016 include:
Continued Overall Economic Growth
- New York City’s economy, as estimated by Gross City Product (GCP), grew at a 3.4 percent annual rate in the first quarter of 2016, greatly outpacing U.S. GDP growth of only 0.5 percent. While the past two years began with similarly divergent rates, over the course of those years, the gap in growth narrowed.
- New York City resident employment grew by 21,200 in the first quarter, reaching a record level of more than 4 million and raising the employment-to-population ratio to 58.1 percent. The spread between the national and the city employment-to-population remains close to its historical low.
- Signaling optimism in the local labor market, the number of city residents working or looking for a job soared. About 32,000 city residents joined or rejoined the labor force, the highest quarterly increase in 12 years.
Stagnating Wages
- Of the total 41,700 private-sector payroll jobs added in the first quarter, nearly half (19,100) were in low-wage industries and 36 percent were in mid-wage industries. All major sectors expanded except for the high-paid financial activities sector.
- The continued dominance of low-wage job creation contributed to disappointing wage gains. Average hourly earnings for private-sector payroll workers grew only 0.1 percent year-over-year.
- Between the end of the Great Recession and 2014, average pay in low-wage industries has fallen 3.2 percent after adjusting for inflation. Real wages for mid-wage industries have grown 4.1 percent, while high-wage industries experienced 10.3 percent real wage growth in those five years.
Falling Venture Capital Investment and Weak Income Tax Collections
- Venture capital investment in the New York metro area fell 6.2 percent to about $1.4 billion in the first quarter of 2016, the first year-over-year decline since 2012. Nationwide, venture capital investment fell even faster, leading the New York metro area’s share of investment to grow from 10.7 percent in the final quarter of 2015 to 11.3 percent in the first quarter of 2016.
- Quarterly City personal income tax revenues fell 0.3 percent on a year-over-year basis, driven by a 28 percent increase in tax refunds. The steep increase in refunds was offset by modest growth in taxes withheld from paychecks (3.1 percent) and estimated payments (1.1 percent).
- A decrease in financial sector bonus payments contributed to relatively weak first quarter personal income tax collections. Wall Street bonuses are estimated to have been $23 billion in the 2015 bonus season, 15.9 percent lower than $27.5 billion in 2014, and the lowest level since 2011. Lower bonuses coincided with a 10.5 percent drop in Wall Street profits in 2015.
Real Estate Market Growth, but Signs of Cooling
- Manhattan’s vacancy rate for commercial property fell to 9.0 percent, the lowest first-quarter level since 2008. Vacancy rates in Midtown South dropped from 7.0 percent in the first quarter of 2015 to 6.3 percent this quarter, as Midtown overall and Downtown recorded smaller declines.
- New commercial leasing activity in Manhattan, however, fell 6.0 percent to 6.5 million square feet. The highest-leasing sector was TAMI (technology, advertising, media and information services), accounting for nearly 37 percent of new leases 10,000 square feet and larger.
- The volume of residential home sales increased 8.1 percent in Manhattan and 26.9 percent in Brooklyn. However, home sales in Queens fell 1.9 percent in the first quarter, after growing 32.7 percent in the final quarter of 2015. Similarly, average home sales prices increased in Manhattan and Brooklyn but fell in Queens.
“A strong City economy and job gains are always welcome news, but stagnant wages, a potential cool off in the commercial real estate market, and slowing venture capital investment are causes for concern. We’ll be keeping an eye on these economic indicators and continuing to focus on enacting policies that ensure every New Yorker has a fair chance to share in our City’s growth,” Stringer said.
Strong gains in private-sector payroll jobs helped New York City’s economy grow by an estimated 3.4 percent during the first quarter of 2016, significantly faster than the national economy according to a Quarterly Economic Update released today by New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer. However, signs of a cooling economy emerged as average hourly earnings in the private sector were flat and venture capital fell for the first time since 2012.
“The City’s job market was a bright spot in the first few months of 2016 as more New Yorkers joined the workforce, but there are signs of a slowdown on the horizon,” said New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer. “More City residents than ever before are now employed, but too many of the jobs we’re gaining are in low-wage industries. When New Yorkers work full time and still can’t afford a decent living, it undermines our entire economy.”
Released every quarter, the Comptroller’s Quarterly Economic Update examines a broad range of indicators that reflect the City’s current conditions in the national context.
Specific findings for the First Quarter of 2016 include:
Continued Overall Economic Growth
- New York City’s economy, as estimated by Gross City Product (GCP), grew at a 3.4 percent annual rate in the first quarter of 2016, greatly outpacing U.S. GDP growth of only 0.5 percent. While the past two years began with similarly divergent rates, over the course of those years, the gap in growth narrowed.
- New York City resident employment grew by 21,200 in the first quarter, reaching a record level of more than 4 million and raising the employment-to-population ratio to 58.1 percent. The spread between the national and the city employment-to-population remains close to its historical low.
- Signaling optimism in the local labor market, the number of city residents working or looking for a job soared. About 32,000 city residents joined or rejoined the labor force, the highest quarterly increase in 12 years.
Stagnating Wages
- Of the total 41,700 private-sector payroll jobs added in the first quarter, nearly half (19,100) were in low-wage industries and 36 percent were in mid-wage industries. All major sectors expanded except for the high-paid financial activities sector.
- The continued dominance of low-wage job creation contributed to disappointing wage gains. Average hourly earnings for private-sector payroll workers grew only 0.1 percent year-over-year.
- Between the end of the Great Recession and 2014, average pay in low-wage industries has fallen 3.2 percent after adjusting for inflation. Real wages for mid-wage industries have grown 4.1 percent, while high-wage industries experienced 10.3 percent real wage growth in those five years.
Falling Venture Capital Investment and Weak Income Tax Collections
- Venture capital investment in the New York metro area fell 6.2 percent to about $1.4 billion in the first quarter of 2016, the first year-over-year decline since 2012. Nationwide, venture capital investment fell even faster, leading the New York metro area’s share of investment to grow from 10.7 percent in the final quarter of 2015 to 11.3 percent in the first quarter of 2016.
- Quarterly City personal income tax revenues fell 0.3 percent on a year-over-year basis, driven by a 28 percent increase in tax refunds. The steep increase in refunds was offset by modest growth in taxes withheld from paychecks (3.1 percent) and estimated payments (1.1 percent).
- A decrease in financial sector bonus payments contributed to relatively weak first quarter personal income tax collections. Wall Street bonuses are estimated to have been $23 billion in the 2015 bonus season, 15.9 percent lower than $27.5 billion in 2014, and the lowest level since 2011. Lower bonuses coincided with a 10.5 percent drop in Wall Street profits in 2015.
Real Estate Market Growth, but Signs of Cooling
- Manhattan’s vacancy rate for commercial property fell to 9.0 percent, the lowest first-quarter level since 2008. Vacancy rates in Midtown South dropped from 7.0 percent in the first quarter of 2015 to 6.3 percent this quarter, as Midtown overall and Downtown recorded smaller declines.
- New commercial leasing activity in Manhattan, however, fell 6.0 percent to 6.5 million square feet. The highest-leasing sector was TAMI (technology, advertising, media and information services), accounting for nearly 37 percent of new leases 10,000 square feet and larger.
- The volume of residential home sales increased 8.1 percent in Manhattan and 26.9 percent in Brooklyn. However, home sales in Queens fell 1.9 percent in the first quarter, after growing 32.7 percent in the final quarter of 2015. Similarly, average home sales prices increased in Manhattan and Brooklyn but fell in Queens.
“A strong City economy and job gains are always welcome news, but stagnant wages, a potential cool off in the commercial real estate market, and slowing venture capital investment are causes for concern. We’ll be keeping an eye on these economic indicators and continuing to focus on enacting policies that ensure every New Yorker has a fair chance to share in our City’s growth,” Stringer said.