Yatharth Saxena \\ Transportation Planner at Jacobs
Yatharth Saxena is a passionate urbanist with over three years of experience in the public, non-profit, and private sectors working on various transportation planning projects. As a transportation planner for Jacobs, Yatharth works on all things transportation – from statewide corridor planning to spatial analysis using GIS. Before joining Jacobs, Yatharth worked for MTA C&D, where he managed capital projects, worked with the agency’s Regional Transportation Forecasting Model, and provided mapping support. He graduated from Rutgers University with a Master’s in City and Regional Planning and also has an undergraduate degree in Urban Planning from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi. Apart from core transportation planning, Yatharth is also interested in New Mobility and Urban Data Analytics.
Why transportation?
Growing up in a metropolis like Mumbai, India, access to diverse transportation options meant freedom. I could explore the city, meet friends, and stay safe, all at once. This, coupled with a childhood fascination with trains, ignited a love for public infrastructure, especially efficient transportation systems. My interest naturally converged with my analytical mind during my bachelor’s degree in urban planning. There, I knew I had to delve deeper and contribute to better transportation solutions. The rest, as they say, is history.
What’s your favorite way to get around the YPT-NYC region?
Although I want to jump and say the New York subway system cause I love traveling and experiencing the city through it, I think lately my favorite way to get around has been biking around Manhattan in this summer heat, especially along the Hudson River Greenway.
If you could snap your fingers and make one change to regional transportation, what would it be?
If I could snap my fingers and make one change, my dream for regional transportation would be a seamlessly integrated system. Imagine: no more juggling schedules and agencies, no need for multiple tickets to navigate between New Jersey and New York, and forget the hassle of special AirTrain fares. Renting a bike, catching an intercity bus, or hopping on a ferry across the river – all with a single, convenient transportation card. Synchronized connections would ensure a smooth and efficient experience for everyone in the region.
What are you working on currently that you’re most excited about?
While transitioning from the public sector to private consulting at Jacobs, I find working on proposals to secure transportation projects particularly rewarding. The diverse transportation and urban planning experience I’ve gained over the years allows me to leverage my skills to address contemporary transportation challenges in my city and beyond. This role allows me to continue working on familiar and beloved areas of transportation planning, while also offering opportunities to explore new avenues and tackle unforeseen challenges.
Do you have a favorite transportation book, blog, newsletter, podcast, or YouTube channel?
For inspiration, I turn to the CityLab blog by Bloomberg, which tackles fascinating transportation and urban challenges. I also enjoy “City Beautiful” on YouTube, a channel that delves into American planning concepts. However, my hidden gem is the new transportation newsletter published by our very own YPT board members.
What is your favorite transportation-related fun fact or joke?
“Unfortunately” I can give you both in one.
*Knock Knock*
America: Who’s there?
Me: High Speed Rail
America: High Speed Rail who?
YPT-NYC 