Hayden Clarkin

Hayden Clarkin's interest in transit began at a young age when he would join his grandfather, who was a bus driver, for rides to the Amtrak/Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) station in Providence, R.I., where they would watch trains arrive and depart. This early fascination has fueled his unwavering commitment to transit and his dedication to fostering vibrant urban environments today.

Clarkin pursued a dual major in German Studies and Civil Engineering at the University of Connecticut, which paved the way for a transformative six-month period studying public transport operations and urban planning at Universität Stuttgart in Germany. Back in the U.S., Clarkin held a planning internship in Central Falls, R.I., where he collaborated with civic leaders, including the mayor and school district, to establish the state's inaugural contraflow bike lane.

Following his academic pursuits, Clarken ventured to the West Coast, where he worked as a “plangineer” and focused on transit accessibility for large projects. He says one of his favorite projects was leading a team in the development of an in-house app, which allowed field engineers to survey pedestrian infrastructure to measure ADA compliance.

When the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the world, Clarkin’s response was the establishment of TransitCon. The event aims to democratize the sharing of insights and ideas while fostering meaningful impact. The free, inclusive and accessible virtual transit conference platform provided a critical space for transit industry professionals and enthusiasts to convene during lockdowns. The inaugural TransitCon in January 2021 drew more than 1,000 participants and featured 40 speakers. Subsequent annual conferences and a women in transportation lunch series have collectively engaged more than 3,500 attendees and welcomed 90 speakers.

Clarkin’s influence extends into the digital realm through "The Transit Guy" persona, amassing more than 120,000 followers across X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and Instagram. He leverages this platform to advocate for transit-centric urbanism, advocating for the removal of urban freeways, enhanced transit systems, elimination of parking minimums and the creation of car-free spaces. His content encourages individuals to recognize the potential of transit in their lives and embrace positive change. Clarkin also collaborates with transit and urbanism organizations, using his platform as a catalyst for action and assisting advocacy groups in enhancing their online presence.