The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has appointed New York State Department of Transportation veteran Phillip Eng to serve as Chief Operating Officer.
As COO, Eng will oversee major operating initiatives at all MTA agencies, including , delivery of new fare payment systems and mobile ticketing apps, advertising contracts, technology integration, overall procurement strategy, oversight of best practices used across all agencies, and other key MTA priorities.
Eng most recently served as Executive Deputy Commissioner and Chief Engineer of the NYSDOT, where he oversaw all aspects of engineering, operations and capital planning. He was directly responsible for the development and delivery of the department’s $2.5 billion annual highway and bridge program and has been involved in key projects, among them a proposal to add a third track to the Long Island Rail Road main line.
Eng spent more than 33 years at the NYSDOT, starting in 1983 as a junior engineer. He held a number of key positions, including construction supervisor, director of operations, and regional director of the Department’s New York City office. Eng is a licensed professional engineer in New York State. He received his Bachelor of Engineering Degree from Cooper Union and is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
“Phil is a dedicated transportation professional with the knowledge and experience necessary to lead and improve the vital and vast transportation network of the MTA,” Interim Executive Director Ronnie Hakim said. “From opening the Second Avenue Subway to installing free Wi-Fi in all subway stations, we are reimagining the commuter experience, and I am confident Phil has the dedication and expertise necessary to carry our vision into the future. I look forward to working with him to further our mission to renew, enhance and expand the system to meet the demands of the next generation of New Yorkers.”
“Phil Eng has the experience, drive, and attention to detail needed to help ensure the MTA continues its transformation into a 21st century organization that best serves the needs of New Yorkers,” Acting Board Chairman Fernando Ferrer said. “The MTA is the economic engine of the entire region, and we are proud of the work our women and men do every day. We welcome Phil to the team.”
“I’m honored to be chosen to be part of the talented team that is working on the systematic transformational change taking place at the MTA, now led by Governor Cuomo’s vision for a 21st Century transportation network. These changes will benefit all MTA customers and the region,” Eng said.
Eng and his wife, Carole, reside in Smithtown, N.Y., with their two sons and twin daughters.