TRAFFIC CONGESTION COSTS NEW YORKERS 140 HOURS A YEAR. I HELP GET THOSE HOURS BACK.
Transit policy that rescues people, not just trains.
About Liam Blank
I'm a transit policy specialist and data strategist with 10+ years of experience transforming complex transportation challenges into practical solutions that improve people's daily lives.
At the intersection of data, policy, and advocacy, I provide the analysis and strategic guidance needed to transform New York's transportation systems—whether it's optimizing bus networks, implementing congestion pricing, or revolutionizing Penn Station's capacity.
I TURN DATA INTO FEWER TRAFFIC JAMS.
Data vehicles modeled
Farecard data points analyzed
Peak-hour transit trips optimized
Major agencies served
While politicians debate, commuters wait. I deliver solutions that work.
How I Transform Transit
While most transit consultants develop billion-dollar infrastructure wish lists, I focus on optimizing what already exists—creating solutions that prioritize riders, operations, and effective system integration.
Infrastructure First
Most consultants default to massive construction projects requiring billions in funding and years of disruption.
Reports That Gather Dust
Their recommendations often remain theoretical, with little consideration for implementation realities or stakeholder buy-in.
Single-System Focus
They treat each transit system as an isolated entity, missing opportunities for integration across jurisdictions and agencies.
Riders First
I prioritize operational changes and strategic improvements that maximize rider benefits without excessive costs or disruption.
Real-World Impact
My solutions are formally evaluated by agencies, covered by Bloomberg and the NYT, and directly influence policy decisions.
System Integration
I create solutions that transcend jurisdictional boundaries, connecting disparate systems into cohesive regional networks.
SIGNATURE ACHIEVEMENTS
The Tri-State Solution: Reimagining Penn Station
I developed a breakthrough $7 billion through-running solution for Penn Station that was formally evaluated by Amtrak, MTA, and NJ Transit and featured in Bloomberg CityLab.
Key Innovations:
- Hybrid approach combining targeted infrastructure with operational reforms
- Synthesis of existing agency studies into a cohesive, practical solution
- Creation of cross-regional connectivity between NJ, NYC, and Long Island
- Implementation strategy with minimal service disruption during construction
Congestion Pricing Equity Analysis
Created data-driven equity analysis showing only 0.51-1.78% of commuters in 217 legislative districts would pay fees—evidence that proved crucial for policy passage.
MTA Capital Spending Visualization
Analyzed 37,000+ vendor transactions to create interactive maps and 239 district-specific fact sheets, exposing spending patterns and increasing transparency.
NYC Bus Network Redesign
Led advocacy for comprehensive bus network redesigns and busway implementations that improved service for over 900,000 daily riders across New York City.
Transit isn't just about building more infrastructure—it's about making what we already have work better for people. My solutions bridge the gap between theoretical planning and practical implementation, delivering results that improve millions of commuter lives.
CASE STUDIES: TRANSIT PROBLEMS SOLVED
PENN STATION: THE $7 BILLION THROUGH-RUNNING SOLUTION
When planners proposed spending $16.7B+ on Penn Station South expansion, I synthesized agency studies to champion a smarter, cheaper through-running alternative.
Terminal station inefficiency limits capacity; proposed expansion was prohibitively expensive.
Authored the "Tri-State Solution" report, proposing a $7B hybrid through-running plan using targeted infrastructure and operational changes.
Plan formally evaluated by agencies, featured in Bloomberg CityLab, influencing the debate towards modernization over pure expansion.
CONGESTION PRICING: FROM "IMPOSSIBLE" TO IMPLEMENTED
When everyone said New York couldn't be the first American city with congestion pricing, I provided the district-level data that changed minds and built consensus.
Decades of political gridlock fueled by equity concerns and misinformation.
Analyzed commuter data for 217 legislative districts; created fact sheets proving minimal negative impact and highlighting transit benefits.
Legislation passed, securing $15B+ for transit and enabling 100k+ fewer daily car trips.
MTA SPENDING: MAKING CAPITAL DOLLARS TRANSPARENT
When the flow of MTA's multi-billion dollar capital spending was opaque, I created tools to visualize its local economic impact across New York.
Lack of public understanding of where MTA capital funds were spent geographically.
Analyzed 37,000+ vendor transactions; built interactive maps and 239 district-specific fact sheets showing local spending.
Generated NYT coverage, enhanced accountability, and provided evidence for funding discussions like congestion pricing.
NYC BUS NETWORK REDESIGN
When NYC's bus service was plagued by slow speeds and declining ridership, I led advocacy for comprehensive network redesigns and dedicated busways.
Outdated routes, slow speeds, and declining bus ridership across all boroughs.
Led coalition advocating for borough-wide redesigns and dedicated bus priority corridors using international best practices.
Implemented redesigns improved service for 900,000+ daily riders, with speed increases of 36% on key corridors.
THINK TANK: TRANSIT INSIGHTS
Deeper thinking on transit governance and regional mobility
When a President Says "Stop": Constitutional Battles Over Congestion Pricing
How a February 19 letter ignited an extraordinary legal confrontation between federal and state authorities.
Read MoreThe $10 Billion Plan That Could Fix Penn Station--If Politics Allowed It
Why the obvious solution to America's busiest transit hub remains ignored.
Read MoreHow the Dream of Regional Governance in New York Faded--and Why It Still Matters
The forgotten history that explains why our transit systems don't work together.
Read MoreMEDIA PRESENCE
A Regional Rail Plan Aims to Reinvent New York's Commuter Trains
London, Paris and Berlin all have integrated regional rail systems that serve the entire metro area. One transit advocacy group asks: Why not New York City?
Read CoverageMTA Budget Crunch Could Derail Subway Improvement Plans
Experts weigh in on how funding shortfalls threaten service upgrades and what can be done to prevent cuts.
Read CoverageThe Data Shows: Congestion Pricing Benefits Everyone
New district-level analysis demonstrates most commuters would see improved service without paying the fee.
Read CoverageKEY METRICS & EXPERIENCE
READY TO SOLVE TRANSIT PROBLEMS THAT MATTER?
Most transit consultants give you 100-page reports.
I deliver data-driven strategies and the advocacy to make them reality.