METRO BRINGS HOME THE GOLD FOR A THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR

November 1, 2012

METRO is a three-time gold winner, besting last year’s Leadership Circle Award score.

The Texas State Comptroller awarded the agency the highest possible rating – gold – for financial transparency.    

This is the third consecutive year METRO has earned the top honor: in 2010 it earned 13 of 15 points on the Comptroller’s rating criteria, in 2011 METRO received 18 of 20 points and this year, METRO won 19 of 20 points. The agency was short of a perfect score only because its check register has not been online for three years – it was posted in 2011.

METRO was graded on major and minor criteria such as: annual financial report, check register, financial transparency Web page, public information request, easy access to financial documents and more. See the attached document to view the entire score sheet.

“We are proud to win the award for the third consecutive year. Openness and transparency have been top priorities for the New METRO.” said Gilbert Garcia, chairman of the METRO Board.

Capital Metro in Austin is the only other transit agency in Texas to have earned the gold award.

“This award comes on the heels of another honor our finance team recently earned for its hard work on the agency’s Comprehensive Annual Report,” said METRO President & CEO George Greanias.  “These recognitions clearly show we’re doing something right when it comes to being a trusted community partner and we are meeting our commitment to openness and transparency. Congratulations to the entire METRO team.”

In October, METRO’s finance team was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association. The accolade was for the agency’s outstanding 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, and it represents the 21st consecutive year METRO has received this award. The plaques are on display in the adjacent picture – No. 21 will soon be placed on the wall.

About METRO
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 7.5-mile light-rail line (Red Line), with three 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.