Lauren Jenkins // Assistant Track Geometry & Analysis Engineer, MTA Long Island Rail Road
It’s always a pleasure to converse with fellow transit enthusiasts, but nothing beats being able to have those same conversations with family as well.
Lauren is an Assistant Engineer in Track Geometry and Analysis at MTA Long Island Rail Road, where she analyzes track geometry related data (i.e clearances and curves). She is also involved in other track related initiatives, such as track design projects. Prior to starting at LIRR in July, Lauren worked at MTA Metro-North Railroad within the Track Geometry group for four years, servicing communities within New York and Connecticut. She holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University at Buffalo, and she’s currently pursuing her master’s degree in Project Management at Morgan State University. Growing up, she always had a passion for transportation and urban development, and her ultimate goal is to contribute towards major transit projects that will positively affect commuters for many years to come. Outside of transportation, Lauren loves attending concerts, travelling, spending time with family and attending happy hours with friends!
Why transportation?
Growing up in NYC, I was always amazed at how so many people are able to travel at once, especially given how fast paced this city is. My earliest transportation moment was taking the subway with my parents to see The Wiggles perform at Madison Square Garden when I was 4. And since that moment, I’ve enjoyed taking the subway just about anywhere. I even took the subway home from middle school, when I could’ve just taken the bus and cut my commute time in half. As I got older, that joy then turned into passion, and that’s where I learned that transportation is more than just hopping on the train, bus, car, bike or plane. Transportation is about providing accessibility to people, and that’s when I knew that this was my calling.
What’s your favorite way to get around the YPT-NYC region?
The subway of course! That’s where I found my love for transportation.
If you could snap your fingers and make one change to regional transportation, what would it be?
Provide more passenger rail service throughout New York State! That would greatly benefit students that attend colleges that aren’t along the Empire or Adirondack corridors. When I attended college in Buffalo, I practically lived on Amtrak given that I loved coming home to visit family, but if I wanted to visit my friends at Binghamton or Ithaca, I’d take the bus or carpool with friends. This will provide so much more accessibility for students, and also fellow NYS residents, because the state has a lot to offer (and has lots of hidden gems!)
Who inspires you?
My parents! My love for helping people started with them, as they’ve helped countless people in NYC as city workers. They’ve continuously supported my dreams in working in the transportation industry, specifically with the MTA, which is what I’ve wanted since I was a kid. They listened to my constant subway fun facts and let me “nerd out” with zero judgment! Even to this day, I still have conversations with my mother about future transportation projects, such as the Grand Army Plaza redesign and the BQE Central Project. It’s always a pleasure to converse with fellow transit enthusiasts, but nothing beats being able to have those same conversations with family as well.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There is no such thing as a stupid question.
What are you working on currently that you’re most excited about?
I’m currently working on the finalization of LIRR’s new Track Geometry Vehicle. This project excites me a lot, because although I have experience working on a TGV, I haven’t experienced the construction and commission of one. When I joined the Track Geometry group at MNR, the inspection car was already in service for two years. The awesome part about being involved in this project is that the systems that will be installed on this TGV are the same systems that are on MNR’s, so I look forward to providing my expertise over the next few months to ensure that track geometry testing runs smoothly at LIRR!
Do you have a favorite transportation book, blog, newsletter, podcast, or YouTube channel?
MysticTransit on YouTube. His last post was in 2025 but his content kept me entertained post-pandemic.
What is your favorite transportation-related fun fact?
The Malbone Street Wreck is the worst subway accident in NYC, and the site is a 7 minute walk from where I live.
