George Marlin’s article on the MTA’s multi-billion boondoggles is right on the money, except that the third LIRR track has the worst cost-benefit ratio of them all (“The MTA’s White-Elephant Parade,” PostOpinion, George J. Marlin, April 24).

The LIRR has yet to offer a coherent rationale for this project, already tabbed at $1.5 billion and rising.

The LIRR should concentrate its funds on keeping its trains, switches and stations in good condition so that there aren’t daily breakdowns.

The “third” LIRR track would actually be the fifth LIRR track traversing Long Island communities like Floral Park, and it would damage various communities and neighborhoods in central Long Island.

The MTA and LIRR have completely lost sight of their mission – which is to serve the public, not waste the taxpayers’ money on useless and damaging projects.

James Hershler, Floral Park