Rail and transit vehicle technologies expert and former Federal Railroad Administration senior program manager brings more than 25 years of experience to complex projects in Northeast region
BOSTON (July 1, 2024) – Eloy Martinez, an industry leader in rail and transit vehicle technologies, has joined HNTB as project director for fleet engineering, project management and advisory services. He brings more than 25 years of experience in transit, commuter, intercity passenger, high-speed rail and freight rolling stock design, procurement, safety and regulatory compliance.
“Eloy’s deep understanding of rail and transit vehicles enhances HNTB’s ability to help transit owners and railroads procure, deliver and operate safer, more efficient rail vehicle and associated systems,” said Paul Godfrey, PE, HNTB’s Massachusetts office leader and vice president. “We are thrilled to have him join our team to support our clients across all regions.”
During his career, Martinez has held positions in both the public and private sectors. Before joining HNTB, he served as a consultant, helping clients such as the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Amtrak, Caltrain and NJ TRANSIT. This included work preparing technical specifications, designing compliant rail and transit systems, executing complex safety studies and programs, procuring trainsets, testing routes, securing pre-revenue commissioning and navigating all aspects of high-speed rail.
Before moving to the private sector, Martinez was a senior program manager for the FRA, where he was responsible for all passenger equipment safety research and provided technical input on the Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 and industry standards. Martinez continues to leverage his regulatory and compliance expertise on behalf of transit owners, successfully petitioning the FRA to approve new alternative vehicle technology and create special rules for unique features of high-speed rail systems.
An advocate for greater rail and transit safety, Martinez chaired the Transportation Research Board’s AR020 Passenger Equipment and Systems Integration Committee and the American Public Transportation Association’s Passenger Rail Equipment Safety Standard Construction and Structural Committee.
Martinez holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of New Mexico and a master’s in civil and environmental engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.