Title: Scope of entity
Accounting Policies: The schedule of federal expenditures of federal awards includes the federal grant activity of Metra and is presented on the accrual basis of accounting. The information in this schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. All programs outlays, including accrued expenditures and capital outlays, are reported as expenditures.
De Minimis Rate Used: N
Rate Explanation: The auditee did not use the de minimis cost rate.
The Commuter Rail Division of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and the Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corporation, a public corporation, both doing business as Metra (Metra), was established in 1980 to operate the RTA’s rail service. In 1984, as a result of the restructuring of the RTA, the Commuter Rail Division was formed, governed by the Commuter Rail Board. The Commuter Rail Board has the responsibility for policy making with respect to day to day operations, capital investments, finances, fare levels, and service and facilities planning for its operations.In FY2023 there was one major federal program (Federal Transit Cluster) that Metra received directly from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to assist in financing various capital improvements, Metra’s operations, and implementation of safety technologies. Federal Transit Cluster (FALN #20.500, 20.507, and 20.525)—Metra’s cognizant agency is the U.S. Department of Transportation and it receives federal funding under the Federal Transit Cluster (FALN #20.500, 20.507, and 20.525) program directly from the Federal Transit Administration. The funding relates to the Capital Improvement Grants—Section 5309, State of Good Repair Grants—Section 5337, and Capital and Operating Assistance Formula Grants—Section 5307. The objective of the Capital Improvement Grant is to assist in financing capital projects, which will maintain, modernize, or improve fixed guideway systems. The State of Good Repair Grant Program is to assist in financing capital projects to maintain public transportation assets in a State of Good Repair. The Capital and Operating Assistance Formula Grants enable the financing and planning of capital projects, which entail acquisition, construction, improvement, and maintenance of facilities and equipment for transit.In 2020 the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) allocated federal funding to help the nation’s public transportation systems respond to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Metra received funding directly from FTA through Section 5307 as provided under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The funding was used for costs necessary to operate, maintain, and manage the Metra commuter rail public transportation system. The funding ensured that Metra was able to continue to operate while fare revenue were severely diminished due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Additionally, this funding ensured that Metra could provide commuter rail services that helped the community recover from the severe social and economic impacts of COVID-19. Additionally, in 2021 U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) allocated additional funding through section 5307 as provided under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriation (CRRSA) Act and in 2022 FTA allocated funding through section 5307 as provided under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to cover operating costs incurred between January 20, 2020, and September 30, 2026. These funds will be used to supplement CARES Act Operating Assistance.
Title: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Accounting Policies: The schedule of federal expenditures of federal awards includes the federal grant activity of Metra and is presented on the accrual basis of accounting. The information in this schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. All programs outlays, including accrued expenditures and capital outlays, are reported as expenditures.
De Minimis Rate Used: N
Rate Explanation: The auditee did not use the de minimis cost rate.
Basis of Accounting—The schedule of expenditures of federal awards includes the federal grant activity of Metra and is presented on the accrual basis of accounting. The information in this schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. All program outlays, including accrued expenditures and capital outlays, are reported as expenditures. Indirect Cost—Metra does not use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate discussed in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200.414 of the Uniform Guidance. Loans and Loan Guarantees—Metra does not have any loans or loan guarantees. Non Cash Assistance—Metra has not received any noncash federal assistance in FY 2023.