Tag: member-profile

Sunny Ng \ Senior Software Engineer at MTA, Digital Services

Sunny Ng is a senior software engineer at the MTA’s digital services team. Prior to joining the team late last year, he has worked in the tech industry for over 10 years across startups and corporations of different sizes, doing full-stack web development. He has even interned at the Toronto Transit Commission. In his free time, he has been actively working on transit-related side projects, like the realtime subway map–The Weekendest (now also an iOS app), and Subwaydle. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Engineering from the University of Waterloo.

People just need to drive less, and we need to dedicate less road space to drivers.

Why transportation?

I grew up in Mississauga, ON, a suburb of Toronto, and didn’t have access to a car. Getting around meant waiting for unreliable buses with long headways (though I later realized Mississauga was actually pretty good for North American suburbs’ standards), or bumming rides from my friends or parents. Having experienced living in Hong Kong in my early childhood, as well as being in close proximity to a real city like Toronto, showed me that there is a better way. I relied on public transit when I was in college, as our student union implemented a universal transit pass, and public transit became such a passion of mine.

What’s your favorite way to get around the YPT-NYC region?

Obviously, I love the subway here. It’s cliché to call anything an engineering marvel, but it really is. There is no faster or more efficient way to get to a lot of places than it. With that being said, riding a Citi Bike e-bike over the Williamsburg Bridge is so exhilarating. It never gets old.

If you could snap your fingers and make one change to regional transportation, what would it be?

Ban free parking and implement resident parking permits. The success of Congestion Pricing has shown that people are more inclined to take public transit when we disincentivize driving, and we need to build on that. It’s absurd to me that a place with such high rents would allow you to store a giant hunk of metal and whatever belongings you leave inside it for free on public property. The price of parking should be similar to renting a storage unit from Manhattan Mini Storage or a similar per-footage rent as your apartment. It’s only fair. Also, the first time I witnessed the ritual of alternate-side parking was mind-blowing. The amount of time people spend weekly idling their cars just to hog a parking space is so silly. People just need to drive less, and we need to dedicate less road space to drivers. It drives me nuts whenever a busload of people is blocked by a selfish driver that is double-parked, parked sloppily, or blocking the box.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

It’s okay to not have the answers to everything. Whether it’s technical knowledge, or your career goals, if you don’t know, or aren’t sure about something, chances are you’re not the only one. And it doesn’t mean you’re any less capable.

What are you working on currently that you’re most excited about?

I’m really excited about all the new customer-facing tools that our team is rolling out, such as new countdown clocks and information screens. Our subway is operationally quite different compared to other systems around the world, so I’m looking forward to us building more tools that are catered to our riders’ unique experiences and needs that are not served by existing solutions.

Do you have a favorite transportation book, blog, newsletter, podcast, or YouTube channel?

I’ve been binge-watching Miles in Transit’s YouTube channel. I live vicariously through his misadventures with Greyhound and him slumming it on long-distance Amtrak routes in coach, both of which I’d rather experience from afar. Despite claiming that he can’t make these videos with ease, they’re all entertaining to watch!

What is your favorite transportation-related fun fact or joke?

Don’t know how fun this is, but the J/Z and M trains of opposite directions interline in Brooklyn, and it causes all sorts of headaches for software developers.

Paula Bejarano \\ SVP Business Development & Sales at Benteler Mobility

Paula has over 7 years of experience in electrification and autonomous technology. She’s worked at startups and incumbent companies bringing to market new technologies that impact transportation and society. She’s also authored “Autonomousity: Autonomous Vehicles & Emerging Business Models”. She has a master in mechanical engineering and MBA from Georgetown University.

There’s an incredible potential to make transportation safe, reliable, and inclusive.

Why transportation?

It affects every individual’s daily life from going to work, school or home to enabling access to everyday goods like food, clothing, and medicine. With technological advances in automation, electrification, connectivity, and cloud infrastructure, there’s an incredible potential to make transportation safe, reliable, and inclusive.

What’s your favorite way to get around the YPT-NYC region?

The NYC Ferry System. I live in Long Island City, Queens and cross the East River almost daily to midtown Manhattan. The views are incredible, and the ride is definitely a treat during summer days.

If you could snap your fingers and make one change to regional transportation, what would it be?

Include more train lines to upstate New York to take advantage of the mountains all-year around for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and skiing.

Who inspires you?

Amelia Earhart, as she faced challenges being the only woman in her industry, broke through ‘the sky ceiling’, and was a visionary of innovative transportation technology (commercial aviation).

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Take more entrepreneurial risks. Early on in my engineering career, I tended to take the safer, corporate route, as you’re advised to do so. However, taking risks or working on difficult and uncertain products which may change the world, is always easier when you’re younger (less responsibilities, more flexibility).

What are you working on currently that you’re most excited about?

I commercialize autonomous vehicles for cities and transit agencies so people in the community can eventually have access to public transit that’s affordable, effective and accessible to everyone. I love the mission and the everyday challenges/rewards of launching an innovative transportation solution.

Do you have a favorite transportation book, blog, newsletter, podcast, or YouTube channel?

The Autonocast podcast is a great resource to understand the dynamics of the autonomous vehicle industry including incumbents and new entrants. They also host interviews with company CEOs, technology experts, with a touch of editorial view and comedy.

What is your favorite transportation-related fun fact or joke?

Windshield wipers were invented by a woman, Mary Anderson in 1903.

Madi Salter \\ Smart Curbs Coordinator at The New York City Department of Transportation

Madi is a Transportation Planner currently working for the NYCDOT on the Smart Curbs program. Originally from New Zealand, Madi has a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) degree in Geography and a Masters of Public Policy from The University of Auckland. Prior to moving to NYC ~two years ago, Madi worked in the private sector working on resource consents and master planning and in the public sector at Auckland Transport (DOT/MTA equivalent) in their long term strategic policy planning team.  

Trust your gut!

Why transportation?

There is no grand story, it simply was that I was offered a graduate role as a Transportation Planner after Uni and I took it. I have always had an ability to take on challenges with enthusiasm and see the bright side of things so that’s what I did and I ended up loving it. Somehow, every decision I made led me to be exactly where I needed to be!

What’s your favorite way to get around the YPT-NYC region?

The Subway or walking, with my favorite podcast or playlist at a (probably) unsafe volume

If you could snap your fingers and make one change to regional transportation, what would it be?

Amtrak! Obviously expand it and make it faster BUT stop them from raising ticket prices closer to the time of departure and make the cost of long distance trips comparable to flying. 

Who inspires you?

The two strongest women I know – my Mum and Taylor Swift. My Mum is the baddest bitch there is and is my #1 fan. Taylor Swift has been the victim of misogynistic vitriol her whole career but has risen above to become the best to ever do it.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Trust your gut!

What are you working on currently that you’re most excited about?

Through robust public engagement and a data-driven approach, the Smart Curbs program comprehensively reallocates curb space to make safer, more efficient and more livable streets in NYC. It is exciting to see the UWS location be rolled out! 

I am also excited to be the new Director of Inclusion for YPT-NYC, a role I had created because I noticed that men way outnumber women at our events and I wanted to change that. Please hit me up if you have any suggestions for making YPT-NYC more diverse and inclusive!

Do you have a favorite transportation book, blog, newsletter, podcast, or YouTube channel?

Shameless plug incoming! I am currently reading ‘Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed by Men’ by Caroline Criado Perez which is the first book for our new YPT-NYC Book Club. Make sure you give it a read and join us to discuss (details of the event in this newsletter). 

What is your favorite transportation-related fun fact or joke?

Transportation is a serious issue, we must not joke, there is work to be done

Logan Wagner \\ Rail Engineer at Arup & Outgoing YPT-NYC Chair

Logan Wagner is a Rail Engineer at Arup, where he enjoys working on projects related to rail planning and program modeling. He has experience working with traffic simulations, bus operations, and roadway design. Prior to joining Arup, he worked at GPI on the Simulation and Modeling group, and interned at a community development organization and city planning department in the Greater Cleveland area. Logan is passionate about sustainable development, transportation operations and station design. Logan attended New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering, where he graduated with a B.S. in civil engineering. Outside of work, he enjoys playing volleyball, skiing, ceramics, and language learning.

Why transportation?

Transportation is inherently political and being able to understand the technical limitations behind transportation infrastructure and how it affects society’s everyday life is fascinating to me.

What’s your favorite way to get around the YPT-NYC region?

Subway and walking

If you could snap your fingers and make one change to regional transportation, what would it be?

A few things come to mind. I would love to see more rail to airport connections. Hint: Astoria Line to LGA and PATH to EWR. There are aspirational models in Germany and China for more rail to air connections. I also think interoperability from a technical perspective (electrification, fleet) and user-experience perspective (tickets, information sources) should be emphasized. Lastly, I want to understand more how transportation can help accelerate affordable housing production in the region. It seems RATP in Paris has made good progress for housing and transit coordination.

Who inspires you? 

Not surprisingly, I find Pete Buttigieg to be an inspiring leader for our generation. I admire his curiosity about transportation and understanding of how things can get done politically. There are a handful of cool mayors that are inspiring: Anne Hidalgo, Valerie Plante and Justin Bibb. I also have some really cool friends and colleagues that I feel lucky to call friends (on the YPT board!) that inspire me with their commitment, attitude and hard-working nature. In a non-transportation context, there is a German woman, Christine Thürmer, who inspires me as a novice long-distance hiker.

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

Strive to be a great listener and do not be afraid to make mistakes. Also, realistically, do not bite off more than you can chew.

What are you working on currently that you’re most excited about?

I enjoy working on projects that analyze the future rail operations along Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor and how a wide variety of projects will improve conditions for riders in terms of capacity and efficiency. It is exciting what the future holds (if the funding is there!).

Do you have a favorite transportation book, blog, newsletter, podcast, or YouTube channel?

Apart from the monthly YPT newsletter, I love a good RPA, Citylab, TransitCenter and Mass Transit newsletter.

My work commute consists of podcasts like: The Daily, The Overhead Wire, 99% Invisible, AREMA’s Platform Chats, Death, Sex & Money, Think Fast Talk Smart, and Design Better

My post dinner rotting usually consists of watching Youtube channels like: The B1M, WSJ, Vox, Not Just Bikes and Road Guy Rob, while scrolling across great transit influencer content that I value like: Jared Aisenberg, Julian Briggs, Hayden Clarkin, Marco Chitti, Joe Cohen, Jug Cerovic, Brent Toderian and Yonah Freemark.

What is your favorite transportation-related fun fact or joke?

As a rust belt native, I find the fact that Cleveland was the first city in the US to connect its airport to the rail system ironic, as it’s a historically declining city.

Griffin Ong \\ WSP Consultant

Griffin Ong was born and raised in San Francisco and has spent time living in Los Angeles, Chicago, and now New York. He’s worked in education, healthcare, public policy, and now transportation. He’s (clearly) a fan of all things urban, but beyond this, also enjoys cooking, music, and photography!

Why transportation?

I’ve lived in cities and ridden public transportation for my entire life, so I’ve seen first-hand how crucial reliable transit is to communities and regions alike. A well-connected city can really improve the quality of life in a city. That in mind, I’ve always wanted to work in space where I can have an impact on how people experience and navigate our built environments.

What’s your favorite way to get around the YPT-NYC region?

The subway reigns supreme in NYC but I’ve also enjoyed walking places to really take in the city!

If you could snap your fingers and make one change to regional transportation, what would it be?

There are so many to choose from! I live in Brooklyn and would love to have better north-south subway connectivity within the borough as well as up to Queens. I also want more restrooms in subway stations!

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

Take more risks and lean into uncertainty! You’ll be surprised where that attitude will take you.

What are you working on currently that you’re most excited about?

I’m currently working on some financial plans for transit agencies in the Bay Area. I love to work on projects that have a local impact and these are no exception.

Do you have a favorite transportation book, blog, newsletter, podcast, or YouTube channel?

I’m a policy nerd so I like reading through articles and research briefs from Brookings Metro and the Urban Wire from Urban Institute.

What is your favorite transportation-related fun fact or joke?

While extending the subway in San Francisco, construction crews encountered a sunken Gold Rush-era boat that had to be excavated. Only the hull of the boat was removed for the project – the rest still remains underground today!

Michael Levin \\ Mobility Specialist at Arcadis

Michael Levin is a Mobility Specialist at Arcadis, working on technology and data projects for bus and rail systems. He has over eight years of experience in public transportation. Prior to Arcadis, Michael worked at MTA – New York City Transit in operations planning and budgets. 

Michael holds a master’s degree in Transportation Management from NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Skidmore College.

Why transportation?

I have always been fascinated by the operational efforts that go into keeping a system running. So many people, procedures, and systems go into keeping the trains and buses running. Every worker in a system, from the CEO to the tower operators to the maintenance crew to the cleaners, plays an integral part in getting you where you need to go.

What’s your favorite way to get around the YPT-NYC region?

The subway, especially underground lines! You can find me looking out the window of the train trying to see unused track connections, provisions for unbuilt sections, and other hidden relics.

If you could snap your fingers and make one change to regional transportation, what would it be?

If there is one thing I could change, it would be a unified fare system throughout the whole region. If you live in Jersey City Heights and want to get into New York City, why should you have to pay separate fares for a New Jersey Transit bus, the PATH, and the Subway? Of course, they’re all separate agencies, but don’t we live in one big region where we just want to get where we want to go without too much hassle?

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

Mistakes are OK! That’s how we learn. Take that risk and if it doesn’t work, then you’ll learn to get past it and future adversities.

What are you working on currently that you’re most excited about?

A major part of my work is implementation of new computer-aided dispatch and automated vehicle location (CAD/AVL) systems on bus systems. It is a complex system that allows for safe and efficient daily bus pull-out and accurate customer information.

Do you have a favorite transportation book, blog, newsletter, podcast, or YouTube channel?

Transit Unplugged with Paul Comfort. Comfort interviews transit executives from smaller agencies around the world, and it is fascinating to see what innovative things they are doing to gain more choice riders and bring their systems into the 21st century.

What is your favorite transportation-related fun fact or joke?

There were plans for a major expansion of the NYC Subway that never happened. You can see provisions for those lines at several locations around the system (railfan safely, please!).

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?

Brian Peck \\ Transportation Planner at Jacobs

Brian Peck is a transportation planner by trade working for Jacobs. He spends most of his time in commercial coordination and program management, with some additional time dedicated to Federal infrastructure funding and transportation planning.

Why transportation?

Transportation is one of the most important resources for any community. It connects people to jobs, healthcare, education and recreation. Additionally, transportation heavily influences quality of life and can potentially disconnect communities in the process of reconnecting them with divisive infrastructure. I enjoy thinking about and being part of the new wave of transportation professionals dedicated to not only getting people and freight where they need to go, but doing so in an equitable and sustainable way. Providing communities with access to previously inaccessible resources is the most rewarding part of the job.

What’s your favorite way to get around the YPT-NYC region?

Subway!

If you could snap your fingers and make one change to regional transportation, what would it be?

I would make every subway station ADA accessible. It would be a complete game changer for elderly people and those with mobility needs.

Who inspires you? 

Deborah Murphy (LA active transportation advocate!)

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

There is plenty of time in your life to work – take a moment and enjoy YOUR time every once in a while!

What are you working on currently that you’re most excited about?

I am currently the commercial coordinator and deputy project manager for the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal Port Upgrade, a facility under construction in Sunset Part designed to support the Empire Wind 1 and 2 offshore wind projects. When built, the wind project will provide New York City with 2.1GW of clean, wind electricity, which SBMT will support by providing a staging area and operations center for the wind turbines.

Do you have a favorite transportation book, blog, newsletter, podcast, or YouTube channel?

Streetsblog

Jared Aisenberg \\ Service Changes Planner at MTA

My name is Jared Aisenberg, and I am a Service Changes Planner at MTA New York City Transit. I have a bachelor’s degree in urban planning and a master’s in city & regional planning from Rutgers University.  I’ve worked in both private parking consulting and in the public doing transit-oriented development work at NJ Transit. 

I love transit and its history and have taken that love and created a TikTok (@TransitTalks) that has ballooned to a strong following of over 57,000. Personal interests include traveling, cycling, being a foodie and Dunkie Junkie, and enjoying time with my friends, boyfriend, and family.

Why transportation?

There is no more uniting piece of society than the ability to move around, and transportation is the key aspect of mobility that allows for that to prosper. I’ve always loved the train, the bus, and the freedom it brings to go somewhere without being forced into a car. Transportation infrastructure, its history, and how it molds cities have always fascinated me. You can’t have what we have without transportation.

What’s your favorite way to get around the YPT-NYC region?

It is, by a long shot, the subway of course!

If you could snap your fingers and make one change to regional transportation, what would it be?

Total unification of services across the tri-state area under one, nonpartisan transportation agency.

Who inspires you? 

Historically, popular figures like Jane Jacobs light the fire in my heart that inspires me to continue to be an urbanist. Those who inspire me today are those who try to stop transit progress. I see them and how they put so much effort into suppressing something beneficial to the community and it makes me want to talk more and more about the work I do and the advocacy I participate in.

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

Don’t let your “different” interests stop you. Keep drawing, keep thinking, keep asking questions and exploring. Continue to love what you love about your “silly buses” and “silly trains.” But also… an engineering degree wouldn’t hurt.

What are you working on currently that you’re most excited about?

Currently working on some new TikToks to promote awareness of the Crosstown CBTC project.

Do you have a favorite transportation book, blog, newsletter, podcast, or YouTube channel?

The City Beneath Us

What is your favorite transportation-related fun fact or joke?

West 4 St subway station uniquely bears the directional prefix of “West” because the Independent Subway, the company responsible for the lines that serve that stop, also planned to build a major station in Brooklyn at South 4 St (above the present-day Broadway station on the G train). The stations would’ve been only a couple stops apart, so the directional prefix at 4 St in Manhattan was added to avoid potential confusion.

Chantel Cabrera \\ Senior Director of Subways Coordination & Solutions at NYCT

Chantel Cabrera serves as Senior Director of Subways Coordination & Solutions in the office of the Senior Vice President of NYCT, Department of Subways. In her role, she manages a portfolio including wide aisle gate implementation, track intrusion and fare evasion mitigation and school-age engagement. 

Chantel most recently served as Director of Public Affairs for Pace University’s New York City campus where she combined her passion for at-promise youth, community relations and local government knowledge. She previously served as the Director of Community Affairs for New York State Senator Brian Kavanagh, representing Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn waterfront communities. Prior to working with the New York State Senate, she spent five years at the New York Center for Interpersonal Development, a leading Staten Island based non-profit organization, as the Director of Workforce Initiatives. Here her focus was youth and workforce development, overseeing Summer Youth Employment and Department of Education contracts dealing specifically with alternative pathways to success. 

Chantel is a double alumnus and an EOP student of Stony Brook University, attaining her B.A. in Psychology in 2008 and MSW in 2012. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker and mostly recently achieved her master’s degree in business administration at Pace University in August 2023.

Why transportation?

Transportation is a new professional journey for me. I was initially drawn to the role because of the impact the responsibilities would have on the way New Yorkers navigate our city.

What’s your favorite way to get around the YPT-NYC region?

As someone who lives on Staten Island, I take the ferry every morning. Growing up in Long Island I have always had access to a car but I’ve really enjoyed learning more about the subway system and taking it regularly.

If you could snap your fingers and make one change to regional transportation, what would it be?

I would focus on improving interconnectivity between different modes of transportation. This would involve creating seamless connections between buses, trains, ferries, and other transit options to make it easier for people to travel across the state without encountering barriers or inefficiencies during transfers.

Who inspires you? 

I am inspired by the strong, passionate and ambitious women in my network who serve as my sounding board and support system.

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

I would say, trust your instincts, know your worth and don’t be afraid to take risks. Every experience is an opportunity to learn and pivot if necessary.

What are you working on currently that you’re most excited about?

I am the Subways lead for the solicitation for secure, accessible and modern fare gates for the future of the subway system.

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-mta-solicitation-secure-accessible-and-modern-fare-gates-future

Do you have a favorite transportation book, blog, newsletter, podcast, or YouTube channel?

My favorite newsletters are from the regional plan association (RPA), so I can stay current on what’s happening locally and women’s transportation seminar (WTS) to be motivated by women doing great things in the industry.

What is your favorite transportation-related fun fact or joke?

Off the coast of Delaware, there’s a place called Redbird Reef named after the decommissioned subway cars that make up the majority of the artificial reef.