What kind of matters does OIG investigate?
Any fraud, waste, or abuse relating to the MTA and its employees, vendors and contractors. Specific areas we investigate include:
- Fraud, theft, and other criminality
- Worker productivity/overtime abuse
- Nepotism, conflicts of interest, and other ethical misconduct
- Employee and rider safety
- Construction waste and mismanagement
- Maintenance deficiencies
- Procurement and bidding irregularities
How do I report any of the issues mentioned above to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG)?
You can fill out the
form on this website, call the OIG Hotline at 1-800-MTA-IG4U (1-800-682-4448), or write to OIG at One Penn Plaza, 11th Floor, Suite 1110, New York, New York 10119.
Who may report suspected fraud, waste, or abuse to OIG?
Anyone.
Can I report confidentially?
Yes. You may request to remain confidential when you report suspected fraud, waste, or abuse. There is an option in the intake
form to make that request. Please note that in order to resolve your issue, OIG may send a copy of your report (without your contact information) to the relevant agency. Confidentiality will be maintained unless the complainant consents to the disclosure, or OIG is required by law or court order to disclose that information. If you have any concerns regarding confidentiality, please call the OIG at 1-800-MTA-IG4U (1-800-682-4448).
Can I report anonymously to OIG?
Yes. Individuals who report allegations are not required to provide their identity to the OIG. However, persons who report allegations are encouraged to identify themselves to help the OIG evaluate and investigate.
If I file anonymously, will I be able to follow up on the status?
The OIG will respect your decision to remain anonymous. For this reason, we may not be able to provide you with information on the status unless you call with a reference number. Additionally, the OIG may not be at liberty to update any complainant regarding an ongoing investigation or audit.
Does OIG investigate individuals or companies that conduct business with the MTA?
Both. The OIG may investigate any individual or entity that has previously done business or is currently doing business with the MTA, or which is seeking to do business with the MTA or any of its constituent agencies.
What does OIG do when it receives a report of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse?
There are many possible outcomes, including: referring the matter to an appropriate agency for action, closing the matter, or assigning it to OIG’s audit, investigation, or legal unit for further review. These investigations may lead to disciplinary action, changes to administrative policies and processes, and/or referral to prosecutors in the event of possible criminality. If you are an identified complainant (not anonymous), you will be notified about the outcome.
How soon should I expect a response?
Our goal is to acknowledge your report within five business days of receipt. Please note, the OIG may not be at liberty to update any complainant with specific details regarding an ongoing investigation or audit.
What can I expect to learn about the outcome?
Identified Complainant: You will learn whether it was closed, referred to the appropriate MTA agency or other third party, or assigned to an OIG audit, investigation, or legal unit for additional follow-up. The OIG may not be at liberty to update a complainant regarding an ongoing investigation or audit until the conclusion of the investigation.
Anonymous Complainant: The OIG will respect your right to remain anonymous, and thus cannot contact you with additional updates unless you call in with your reference number.
How do I report service-related issues concerning an MTA agency (NYC Transit, Staten Island Railway, MTA Bus, Paratransit, Metro-North Railroad, Long Island Rail Road, Bridges & Tunnels, or the MTA Police Department)?
Service-related concerns can be registered directly with the agency involved via their website or by calling 511. If you observe a systemic service problem or have concerns about safety or security issues, please
file a report with our office as soon as possible.
There is an issue with my MetroCard. What should I do?
For the fastest service regarding any issues with your MetroCard, including overcharges and loss, contact NYC Transit’s MetroCard division via 511 or
www.mta.info.
What about issues with ONMY?
Please contact OMNY customer service by calling 877-789-6669.
Where can I file a claim for personal injury or property damage occurring on MTA property or involving an MTA bus or train?
Each of the MTA’s constituent agencies has specific instructions on how to file a claim. This information can be found by calling 511 or at
www.mta.info.
There is an issue with my E-ZPass or the Tolls by Mail program. What should I do?
For issues with your E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail, including malfunctions or summonses, please contact the
E-ZPass Customer Service Center directly by calling 1-800-333-TOLL (8655). Please use this number as well for NYS Thruway E-ZPass matters.
If customers are unable to resolve toll issues relating to their Thruway travel, please file a complaint online at Office of the Toll Payer Advocate - New York State Thruway (ny.gov)
If customers have issues relating to New Jersey (NJ) tolls, they can contact NJ E-ZPass by phone at 973-368-1425 or toll-free at 1-888-Auto-TOLL (1-888-288-6865) or online at
https://www.ezpassnj.com/.
I have an issue about Paratransit (Access-A-Ride) service. What should I do?
To report an issue, make suggestions, or commend Access-A-Ride service, you may call 877-337-2017, and press”8” to speak with a representative who handles paratransit issues from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Customers who are deaf/hard of hearing: use your preferred relay service provider or the free 711 relay service to reach 877-337-2017. If you observe a systemic service problem or have concerns about safety or security issues, please report the matter to our office as soon as possible.
