Who is MTA Inspector General Daniel Cort?
Daniel Cort, inspector general of the MTA, discussing the recent investigation into a fake ID card scheme. Credit: Ed Quinn
Created by the State Legislature in 1983, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Inspector General’s Office is meant to serve as an independent watchdog for the MTA, the largest public transportation system in the U.S.
The IG’s office conducts regular audits of operations across the MTA’s various agencies, including the Long Island Rail Road, and investigates allegations of misconduct by employees. It also issues reports with recommendations on how to address problems, and sometimes refers cases to law enforcement authorities for further investigation or criminal prosecution.
The current MTA inspector general, Daniel Cort, was nominated by Gov. Kathy Hochul and confirmed by the state Senate in June 2023. His term is for five years, and he serves at the pleasure of the governor, according to state law.
A career prosecutor, Cort previously worked as a commissioner for the New York City Department of Investigation and as chief of the public integrity division at the New York State Attorney General’s office.
Since coming to the MTA Inspector General’s Office, Cort has headed several audits, including one highlighting hazardous conditions at subway emergency exits, and uncovered misconduct by some MTA workers, including LIRR employees being paid for time they didn’t work.
Cort has also created units within his office specializing in data analysis and research, and oversight on construction projects.
"I think it’s important, while maintaining my office’s independence, to maintain a good working relationship with MTA management," said Cort, who grew up in Woodside, Queens, and lives in Manhattan. "They’re not always going to be happy with my office. ... Nobody loves to be overseen. I think they appreciate what we do."
Alfonso Castillo has been reporting for Newsday since 1999 and covering the transportation beat since 2008. He grew up in the Bronx and Queens and now lives in Valley Stream with his wife and two sons.
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