Deadline nears for latest survey in Third Track incentive program that's topped $1M in awards

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is again asking for public feedback on the performance of its Third Track project contractor as part of an incentive program, which has awarded more than $1 million in bonuses in the past four years.

The Design-Builder Incentive Program awards Third Track Constructors, or 3TC, a monetary incentive based on the public’s feedback on their performance. The program was suspended in the first quarter evaluation period in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but was resumed last July, according to the MTA.

The contractors, who were hired to build a third track along the Long Island Rail Road’s 9.8-mile Main Line, were originally slated to receive up to $250,000 each quarter if the company got favorable survey reviews from residents. The communities on the route are Mineola, Westbury, New Hyde Park, Floral Park, Garden City Park, New Cassel, Carle Place, Hicksville and Garden City.

The award has since risen to up to $500,000 per quarter. When the program was created, the MTA and LIRR agreed to establish a fund that would allow 3TC to earn up to $4 million in incentive bonuses throughout the construction project. The increase allows the MTA to maintain the agreement and make up for time the program was suspended due to COVID, according to agency officials.

Since resuming the program, the MTA has awarded $317,000 and $346,550, respectively, for the third and fourth quarters of 2021. In July 2020, before the temporary suspension, Newsday reported that the program had received incentive payments totaling to $941,000. 

Some residents said they don’t feel the community feedback program and monetary incentive are warranted for the contractor’s performance.

“I think the idea of being evaluated on your performance is one that makes sense,” said Richard Corrao Jr., of Garden City. “If the feedback is negative and routinely negative, and they still get a bonus, I don’t see how it’s [the surveys] effective or means anything.”

Paul Rothenbiller, also of Garden City, said that he participates in the surveys and that the removal of vegetation in the area and illegal parking are just two concerns he has had with 3TC’s performance.

The latest survey is due April 30 and covers January through March. Residents along the project route can fill it out online or by calling 516-203-4955.