MTA lost-and-found lost too many items, says inspector general

New York City Transit’s lost-and-found lost track of more than 80% of the items investigators put through the system , according to a report by the MTA’s Office of the Inspector General.

“Riders should have faith that their lost property is being handled responsibly and with care, and MTA agencies must have effective protocols in place to return those items,” Inspector General Daniel Cort said in a statement.

The NYC Transit Lost Property Unit, headquartered at Penn Station, received some 68,000 pieces missing items last year, as well as more than 31,500 claims from straphangers seeking stuff they’d lost.

In early 2024, investigators with Cort’s office turned in 24 items they said they’d found on subways or buses — ranging from jewelry and eyeglasses to books and keys — handing them