Andy Schwartz is the Sr. Director of Radio, Security, and UAV Systems at NJ TRANSIT (NJT), the nation’s third largest transit agency. Joining in 2004, he oversees NJT’s statewide land-mobile radio network, serving over 4000 users across New Jersey, New York, and
Pennsylvania. He is also responsible for the enterprise-wide CCTV surveillance system, comprising 6000+ cameras across the tri-state area.
As the architect of NJT’s UAS program, Andy has spearheaded the development of an internal UAS professional services organization with a fleet of drones that conducts flights across the enterprise for critical missions such as infrastructure inspection, capital programs,
emergency response, and public safety. Some of his accomplishments include being granted a waiver for limited BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations using a fixed-wing VTOL platform and gaining access to the NY Special Flight Rules Area (NYSFRA) over the Hudson
River. He has also conducted Proof of Concepts using artificial intelligence to detect railway defects and forestry health. His current focus is expanding the geographic area for BVLOS operations.
Prior to joining NJT, he held leadership roles at AT&T Wireless Services and AT&T Bell Laboratories, where he contributed to the development of cutting-edge wireless technologies. Driven by a passion for technology and public service, Andy has leveraged his extensive
experience in the wireless industry to deliver innovative solutions for NJT.
An instrument-rated private pilot, familiar with military operations through his service in the Air National Guard, Andy brings a unique perspective to the challenges of operating UAS in a complex urban environment. His leadership has been instrumental in navigating regulatory hurdles and establishing NJT as a pioneer in the application of UAS technology in the public transit sector.
