Phillip Eng
Phillip Eng | |
|---|---|
| Born | United States |
| Occupation(s) | Civil engineer, transit executive |
| Years active | 1983–present |
| Known for | General manager of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority; former president of Long Island Rail Road; former chief operating officer of Metropolitan Transportation Authority |
Phillip Eng (born ) is an American civil engineer and transit leader, currently holding the position of general manager at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
Early life and education
Born to Chinese immigrant parents, Eng was raised on Long Island, New York. To simplify pronunciation in the United States, his family altered their surname from Ng to Eng. He completed his undergraduate studies in civil engineering at Cooper Union, graduating in 1983.
Career
Eng launched his professional journey at the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) in 1983 and advanced to become chief engineer and executive deputy commissioner by 2013. His work included significant contributions to projects such as the construction of the Kosciuszko Bridge and the inauguration of Rochester station.
In 2017, he took on the role of chief operating officer at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, followed by a stint as interim president of the New York City Transit Authority. The following year, Eng was named the 40th president of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), where he initiated "LIRR Forward," a program focused on enhancing system reliability, resulting in record-setting on-time performance during 2020 and 2021.
After retiring from his leadership role at LIRR in 2022, Eng joined the LiRo Group as executive vice president, a firm specializing in construction management. In April 2023, Massachusetts governor Maura Healey appointed him as general manager of the MBTA, an agency grappling with a $24.5 billion backlog in maintenance. Eng has prioritized addressing slow zones and restoring ridership levels diminished by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since assuming leadership, Eng has fostered improvements in MBTA’s operational management and organizational culture, earning commendations for enhanced transparency, effective communication, and concrete benefits for commuters. An executive director remarked that "with Phil Eng, it's like the adults are finally in charge." By early 2024, public surveys indicated widespread approval of his stewardship. Among riders, Eng has cultivated a notable reputation and earned the affectionate nickname "Train Daddy Eng."
Personal life
Eng lives in East Boston with his spouse and four children. His daily commute involves using both the Blue Line and Green Line.
A passionate beer hobbyist, Eng brews beer at home and is a supporter of the New York Mets.