Sara is a transportation and economic development strategist who has worked across the public and private sectors. Sara currently works at Amtrak, where she is leading major station capital improvement projects in New York and New Jersey. She previously advised public transit agencies and other government leaders on strategic, financial, and operational topics at the consulting firm McKinsey and led economic development initiatives for the City of New York.
If you could snap your fingers and make one change to regional transportation, what would it be?
My current focus is on improving rail infrastructure, but I’d love to continue to see improvements to our bus systems. Much work has been done in recent years to create more dedicated bus lanes, rethink routes, improve real-time information, enhance waiting shelters, etc. Given the number of people who don’t live close to a subway or train station, I’d like to see a continuation of those efforts paired with marketing campaigns to help improve the public’s perception of buses and make them a “sexy” travel mode.
What sparked your passion to work in the transportation industry?
In one of my pre-Amtrak lives, I worked at the New York City Economic Development Corporation, and as I advanced economic development initiatives across the City, it was clear to me how critical reliable transportation access is to the success of local communities and our broader economy. Yet transportation also has a very real impact on every individual’s daily life – whether or not your train is delayed can make or break your day. I love that transportation has this dual “macro” and “micro” impact and I don’t think our transportation systems get enough credit or attention for the critical role they play in our world.
What’s your favorite way to get around the NYC region?
MTA all the way. I know we love to hate the MTA, but it truly is a gift to be able to take the train down to the Jersey Shore, upstate to a hike in the Hudson Valley, and of course to (almost) every neighborhood in NYC.
What are you working on currently that you’re most excited about?
I spend the vast majority of my time thinking about Penn Station. Amtrak is partnering with the MTA and NJ TRANSIT on an ambitious vision to modernize and expand the capacity of the station for the next century. I’ve loved having the opportunity to work so closely with colleagues from our partner railroads, as well as other stakeholders inside and outside of government, whose collective support is critical as we look to transform the station.
Do you have a favorite transportation book, blog, newsletter, podcast, or YouTube channel?
I highly recommend “Conquering Gotham” by Jill Jones. The book is an accessible, engaging re-telling of the story of the Pennsylvania Railroad’s construction of the original Penn Station and tunnels across the Hudson River. I think the book will amaze many with its description of the engineering tactics used a century ago and how much was unknown prior to the tunnel’s construction.
What famous celebrity do you think should be given the opportunity to voice a NYCT Subway announcement?
Lin-Manuel Miranda. He’s already posted videos singing on the subway, so I think he’s angling for the job.
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