USA (Commonwealth Union)_ Meera Joshi, an Indian-American deputy mayor, has been selected by New York City Mayor Eric Adams to join the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board. Joshi currently oversees transportation infrastructure and climate portfolios for the Adams administration and has served as deputy mayor for operations for New York City since January 2022. Mayor Adams praised Joshi as an ideal candidate to help fortify the MTA’s future and deliver a top-tier, safe, reliable, and inclusive transportation system for all New Yorkers.
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Adams said, “New York City’s transit system is our backbone, and once confirmed to the MTA Board, Deputy Mayor Joshi will help ensure our backbone is stronger than ever”. In a recent announcement, Adams lauded Joshi’s leadership in the city’s street safety initiatives, which contributed to making New York City the second-safest year for pedestrians since the inception of Vision Zero in 2014. He emphasized her team’s ongoing efforts to enhance public spaces, reduce emissions from buildings and transportation, manage waste, and mitigate risks associated with extreme weather events. The MTA, in charge of public transportation in the New York City metropolitan area, requires confirmation of all board nominations by the state senate.
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Expressing gratitude for the nomination, Joshi stated her commitment to supporting the MTA’s financial and operational stability during this period of transition. She pledged to prioritize essential upgrades and effectively implement congestion pricing to serve the people of New York faithfully. She stated, “Supporting the MTA’s fiscal and operational well-being through this moment of transition would be a great honor and privilege”. She added, “From delivering needed upgrades to effectively operationalizing congestion pricing, I am committed to faithfully serving the people of New York as a member of the MTA’s Board of Directors”.
Before her tenure in the Adams administration, Joshi was nominated by US President Joe Biden to serve as administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, overseeing interstate trucking regulations. Previously, she served as inspector general for the New York City Department of Correction, leading investigations into corruption and misconduct within the city’s jail operations from 2002 to 2008. Joshi also held the position of first deputy executive director of the New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board, overseeing investigations into allegations of police misconduct. In terms of education, Joshi graduated with a B.A. and a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.
