Harpal Kapoor has joined HDR as a senior program manager and transit vehicle practice lead covering national and global markets.
Based in Vienna, Virginia, Kapoor will oversee the planning and design of clients’ transit programs, facilities and systems, and will serve as a senior program manager for major transit projects in coordination with our transit leadership.
“The transportation industry faces multiple challenges which HDR can help our private and public sector clients successfully navigate,” said Kapoor. “For example, the emergence of Uber and Lyft and deteriorating service reliability have contributed to declining ridership and revenue at several agencies. Other significant challenges include the aging transit workforce, as well as the lack of funding to maintain and improve public transit systems. My new job is a unique opportunity to apply my knowledge and experience to deliver solutions for such complex problems.”
Widely respected for his more than 35 years in the industry, Kapoor has led all phases of transit system development and operations, and spearheaded long- and short-term strategic plans for bus and rail operations, maintenance, capital programs and engineering. His previous positions include serving as the general manager of Miami-Dade Transit in Florida, and managerial and consulting engineering roles with Washington Metro.
“We’re thrilled that Harpal is bringing his vast expertise to HDR’s transit practice,” said Global Transit Director Tom Waldron. “As the GM of Miami-Dade Transit, Harpal oversaw a $1 billion budget with broad responsibilities for an operation with more than 3,200 employees. That’s a vantage point only a few in our industry get to experience. His impressive management and technical acumen in all facets of transit operations will be a major asset to our team.”
Kapoor earned his mechanical engineering degree from the National Institute of Technology in Kurukshetra, India. He is a past board member of the American Public Transportation Association and the Florida Public Transportation Association. Currently at APTA, Kapoor is vice chair of the Bus Technical Maintenance Committee and holds memberships on the Clean Propulsion & Support Technology Committee, Business Member Procurement Committee and Standards Development Committee. He also is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers.
