Evan Morris // Data Scientist, MTA
Evan is a data scientist at the MTA, working primarily on congestion pricing. He pivoted to transportation data science after a PhD in astrophysics, where he worked on projects related to telescope instrumentation and infrastructure. Now, he works to build out the core data infrastructure for the MTA as a whole, with specific focus on supporting the launch and rollout of congestion pricing.
As long as you can use and speak to the value added along the way, pivoting is less alarming than it seems on the approach.
Why transportation?
I’ve always found the way massive systems work fascinating — whether a star system or a subway system, but I really got into transportation because of the MTA’s robust open data program. When I was shifting from academia to industry, I worked on projects using MTA data, as well as many other datasets from city agencies — and heard about this job while digging into the intricacies of the elevator/escalator data from the subway system.
What’s your favorite way to get around the YPT-NYC region?
My own two feet! I love a long walk — once, I walked to LaGuardia just to see if I could get to the terminals on foot (you can, but really only to one of them). If I don’t have several hours to kill then the subway is my second favorite — with the 7 as my top train, and the G as my underdog fave.
If you could snap your fingers and make one change to regional transportation, what would it be?
I would absolutely increase subway accessibility to 100%. Elevators in every station as a baseline, broader and more consistent accessibility features throughout the system, thorough communication about any changes, and robust alternative routing when disruptions occur. We have such an impressive public transit system, but everything really falls apart when you need fast, reliable options as a wheelchair user.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t be afraid of the indirect route — every project I’ve worked on has built skills I still use today, even when the throughline isn’t obvious. Building a career is nonlinear, and as long as you can use and speak to the value added along the way, pivoting is less alarming than it seems on the approach.
What are you working on currently that you’re most excited about?
I have been so lucky to work on the congestion pricing launch during so much of my time at the MTA. I’ve learned so much, both on the technical and policy sides of things. I’ve enjoyed being up close and personal with the early results, and I’m excited to see how things progress longer term.
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