Transportation Planner Series

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA); New York (NY); On-site; USD 83,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York City is seeking a Transportation Planner to analyze and improve the city’s bus and subway services through data collection, planning, and scheduling. The role collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to design service plans and communications and supports project management across multiple transit modes.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience in transportation planning or operations, with

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and five years of transportation planning experience.
• Master’s degree can substitute for one year of experience.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to communicate data clearly.

Responsibilities

• Support planning, development, implementation, and monitoring of departmental projects.
• Coordinate cross-functional efforts and align with agency goals and timelines.
• Collect, validate, and analyze operational, financial, and performance data from multiple sources.
• Prepare reports, dashboards, and presentations for leadership and stakeholders.
• Design and maintain data systems and tools enabling data-driven decisions.
• Support performance measurement and process improvement across Bus and Subway divisions.
• Conduct field surveys, passenger counts, and public outreach to support planning.
• Represent the department in meetings with other MTA divisions and external groups.

Skills

Analytical skills

Data interpretation

Data visualization

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPt

Adobe Illustrator

InDesign

ArcGIS

QGIS

Remix

TransCAD

CUBE

VISSUM

Hastus

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, urban studies, geography, transportation science, urban planning, economics, business, public administration, political science, or related fields

Master’s degree may substitute for one year of experience

Tools

Hastus

TransCAD

CUBE

VISSUM

Job description

Description

JOB INFORMATION

• Title: Transportation Planner Series
• Department: New York City Transit Support
• Authority: OA & MTA BUS
• Division/Unit: Operations Planning
• Location: 2 Broadway, Manhattan
• Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• Compensation (Principal Transportation Planner): $99,734 - $132,458
• Compensation (Senior Transportation Planner): $94,117 – $119,984
• Compensation (Transportation Planner): $82,864 - $106,715
• Compensation (Assistant Transportation Planner): $70,857- $83,882

POSITION SUMMARY

The position will provide recommendations to improve the transportation network, bus and subway service in boroughs of New York City by performing in-depth data collection, planning and analysis, developing service plans, work programs, and service schedules for both subways and buses, developing maps and other service communication information, and participating in public engagement efforts. The incumbent also will contribute to the efficient design, implementation, management, and evaluation of programs and projects, providing planning, analytical, and technical support.

The incumbent will engage in frequent and effective collaboration with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including other MTA agencies, operating departments, city and state agencies, consultants, and community organizations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Planning, Program & Project Coordination
  • Support the planning, development, implementation, and monitoring of departmental projects and initiatives.
  • Coordinate cross-functional efforts and ensure alignment with agency goals, timelines, and compliance requirements.
  • Collect, validate, and analyze operational, financial, and performance data from multiple sources.
  • Prepare comprehensive reports, dashboards, and presentations for executive leadership, operating departments, and external stakeholders.
  • Design and maintain data systems, metrics, and tools that enable data-driven decision making.
  • Support performance measurement, benchmarking, and process improvement initiatives across Bus and Subway divisions.
• Field & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Conduct or oversee field surveys, passenger counts, and operational observations to support service planning and performance monitoring.
  • Participate in interdepartmental coordination meetings, public outreach events, and workshops.
  • Represent the department in meetings with other MTA divisions, public agencies, elected officials, and community groups.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Principal Transportation Planner

A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college with a major in one or more of the following: engineering, urban studies, geography, transportation science, urban planning, economics, business, public administration, political science, or related fields; and five (5) years of full-time paid experience in transportation planning, scheduling, or operations. A master’s degree in any of the fields listed for the baccalaureate degree may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.

Senior Transportation Planner

A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college with a major in one or more of the following: engineering, urban studies, geography, transportation science, urban planning, economics, business, public administration, political science, or related fields; and four (4) years of full-time paid experience in transportation planning, scheduling, or operations. A master’s degree in any of the fields listed for the baccalaureate degree may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.

Transportation Planner

Must possess education as stated above plus two (2) years of full-time paid experience in transportation operations planning or a satisfactory combination of education and experience.

Assistant Transportation Planner

Must possess education as stated above plus one (1) year of full-time paid experience in transportation operations planning or a satisfactory combination of education and experience.

DESIRED SKILLS

• Strong analytical, quantitative, and critical-thinking skills with the ability to interpret and communicate complex data clearly.
• Proficiency in data analysis, visualization, dashboarding and management tools. Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and InDesign; ArcGIS/QGIS and Remix
• Familiarity with travel demand modeling packages, such as TransCAD, CUBE or Vissum
• Knowledge of Hastus, or other services or scheduling simulator applications
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare professional reports and presentations.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• An understanding of general transportation and land use planning concepts, including street design to accommodate different street users including buses, bicycles, and pedestrians.
• Understanding the NYCT track system, scheduling practices, work programs and crewin

SELECTION METHOD

Based on evaluation of education, skills, experience, interview, and written assessment.

All selected candidates will be subject to a full background investigation that includes employment and education. Discrepancies may lead to dismissal.

OTHER INFORMATION

Appointment may be at a comparable level to current level of selected candidate. (If necessary)

As an employee of MTA NYC Transit, you may be required to complete an annual financial disclosure statement with the state of New York, if your position earns more than $101,379 (this is subject to change) per year or if the position is designated as a policy maker.

For 55-a eligible titles: Candidates selected for this position may be placed in a competitive or non-competitive class position based on their qualifications. Qualified candidates who are placed in a competitive class position are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate in your cover letter and in the upper right corner of your resume that you would like to be considered for the position under the 55-a Program. For detailed information regarding the 55-a Program, please visit the following link https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dcas/employment/55-a-program.page

TA APPLICANTS MUST BE IN A PERMANENT CIVIL SERVICE STATUS IN THE TITLE(S). IF YOU ARE ON AN ESTABLISHED LIST, YOUR LIST NUMBER MUST BE REACHABLE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR APPOINTMENT. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Final salary is determined experience, skillset, and alignment with compensation practices. The posted range reflects expected compensation and may be updated as market or business needs evolve.

To be eligible for consideration for a new role, current MTA employees must complete at least one year of service in their current role prior to applying. Additionally, eligibility to interview is contingent upon maintaining a satisfactory record of job performance, attendance, and disciplinary conduct. Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).

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.