From Brooklyn Roots to the Heart of the Subway System
Simona Ballard’s day often starts before most of New York is awake. By the time the first rush-hour crowd heads underground, she’s already inspected her train, checked the controls, and made sure every system is safe and ready to roll.
“I’ve learned that preparation is everything,” she says. “You can’t improvise safety.”
Born and raised in the tight-knit Middletown neighborhood near Avenue X, Simona’s connection to the city runs deep. She grew up watching the subway carry New Yorkers to work, school, and back home again. It wasn’t just a way to get around — it was the city’s lifeline.
That understanding of how important the subway is to daily life became the foundation for her career.
Climbing the Ranks: Conductor to Train Operator
Simona joined the Metropolitan Transportation Authority more than a decade ago, starting as a conductor. It was a role that taught her every inch of the system. She learned signals, timing, passenger flow, and how to keep calm when things didn’t go as planned.
“There’s no substitute for starting on the ground,” she explains. “It’s where you learn not just the rules, but the rhythm of the city.”
Her transition to train operator was a major step — one that came with more responsibility, both for passengers and for the network itself. Operating a train isn’t just about hitting the throttle. It’s about reading the signals, responding to emergencies, and staying alert for hours at a time.
The Calm in High-Pressure Moments
Anyone who’s worked in New York transit knows the system never stops. Delays, equipment issues, and unexpected passenger incidents can happen without warning. Simona has built a reputation for staying cool when the pressure’s on.
“One time we lost power in the middle of the tunnel,” she recalls. “People were getting anxious, but I knew my job was to keep everyone calm while working with control to get us moving again.”
That steady demeanor has earned her respect from her peers and trust from the people she serves.
Mastering the Mechanics and the Human Side
Simona Ballard is a graduate of the NYC Transit’s Rail Control Training Program, where she trained in train mechanics, signaling systems, communications, and safety procedures. She also learned something that isn’t in any manual — how to balance technical skill with human connection.
“You can be the best operator in the world, but if you can’t communicate in a crisis, you’re missing half the job,” she says.
Her focus on both precision and empathy has made her a leader in her field. It’s not a title she claims lightly, but one she’s earned through consistency and professionalism.
Advocacy for Worker Safety
Over the years, Simona has also become an advocate for transit worker safety. She’s active in local union initiatives aimed at improving working conditions and strengthening passenger relations.
“We have to look out for each other,” she explains. “If workers feel safe and supported, that translates to a better experience for riders too.”
This advocacy comes from firsthand experience — long shifts, unpredictable conditions, and the mental strain of staying alert in a busy urban environment. Her approach combines practical safety improvements with open conversations about the challenges transit workers face.
Life Off the Rails
When she’s not in the operator’s cab, Simona’s life looks a lot like the city she serves — busy, colorful, and full of movement. She’s a mother of two, a classic soul music fan, and a loyal Mets supporter. She finds peace walking along the Coney Island boardwalk and regularly volunteers in community clean-up events near her home.
“Brooklyn is in my blood,” she says with a smile. “It’s why I do what I do. This city gave me everything, so I try to give back in my own way.”
Lessons from the Rails
Simona’s career is a story of steady growth, grounded leadership, and a commitment to service. It’s also a reminder that leadership doesn’t always mean having the loudest voice — sometimes it’s about showing up, day after day, and doing the work with care.
“The subway is more than trains and tracks,” she reflects. “It’s about people. Every ride is someone going somewhere important, and I never forget that.”
In a city that runs 24/7, the job of keeping it moving can be invisible. But for those paying attention, professionals like Simona Ballard are proof that skill, dedication, and a deep sense of responsibility are what keep New York on track.
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