Lorne Lieb
2026 Speaker

Lorne Lieb

Deputy Director - Strategy & Innovation, Operations Training

MTA Metro-North Railroad

About

Lorne Lieb is the Deputy Director of Strategy & Innovation – Operations Training at MTA Metro-North Railroad, where he leads the development of innovative training that combines technology, storytelling, and immersive learning. With a background in documentary production and instructional design, he has developed XR and VR training experiences focused on workforce safety, operational procedures, equipment familiarization, and public education. Under his leadership, the team has produced a diverse range of digital learning experiences to support railroad operations; from 360° VR and interactive 3D environments to AI-assisted communications practice and video-based physical characteristics training. These initiatives have earned agency-wide and international recognition while delivering measurable operational and cost benefits. A certified XR developer and FAA-licensed drone operator, Lorne is passionate about using emerging technologies to transform complex topics into accessible, engaging, and effective learning experiences.

2026 Sessions

Oct 1412:00 PM12:25 PM
Green BreakoutCase Study

Case Study - Real-World Challenges, Without the Real-World Risk: Building an Enterprise VR Training Program for Working on the Railroad (MTA Metro-North Railroad)

Atrium Ballroom A

Training the employees who operate one of the busiest commuter railroads in New York City comes with unique challenges. MTA Metro-North Railroad is using in-house-produced VR content and interactive 3D mapping to deliver training in hazardous environments, on equipment that isn’t always available, in locations that aren’t always accessible, and for life-critical safety procedures.  It’s real-world challenges without the real-world risk. This presentation will explore Metro-North’s journey from developing its first VR experiences in-house to scaling immersive training across eight locations. We’ll examine the process from identifying a training need through content development, production, deployment, and evaluation—and how emerging technologies such as 3D mapping, Gaussian Splats, and AI are shaping the next generation of railroad training.