Program Manager, Office of Technology
Federal Transit Administration
Roy Chen has established himself as one of the most knowledgeable persons in all of FTA when it comes to both bus and rail safety. In light of recent devastating safety events with Metrorail in Washington, D.C., Chen was called upon to be a member of the National Transportation Safety Board’s accident review team. Despite the short notice, he grasped the issues and dynamics surrounding the tragic incident and offered innovative analysis and solutions as part of the NTSB’s final report recommendations to improve rail safety at WMTA and in the industry at large.
His diligent efforts, stalwart attitude and intellect have overwhelmingly contributed to the success of the Office of Technology and the U.S. Department of Transportation and have significantly benefited the transit industry. As the newly appointed senior technical lead for FTA’s Safety Research Program within the Office of Technology he has already worked with transit agencies and other grantees on several innovative ideas leading to increased transit industry safety, including railcar and bus crash energy management, automated track inspection technology and track-walker work zone safety technology.
Chen is equally committed to developing himself as a well-rounded person. He is currently enrolled in the Office of Personnel Management’s Executive Leadership Program. He truly is the perfect example of the type of person the FTA and transit industry need as a current and future leader. He has the capacity and willingness to achieve the highest levels of leadership within the USDOT.
“What I enjoy the most about my job is the sense of public service and working on behalf of the American People. There is a great feeling of accomplishment to be an essential part in providing high quality public transportation to millions of people across this country and delivering innovative solutions that improve transit services.”
“I would like to see public transit not just have a substantial gain in modal share but also in mind share. The public should have more awareness about the essential role that transit plays in reducing the impact of climate change, reduction of overall transportation greenhouse gas emissions and creating more livable and sustainable communities.”
