Brandon Martin // Assistant Engineer – Track Geometry & Analysis at the Long Island Rail Road
I work in transportation because I have always been fascinated by travel and the different and unique ways we all move through the world.
Brandon is a highly skilled Track Geometry Engineer at the Long Island Rail Road, performing daily tasks such as clearances, track geometry analysis, and new technology initiatives at the Rail Road. Stepping into his second year on the board, Brandon is thrilled to up the Social Media game for YPT-NYC like never before. He finds joy in the most exciting things life can offer, such as trains and transit systems all around the world. Calling New York home for the last three years, Brandon is excited to continue discovering more about this amazing city and exploring where not even the bravest would go. You can usually find him riding the subway, riding the Metro-North upstate, riding the LIRR to Flushing, or riding a train in a different country.
Why transportation?
I work in transportation because I have always been fascinated by travel and the different and unique ways we all move through the world. From a young age, I gravitated toward walkable communities where daily life did not revolve around a car because they were so different from my usual surroundings. I grew up in suburban Connecticut where cars were a necessity for any sort of independence or freedom. I always felt this attachment to human-scaled cities, towns, and places because the walkability felt so fundamental to how I experienced them.
What’s your favorite way to get around the YPT-NYC region?
Subway 100%! “I love the train” – Rolling Ray
If you could snap your fingers and make one change to regional transportation, what would it be?
Immediate full funding of all non-roadway transportation projects. We desperately need interconnectivity between communities, and we need experts that have the knowledge to achieve such a vision. Europe and Asia have been building HSR and metro systems for ages, and the US needs to follow in their footsteps to start playing catchup. Regionally, the IND Second System should be completed to fully connect the NY region.
Who inspires you?
Cliché, but I inspire myself to continue to strive for more. I can do better and will do better because I choose to be better everyday.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell myself to keep swinging from broken branches at Tri-Rail stations. You will eventually be able to work with trains like you dreamed so long ago, just give it 20 years!
What are you working on currently that you’re most excited about?
I am currently working on the engineering side of procurement for the LIRR’s new Track Geometry Vehicle. I am highly involved in all aspects of Track Geometry and seeing as this project is my baby, I want to ensure its 100% success. Being a meticulous individual, I double and triple check every technical item ensuring that the Rail Road is delivered a quality product.
Do you have a favorite transportation book, blog, newsletter, podcast, or YouTube channel?
I love watching POV videos of trains on YouTube. Literally any well filmed POV, I’m all over that! Welcome to an Experience (WTAE) is my go to.
What is your favorite transportation-related fun fact or joke?
A helix curve is one of the most difficult to attain. Such a cool video to watch though, as its purpose allows trains to climb what would otherwise be a very steep grade.
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