METRO Goes Platinum: Agency Awarded Highest Rating for Transparency

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Release Date:       
September 10, 2014

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The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is the region’s largest public transit provider, offering safe, reliable and affordable transportation services about 370,000 times per day. Besides operating more than 1,200 buses, METRO is currently expanding its 13-mile Red Line with two new lines under construction. METRO’s services also include: Star Vanpool, METROLift, HOV lanes, HOT lanes, Bikes-on-Buses/Trains program, Park & Ride, and road improvement projects. Learn more about METRO services at ridemetro.org where you will also find information about our T.R.I.P. app and the new digital, interactive rider tool METRO 360 [take a seat].

   

METRO GOES PLATINUM: ONLY TRANSIT AGENCY TO GET TOP HONOR

Platinum Leadership Circle Award

Agency Awarded Highest Rating for Transparency

METRO strived to beat gold, and it did. 

The State Comptroller raised the agency's award level to its new Platinum designation, recognizing METRO and other public entities that "go above and beyond providing financial transparency." 

"METRO is the only transit agency to receive this top honor, and it's among just a handful of all statewide special district entities getting this distinction," said METRO Board Chairman Gilbert Garcia. "This is a testament to our ongoing commitment in providing the public easier access to our financial and budget information."

METRO scored 20 out of 22 possible points. The agency was graded on major and minor criteria such as: annual budget, check register, financial transparency webpage, budgets for three most recent fiscal years, and raw format budget, among others.

METRO raised its level of openness and transparency this year by adding debt information in the format outlined by the Comptroller's office to the RideMETRO.org website.

"METRO is accountable and accessible," said METRO President & CEO Tom Lambert. "To top last year's award is commendable, and we owe a big 'thanks' to all the staff working on this effort."

The platinum level recognition is a new, higher tier of rating by the Comptroller. It's an award that is valid for a year, at which point METRO can reapply for the distinction.

METRO previously received the Comptroller's then highest Gold Leadership Circle Award for four consecutive years.  

The accolades continue: METRO's finance team was also awarded the Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association.  This is the 22nd year that METRO has received this honor - and this year, it was recognized for its FY2013 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.