Ridership Analysis and Modeling, Emerging Talent Intern (Spring)

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA); New York (NY); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) invites applicants for the Ridership Analysis and Modeling, Emerging Talent Intern (Spring) position at 2 Broadway, New York, NY. The role focuses on GIS data management, analysis of ridership patterns, and cross-functional collaboration to improve scheduling and information delivery.

The internship requires enrollment in a graduate program with a 2.8+ GPA and in-person attendance.

Qualifications

• Must be matriculated in a graduate program with a 2.8+ GPA.
• Preferred majors include planning, civil/transportation engineering, urban studies or data-related fields.
• Authorized to work in the United States; transcripts required.

Responsibilities

• Update GIS datasets such as Bus Lane Segments and Bus Route LION matching.
• Perform spatial data validation, cleaning, and QA for reliable outputs.
• Integrate GIS data with bus speed and operations data for corridor analysis.
• Support modernization of fixed guideway reporting via GIS-based frameworks.
• Assist in backend development and data structuring for OP ArcGIS Online Portal.
• Document data processes to ensure transparency and reproducibility.
• Develop and refine geospatial tools and workflows for efficiency.
• Collaborate with Operations Planning and Data & Analytics teams.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Graduate program GPA 2.8

Tools

ArcGIS

Job description

Description

Department: Operations Planning - NYCT Support Agency

Location: 2 Broadway, New York, NY 10004

Position Title: Ridership Analysis and Modeling, Emerging Talent Intern (Spring)

Hourly Rate: $21.00 (Graduate)

All internship positions are onsite and require regular, in-person attendance at the designated work location.

OVERVIEW OF DEPARTMENT:

Ridership Analysis & Modeling (RAM) serves as an internal consultant to NYCT on all aspects of ridership patterns, passenger movement, and short- and long-term trends across subway and bus systems. The RAM group develops and improves models and tools used to estimate statistics and forecast rider behavior during normal operations and in cases of planned work, to improve schedule accuracy and better target customer information. RAM works cross-functionally across the agency to extract narratives from massive amounts of data, both directly observed and estimated.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Update and maintain GIS datasets, including the Bus Lane Segments shapefile and Bus Route LION Matching data, ensuring accuracy and consistency across systems.
• Perform spatial data validation, cleaning, and quality assurance to support reliable transit planning and federal reporting outputs.
• Assist in integrating GIS datasets with bus speed and operational data to support analysis of corridor performance and running time estimation.
• Support the modernization of fixed guideway reporting processes by contributing to updated GIS-based reporting frameworks.
• Assist in backend development and data structuring for the OP ArcGIS Online Portal, improving accessibility and usability for internal teams.
• Document data processes, methodologies, and updates to ensure transparency, reproducibility, and long-term maintainability of GIS resources.
• Develop and refine geospatial analysis tools and workflows to improve efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Operations Planning and Data & Analytics, to align datasets and analytical outputs.

PROJECTS:

• Bus Route and Lion Street Network Matching/Bus Lane Inventory Maintenance
• OP ArcGIS Online Portal and its integration with the Data Lake
• Bus Lane Ridership and Speed Report/Dashboard

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is a must.
• The candidate should possess organizational, analytical and communication skills.
• The candidate should be able to work well under pressure and prioritize tasks effectively.
• The candidate should have a keen eye for detail and be able to work independently while being an active team player.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• Matriculated in a graduate program in good standing with at least 2.8 GPA
• Major(s) Preferred: City & Regional Planning, Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Urban Studies, Public Policy, Public Affairs, Computer Science, Data Science, or related fields.

All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. Students’ transcript must be submitted.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.