WHAT’S NEXT FOR OUR TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM?
With schools back in session in September, more commuters are going back to work in-person, and despite the on-going pandemic and new challenges brought by the delta variant, it seems as if our region’s resilience is being tested:
- Will more commuters drive into the CBD, and will congestion increase along with associated air quality issues and increased commuting times?
- Will the boom in bicycling continue, and will there be enough bike parking?
- Will some companies continue to offer remote work options indefinitely?
- Will customers return to transit? Will fares sustain service levels? Will ridership demand be met with enough service in areas with the most transit-dependency?
Share your perspective by commenting on our social media posts this week!
UPCOMING YPT-NYC BOARD ELECTIONS
In October, YPT-NYC will be conducting elections to select our Board of Directors for the 2022 term. If you want to help YPT-NYC thrive next year, then consider running! (Or you could run for Regional or International YPT Board of Directors!) Board members typically commit 3-5 hours per week to their duties and attend monthly Board meetings. To either run for the Board or vote in the election, you must be an active member. Check your membership status here, or join here.
Available YPT-NYC positions are listed here.
Submit an interest form to run for a Board position by Monday, September 20.
Stay tuned for more details on YPT-NYC Board Elections in an email later this week!
YPT-NYC SEPTEMBER EVENTS
Meatpacking District Open Streets Walking Tour
Meet at Gansevoort Plaza at 2 9th Avenue
Thursday, September 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Register Here!
We will tour the Meatpacking District Open Street with our guide for the evening, Evan Sweet, Operations and Economic Development Manager of the Meatpacking Business Improvement District. Learn how the Meatpacking District is making space for people walking and biking and for public art on their streets. Come with questions, curiosity, and comfy footwear. After the tour we will grab some outdoor drinks in the neighborhood with your fellow YPT-NYC members!
Mask policy: Fully vaccinated people are not required to wear a mask. However, masks may be required if we go indoors or in crowded areas. Unvaccinated people must wear a mask at all times.
Bring: mask, proof of vaccination, sunscreen, water
Outdoor Happy Hour
Meet at CultureLab LIC at the Plaxall Gallery
Thursday, September 23 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Register Here!
Join us for another outdoor happy hour, this time at CultureLab, where we’ll enjoy live music, great food and drinks in Long Island City! Invite your friends and coworkers!
Mask policy: Fully vaccinated people are not required to wear a mask. However, masks may be required if we go indoors or in crowded areas. Unvaccinated people must wear a mask at all times.
Bring: mask, proof of vaccination, sunscreen, water
Virtual Transportation Trivia
Thursday, September 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Register Here!
Do you find yourself unable to stop showing off facts about tunnel boring machines, airline mergers, and subway dogs? Do you crave recognition for your special knowledge? Join us for New York’s 12th Annual (Virtual) Transportation Trivia event — a joint activity supported by the local American Planning Association Transportation Committee (APA), Young Professionals in Transportation NYC (YPT-NYC), and the local Women’s Transportation Seminar Young Professionals Committee (WTS-GNY). Register to participate (registration closes on September 23) and look for the Zoom Meeting link in your inbox.
YPT-I MENTORING PROGRAM
Sign up now, and program launching in October
Register Here!
Forbes recently reported that while 76% of people think mentors are important, only 37% actually have one. We would like to change those numbers. We are thrilled to announce that YPT International has launched a mentorship program to help transportation professionals learn from other transportation professionals. We are eager to empower those with more experience to share their knowledge, skills, and professional journey. YPT-I will be accepting applications from interested transportation professionals. Please note that all mentees must be a YPT member but anyone in the transportation community can be a mentor.
YYPT-NYC MEMBER PROFILE
Diane Xiao, PE, ENV SP: Project Engineer at VHB
Diane specializes in traffic and pedestrian analysis, and she has a background in Transit Signal Priority (TSP) projects and simulation modeling. She is passionate about Complete Streets, sustainable transportation, and pedestrian- and bicyclist-oriented design.
Q&A
1. What is your favorite YPT-NYC event and why?
I loved the YPT-NYC/WE Bike NYC Queens Bike Tour with NYCDOT! It was educational, and I got to bike with other transportation enthusiasts, which is always a good time. It was great to meet the community members behind the Open Street efforts on both 31st and 34th Avenues.
2. If you could snap your fingers and make one change to regional transportation, what would it be?
I love biking and the city has greatly improved its bike infrastructure. However, there seems to be a lack in the feedback system for maintenance, which sometimes makes it feel unsafe to ride in the bike lane and, in those cases, I end up riding in traffic. I wish I could snap my fingers and make NYC so bike-friendly that more people prefer to bike.
3. What sparked your passion to work in the transportation industry?
I have always been passionate about sustainability. I remember hugging a tree on Earth Day in middle school! In many ways, transportation and climate change are linked. In the United States, transportation accounts for 29% of the nation’s total CO2 emissions (15-20% globally). Transportation engineering is still very car-centric, but I hope my work contributes to making the city more multi-modal.
4. What are you working on that you’re most excited by?
I introduced a model to prioritize sidewalk repairs around New York City Housing developments. We were able to build out a tool in ArcGIS that automated a ranking system based on inputs that accounted for both A project I worked on recently that still excites me was Princeton University’s Washington Road Planning Study. We looked at Washington Road, which will be the main north-south connection between the new campus and the existing campus. I was part of a team that created a comprehensive pedestrian, bicycle, and cart mobility plan for this new corridor.
5. What career advice would you give to other YPT’ers interested in your career path?
Get involved and stay active in professional organizations. Talk to people about things you care about and listen to others about their passions (it helps you realize what is important to you!)
6. What famous celebrity do you think should be given the opportunity to voice an NYCT Subway Announcement?
I would whole-heartedly pick a comedian and then let them write the announcement script!
Use the YPT LinkedIn group if you are #OpenToWork!
Our LinkedIn group is a great way for members to share information about yourself as a job seeker, connect with others, or share job opportunities!
Young Professionals in Transportation – New York City (YPT-NYC) is an Young Professionals in Transportation – New York City (YPT-NYC) is the local chapter of Young Professionals in Transportation International, a nonprofit coalition of organizations, which helps professional development, fellowship, and networking for young professionals in the transportation field. YPT-NYC’s members keep the Greater New York City region moving while providing a space for growing skills, sharing knowledge, and expanding professional networks
YPT-NYC 