michael_scarn_21 t1_j9qd04i wrote on February 23, 2023 at 8:38 PM

Reply to comment by lelduderino in The MBTA and Green Line are mentioned: We Finally Know Why It Costs So Damn Much to Build New Subways in America by timboot

For some jobs it is worth hiring contractors as needed. These in house carpenters, plumbers and electricians etc all need benefits, substantial public sector pensions etc. Sure the T is paying more to hire these people but they're not on the hook for the retirement costs as well.

lelduderino t1_j9qfi48 wrote on February 23, 2023 at 8:53 PM

Pension contributions and other benefits are part of the fully burdened calculation on either side.

It costs the T substantially more, fully burdened, to hire outside tradespeople for a large number of regular day-to-day non-megaprojects, than if they were to staff up to handle maintenance and lower-scope capex (which would also mean staffing up enough to handle maintenance in the first place).