Omnitrans Gets Clean Financial Audit
2006 Performance Audit Recommendations Implemented

SAN BERNARDINO, CA, January 10, 2007 – In a continuing pattern of improvement in financial management and accounting, Omnitrans earned a clean “unqualified opinion” on its financial audit for the second consecutive year, agency officials announced Wednesday.

The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006 was conducted by Mayer Hoffman McCann, P.C. of Irvine, California. The Omnitrans Board of Directors received the audit reports at its monthly meeting on Wednesday.

“Staff is to be commended for their efforts, which have produced an audit free from any material weaknesses, internal control issues or items of non-compliance,” said Board Chair Pat Gilbreath.

The financial audit examines the agency’s financial statements and assesses accounting principles used in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Auditors review internal controls and test for compliance with laws, regulations and contract agreements.

Omnitrans has moved swiftly over the past year to address areas for improvement identified in past audits. With approval of the Information Technology Strategic Plan at the Board meeting, Omnitrans also has addressed all but one of 37 recommendations made in a performance audit issued in January 2006 by Macias Consulting Services.

The remaining item is to provide quarterly updates on the just-approved IT Strategic Plan. The first update will be issued in April. The performance audit was requested by then-State Senator Nell Soto and Assemblyman Joe Baca, Jr.

Additionally, Omnitrans has addressed all 23 recommendations identified in previous financial audits and six of eight recommendations from a Triennial Performance Audit conducted last year through SANBAG.

In July, the Agency filled its vacant Finance Director position, a move that has brought further stability to Omnitrans’ financial management, agency officials said.

“The positive audit and successful implementation of prior recommendations shows that Omnitrans has improved in a number of areas,” said Omnitrans CEO Durand Rall. “The public can be confident that their taxpayer dollars are being used wisely to deliver quality public transportation to the valley.”

Founded in 1976, Omnitrans is the public transit agency serving fifteen cities and the unincorporated areas of the Inland Valley of San Bernardino County in Southern California. Omnitrans currently operates 32 fixed bus routes in a
480-square-mile area. Omnitrans also provides OmniLink and Access
demand-response service, and is a partner in the Inland Empire Connection express bus service. The American Public Transportation Association has named Omnitrans the Outstanding Transit System of its size in both 1995
and 1999. Omnitrans also has received twelve safety awards from the
National Safety Council.