Finalist

Neil Padukone

Strengthening the supply chain and workforce for the region’s transit systems that move New Yorkers, support neighborhoods, and energize the City’s economy

Black and white photograph of Neil Padukone who is strengthening the supply chain and workforce for the region’s transit systems that move New Yorkers, support neighborhoods, and energize the City’s economy
Year
2022
Organization
Center for Transit R&D
Sector
Technology & Science
Borough
Queens
Black and white photograph of Neil Padukone who is strengthening the supply chain and workforce for the region’s transit systems that move New Yorkers, support neighborhoods, and energize the City’s economy

Neil started his career in post-9/11 policy, working to put systems in place to prevent similar catastrophes. He later pivoted to urban development, realizing that everyday neighborhood realities can also exact deep harm — or opportunity. Today he’s focused on mass transit, which is tied to issues of mobility, access, equity, climate justice, and economic development. Yes, modifying NYC’s veins and arteries is an expensive and long-term endeavor, but from Neil’s perspective, supporting the supply chain of businesses and frontline workers that manufacture, install, and maintain our transit is key to bringing about the innovations that will support our transit system and our city’s recovery.

At the new Center for Transit R&D, Neil will work with New York’s major transit systems to address critical — if unsexy — problems like signals, track abrasion, wheel friction, and more, collaborating with researchers, universities, and manufacturers to test, scale, fabricate, and implement solutions that bring our system into and through the next century.