Sam Schwartz

A man who needs no introduction, Sam Schwartz coined the term “gridlock” during his days as head of the city’s Department of Traffic, a precursor to the current Department of Transportation. In a career that spans decades, “Gridlock” Sam has been a city transportation official, a traffic consultant and a Daily News columnist.

Driverless Cars

With Waymo Testing Halted, We Have A Rare Chance To Get Ahead of the ‘Driverless Revolution’

Two experts say we don't have to fear AVs, but we do have to prepare for them so we don't repeat the mistakes of the past.

Sam Schwartz

April 8, 2026

Car Harms

Car Harms Monday: ‘Gridlock Sam’ Says We Have Lost Our Lives to the Automobile

Take it from the former head of the city's Department of Traffic: If we restore valuable public space to the people, the result will be a healthier, happier, and more humane city.

Sam Schwartz

June 2, 2025

Safety on Transit

‘Gridlock Sam’: MTA Has a Cheap, Cop-Free Way to Make Platforms Safer

Installing metal barriers, with gaps for subway car doors, could be accomplished at hundreds of stations for the same cost as expensive platform screen doors.

Sam Schwartz

August 27, 2024