NEW YORK (Diya TV) — A new power list highlighting leaders in transportation has recognized three Indian American figures for their impact on New York’s infrastructure and mobility systems. The 2026 Trailblazers in Transportation list, published by City & State, honors innovators and advocates shaping the future of public transit, roads, and emerging mobility solutions. Among those featured is Bhairavi Desai, founder and executive director of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance. The list also includes state Sen. Jeremy Cooney and infrastructure executive Kovid Saxena.
Desai has spent decades advocating for taxi and for-hire drivers in New York City. She began this work at age 23. Since then, she has built one of the most influential labor groups in the city’s transportation sector. City & State described her as a powerful advocate for drivers’ rights. Under her leadership, the alliance has pushed for fair wages, debt relief, and stronger job protections.
Desai also played a role in city policymaking. She served on a worker justice transition team for Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani has supported her efforts for years. He once joined her in a hunger strike that led to relief for taxi drivers struggling with medallion debt.
More recently, Desai helped advance legislation to protect ride-hailing drivers. The measure prevents companies from deactivating drivers without due process. Former Mayor Eric Adams vetoed the bill near the end of his term. However, the City Council overrode the veto in January, allowing the legislation to pass.
Cooney, a state senator from Rochester, has gained attention for his work on transportation policy. He chairs the State Senate Committee on Transportation. In that role, he has pushed for increased funding and long-term planning.
City & State recognized Cooney for his ambitious agenda. He secured $500,000 for a high-speed rail study. This project has remained a priority for years. He also supported a 4.9% increase in public transit funding across the state. Cooney has worked to improve infrastructure at both the state and local levels. He backed larger budgets for road repairs and maintenance. These efforts aim to modernize aging systems and improve safety.
He has also introduced new legislation to support commuters. His bill would expand pre-tax benefits to cover bicycle rentals and ride-hailing services. It would also include costs linked to bicycle commuting. In addition, Cooney has emerged as a strong supporter of autonomous vehicles. He believes these technologies can improve efficiency and safety if managed correctly.
Saxena brings a private-sector perspective to the list. He serves as vice president for mobility global business at Arcadis. He has worked on several major projects in the New York metropolitan area. City & State highlighted his influence on key infrastructure efforts. His current work includes consulting roles on the Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 and the Gateway Hudson River Tunnel. These projects aim to expand transit access and reduce congestion.
Saxena has also contributed to other major developments. His past work includes the city’s curbside electric vehicle charging rollout. He has supported reconstruction plans for the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway’s triple cantilever section. He also played a role in raising the Bayonne Bridge to improve shipping access. In Brooklyn, Saxena worked on safety upgrades along Atlantic Avenue. These changes aim to reduce accidents and improve conditions for pedestrians and drivers.
