Allow me to add to the always insightful George J. Marlin “From The Right: “Never ending incompetence at MTA” (Sept. 20).
Project cost containment, along with fast-tracking procurements and contract change orders for the MTA, is easier said than done due to other significant obstacles.
MTA union work rules sometimes prevent contracting out work to the private sector.
Third party private contractors require MTA NYC Transit, Long Island and Metro North Rail Roads agency Force Account (track, signal maintainers and other specialized skill set employees) to provide both supervision and protection. when they work on or adjacent to active right of way track. Sometimes there are excessive numbers of MTA supervisory or employees assigned, adding to costs.
Buy America requirements are one of many rules for receipt of federal funding. This impacts the MTA’s ability to get the best bang for the buck, when spending $1.8 billion in direct annual federal formula grant funds and billions more in national competitive discretionary, Capital Investment New Starts and Hurricane Sandy relief and resiliency dollars under the MTA $51 billion 2020 – 2024 Five Year Capital Program. The MTA has its own “Arts in Transit” 1% expenditure requirement. Gov. Hochul has “New York Buy America Act” as well.
FTA “Buy America” requirements continue to play a role in the ability of the MTA to both speed up capital projects and contain cost growth. Second is the Davis Bacon requirement of paying prevailing wages. Third is US Cargo preference requirement for private companies to use only American vessels when shipping product from abroad. Finally, prime subcontractors with specialized skills to meet required federal and state civil rights goals.
The MTA has consistently failed to include more flexible work assignments in union contracts. The option to contract work to the private sector when feasible or hiring part time employees must be more readily available as appropriate without sacrificing the safety and system reliability that riders count on. MTA Employees need to increase contributions toward medical insurance and retirement pensions as other government, private sector employees, taxpayers and commuters do.
Commuters, taxpayers and transit advocates deserve better than the current status quo. Mr. Marlin would make a great addition to the MTA Board in representing our interests.
Larry Penner
Great Neck
Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously served as a former Director for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management.