People Spotlight: Meet Jim Gravesande, P.E.
Our People Spotlight series gives you an inside look at our technical experts around the world. This week we are highlighting Jim Gravesande from our Transportation business in the U.S. East and providing an insight into his inspiration and work.
A senior program manager with almost 40 years of experience overseeing complex transit programs all over the world, Jim joined AECOM’s project management team in 2020. He is currently the program chief executive for the communications-based train control (CBTC) program for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority-New York City Transit (MTA-NYCT) that is modernizing the signaling system on the Eighth Avenue subway line. In this role, Jim is overseeing design, installation, testing and commissioning of the wireless computerized CBTC network that will replace NYCT’s 1930s-era mechanical signal system.
Tell us what inspired you to join the industry.
I always had an affinity for trains and for engineering, dating back to when I was 4 years old, and my grandfather used to take me to the train yards so I could wave to the conductors as they pulled out onto their routes. I was a child during NASA’s Apollo program so at one point, growing up, I dreamt of becoming an astronaut, until I found out I didn’t qualify because I wear glasses.
Since that wasn’t possible, I considered being a rocket scientist. But my interests always came back to trains and, ultimately in college, transit systems and trains. I saw that as an engineer, I could make a difference to communities, take on complex, interesting programs and explore the world. And with work on projects in Chicago, San Francisco, the Middle East in Dubai and Qatar, and now New York City, that’s exactly what I’ve done.
Seeing how transit transforms cities and provides people with more opportunities through access to employment, education and recreation is very rewarding. I’m proud to be part of it and, while I still admire astronauts, I am glad that I kept my feet on the ground to help develop and advance these transit networks.
My interests always came back to trains and, ultimately in college, transit systems and trains. I saw that as an engineer, I could make a difference to communities, take on complex, interesting programs and explore the world.”
What is your favorite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why?
It has to be the Eighth Avenue CBTC system, my latest project. We’re supporting NYCT as they replace their nearly 100-year-old mechanical signal system with CBTC, a computerized system that uses wireless connectivity to maintain constant connections between trains and an automated supervision system at the rail control center that manages train speeds, locations and movements.
In my role as the program chief executive, I’m overseeing the overall program while managing our scope of services such as construction management administration, quality control, safety and inspections. I’m helping our team identify obstacles and deliver solutions, so I constantly monitor the individual projects within our scope, such as replacing the legacy wayside signal system with CBTC, installing the new digital communications system and car-borne equipment, while also adding CBTC automatic train supervision at NYCT’s rail control center.
I’m someone who finds challenges and complex programs interesting. Replacing signaling systems would be complicated in any setting, but it’s made especially so because we are working on a 100-year-old transit system that operates 24 hours a day seven days a week, and we must coordinate with outside agencies to maintain service as well as with NYCT to minimize disruptions to passengers. With that in mind, it’s particularly rewarding to see this program continue to move along with work being completed on time and within budget.
We’re supporting NYCT as they replace their nearly 100-year-old mechanical signal system with CBTC, a computerized system that uses wireless connectivity to maintain constant connections between trains and an automated supervision system at the rail control center that manages train speeds, locations and movements.”
The subway is the backbone of New York City, getting people where they need to go quickly and efficiently. It’s always been the case that when the subways function well, New York City prospers. I’m looking to the future with the completion of the Eighth Avenue CBTC signaling program because it will greatly improve the riding experience for passengers on the subway system. Modernizing the signaling system — which tells trains where to go, how fast they can go and identifies train locations — will make a major impact on subway rides.
Trains will be able to run more frequently and, because NYCT will have more insight into their location, the agency will be better equipped to troubleshoot if any issues arise. Although passengers on the Eighth Avenue line may not see the CBTC system or know how it works, they will know it’s there because they will see improvements in reliability, the frequency of subway service and in the reduction of crowding on subway cars.
It’s always been the case that when the subways function well, New York City prospers. I’m looking to the future with the completion of the Eighth Avenue CBTC signaling program because it will greatly improve the riding experience for passengers on the subway system.”
Be open to taking on challenging projects and collaborating with more experienced professionals. Working on complex projects will help you develop new skills and hone those you already have. Connecting with senior professionals presents the opportunity to exchange ideas with those who have more industry experience. This may give you not only a new perspective on your work, but the possibility to gain a mentor within your field.
There are endless opportunities to do this at AECOM because we take on so many complex, interesting projects around the country and throughout the world, and we have a deep bench of experienced, talented professionals.