Performance audits make Sound Transit better

Published 9:00 pm Friday, January 28, 2005

The Herald editorial board’s call for independent performance audits of government agencies (“Time has finally come for performance audits,” Jan. 12) is a terrific idea.

In fact, it’s such a great idea Sound Transit has been doing it for years. And we’ve found, like your editorial suggests, that audits can lead to improved efficiency.

With a number of outside audits and reviews already in place, Sound Transit is one of the most scrutinized public agencies in the state.

* Since 1999, six comprehensive performance audit reports have been performed on Sound Transit. The audits resulted in improved agency business processes and greater accountability.

* A Performance Audit Committee, which includes outside experts, was formed in 2002 to strengthen the agency’s oversight and accountability.

* A 15-member Citizens Oversight Panel provides tough oversight and monitoring of Sound Transit’s voter-approved regional transit plan.

* KPMG, our independent auditor, performs an annual financial and federal audit and issues a report on subarea equity.

* For the seventh consecutive year our independent auditor gave Sound Transit a clean, unqualified report on the agency’s financial health and found no major compliance issues with subarea equity.

* The state Legislature requires Sound Transit to provide an annual report on its progress.

* The Federal Transit Administration conducts various reviews that include: financial management oversight, financial capacity, procurement, grant administration and project management oversight.

* The Washington State Auditor’s Office conducts a yearly accountability audit.

* Peer reviews – from a project and financial standpoint – are completed on an on-going basis.

Perhaps the best proof of the increased efficiency at Sound Transit is the range of projects and services that are completed or under construction.

The agency recently opened the Lynnwood HOV access lanes, which save commuters valuable time by connecting buses and vanpools from the Lynnwood Transit Center directly to the freeway HOV lanes. The project was completed six months early and $5 million under budget.

Later this year, a second Sounder commuter train will begin running every weekday from Everett and Edmonds to Seattle. Also this year, we’ll open the Ash Way HOV access lanes, which will ease the commute for thousands of bus riders in Snohomish County.

Our ST Express buses will continue their dependable service into and out of Snohomish County this year and the Link light rail line from downtown Seattle to Sea-Tac Airport is well under construction.

Performance audits are a valuable tool for increased efficiency. That’s why we’ll continue relying on them.

Mark Olson is vice chairman of the Sound Transit Board and an Everett City Council member. Jack Start sits on the Sound Transit Board and the agency’s Performance Audit Committee, and is a Mill Creek City Council member.