Elijah Hughes Named to Mass Transit’s 2026 40 Under 40
Recognizing Leadership in Advancing High-Quality, Community-Focused Transit
Elijah Hughes, a senior transportation planner in Pittsburgh, has been named to Mass Transit magazine’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2026, recognizing emerging leaders shaping public transportation across North America.
Hughes leads multidisciplinary teams supporting station area and transit-oriented development planning, facilities master planning, and long-range multimodal planning. A regular transit rider, he brings a personal perspective to his work, focusing on how transportation connects people to opportunity and improves daily life across communities.
“Elijah understands that high-quality transit options support stronger communities,” said HDR Global Transit Director Matt Tucker. “His ability to see the big picture and thoughtfully recommend and implement solutions has helped our clients advance meaningful and lasting improvements for transit users.”
Over his 11-year career, Hughes has grown from designer to planning leader, helping deliver complex initiatives across the region. He guided Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s Building on the East Busway study to completion, earning state and national recognition, while strengthening collaboration between project partners. He has also authored more than $1 million in successful federal planning grant applications, helping expand transit-oriented development strategies and programs.
Hughes has maintained a strong focus on accessibility, from early work advancing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements in Pittsburgh to ongoing efforts to improve access at transit stations. His dynamic approach has helped clients anticipate future needs, including coordinating infrastructure planning to support long-term transitions to battery electric transit fleets.
Beyond project delivery, Hughes contributes to the industry through leadership roles with Mobilify Southwestern Pennsylvania, the Allegheny Land Trust, Southwestern Pennsylvania Engineering Outreach, and other organizations focused on mobility, community development and education. He has also supported the next generation of planners through teaching and mentorship.
“Public transit has always been personal for me,” Hughes said. “It shapes how people experience their community and access jobs, education and important services. I’m proud to be recognized alongside peers who are working to make transit more equitable and accessible.”
