Recent efforts to help homeless people get out of the subway system and connect to services they need have been largely unsuccessful. That’s according to a report from the MTA’s own Inspector General.
Last year the MTA turbo charged it's efforts to get people experiencing homelessness out of the trains and stations. It partnered with public and private outreach groups, and for the first time directed MTA police to help. While officers racked up $2.6 million in overtime over six months, the IG’s office found there was still no decline in train delays caused by the homeless and customer complaints only increased.
The IG’s office recommends the MTA collect better data on it's $5 million annual homeless efforts, and coordinate more with the city.
The MTA says it agrees, but still says the city should do more.