MTA names Eng chief operating officer

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has appointed Phil Eng chief operating officer.

Eng most recently served as executive deputy commissioner and chief engineer at the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), where he oversaw all aspects of engineering, operations and capital planning.

He also was directly responsible for the department's $2.5 billion annual highway and bridge program, MTA officials said in a press release.

Eng has been involved in other key transportation projects, including New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's proposal to add a third track to the MTA Long Island Rail Road's Main Line.

"Phil Eng has the experience, drive, and attention to detail needed to help ensure the MTA continues its transformation into a 21st century organization that best serves the needs of New Yorkers," said MTA Acting Chairman Fernando Ferrer.

In 1983, Eng landed his first job at NYSDOT as junior engineer. Since then, he's held several other positions, including construction supervisor, director of operations and regional director of the departments New York City office.