Transportation & Infrastructure Infrastructure

Trust & Tech:
How Data Ensures NYC’s Transit Safety

Wed 04/23/2025 - 17:23

Safeguarding Infrastructure Through Innovation

In a world where infrastructure underpins every aspect of our lives—from our daily commute to the integrity of the buildings we work in—trust is built on data. At SOCOTEC, we are dedicated to safeguarding the structures that support our communities through rigorous testing, advanced technology, and unparalleled expertise. 

Amaya Bleiman, Principal at SOCOTEC USA and expert in testing and data collection, shares how our work with the New York City Transit Authority exemplifies one of our missions: to collect, analyze, and deliver high-quality data that keeps people safe and systems strong.

This article is part of Trust & Tech, a 4-episode video series highlighting how innovation at SOCOTEC is shaping the future of building and infrastructure. The series brings together experts from across the company to explore how technology drives safety and reliability in today’s complex built environments. 

 

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Data for Safe and Secure Transportation in NYC

Trust & Tech

The Power of Data Analysis 

At SOCOTEC, we believe that data is the foundation of safety. That’s why our laboratories and field teams monitor an extraordinary range of data through industry-leading methods and technologies. 

From basic material properties to advanced stress testing, we collect structural data through techniques such as: 

  • Tensile and ultimate strength testing, including the well-known dog bone test for materials like steel and concrete.

  • In situ loading tests, where sensors are embedded in bridges or buildings, and heavy vehicles are used to simulate real-world stress. 

  • Environmental response monitoring, capturing how a structure behaves during storms or temperature extremes. 

These methodologies go beyond compliance—they provide deep insight into structural performance, guiding critical decisions about safety, maintenance, and upgrades. In today’s fast-changing urban and industrial environments, this level of clarity is not just beneficial—it’s essential. 

 

 

The New York Transit Case 

One of SOCOTEC’s longest standing and most critical clients is the City of New York Transit Authority, which operates one of the largest and busiest transportation systems in the world. Our role: help ensure the safety and durability of the city's subway and bus fleet, which millions rely on daily. 

In the case of New York’s transit system, our collaboration goes beyond routine testing. We provide strategic data collection and analysis that help guide investment, maintenance, and innovation—ensuring that aging infrastructure can adapt to modern demands. 

 

Why Clients Turn to SOCOTEC

Collecting this kind of data is no easy feat. It requires not only the right tools and expertise, but also an understanding of each structure’s unique context—its design, usage, location, and age. 

Clients turn to SOCOTEC because they need more than raw numbers—they need clarity, strategy, and foresight. Whether a building is aging, a transportation system is expanding, or a new development is underway, reliable data enables owners and operators to: 

  • Extend the lifespan of their assets 

  • Improve efficiency and resilience 

  • Identify and remediate potential failures 

  • Ensure regulatory compliance and public safety 

Our teams partner with clients through every stage—from planning and testing to analysis and ongoing monitoring. The goal is always the same: empower decision-makers with trustworthy information

In today’s digital world, safety measures are no longer limited to being onsite. SOCOTEC has built a robust platform of remote monitoring capabilities that allow clients to view and interpret structural data in near real-time—from anywhere in the world. 

Using cutting-edge sensor networks, cloud-based data systems, and custom dashboards, we can: 

  • Continuously track structural behavior 

  • Detect anomalies before they escalate 

  • Provide long-term trend analysis 

  • Enable proactive maintenance planning 

Whether your structure is across the street or across the globe, SOCOTEC delivers real-time insights. This capability is especially critical in emergency scenarios—like storms, earthquakes, or unexpected load conditions—where rapid data interpretation can save both lives and infrastructure. 

Our expertise doesn’t stop with public transportation. Across the building & real estate, energy, oil & gas, or industrial sectors, SOCOTEC works with both public and private clients to tackle challenges related to structural performance, material integrity, and environmental impact. 

Whether it’s a bridge in Brooklyn or an offshore platform in the Gulf, our focus is the same—delivering precise, actionable insights that protect people and the environments they live and work in. 

industrial data monitoring engineers safety transportation

We help our clients by providing them data—no matter where they are, or where their structure is.

Amaya Bleiman, Principal

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