LOS ANGELES — John Drayton has been named national leader for transit and rail zero emissions technology at WSP USA, a leading engineering and professional services consultancy.
In his new role, Drayton will support WSP’s vehicle initiatives, providing national strategy development, managerial, and technical expertise for zero emissions and advanced technology efforts. This includes coordinating the efforts of WSP’s international team of zero emission technology experts, and ensuring that the firm’s growing base of zero-emissions clients are well-supported by WSP staff. His focus will be on multiple transportation modes, including buses, rail, while also supporting WSP’s initiatives in connected and autonomous vehicles.
Drayton, a WSP senior principal technical specialist, serves as a specialist on advanced technology and zero emission bus procurements, conducts technology assessments and evaluations, develops documents and technical specifications, provides technical input and expertise during procurement reviews, and provides project and program management support for clients.
“It is exciting to have someone with John’s vast experience in zero emission technology available to our firm on a national scale,” said Julie D’Orazio, WSP vice president and rail and transit market leader. “His understanding of the issues that transit leaders face, and his success in finding solutions that help them achieve their environmental goals, will be critical in developing long-lasting relationships that make a widespread impact on public transportation across the U.S. and around the globe.”
Prior to joining WSP, Drayton worked for 25 years for Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro), most recently as its director for vehicle technology. He also served as the executive vice president for the Advanced Transit Vehicle Consortium and is a certified Project Management Professional.
Drayton is a graduate of Tufts University with a bachelor of arts degree, and Boston University with a master of business administration degree with concentrations in public management and finance. An avid sailor, he serves as secretary of the City of Newport Beach Harbor Commission.
WSP is working with multiple municipal organizations on their plans to convert their transit systems to zero emissions—or carbon neutral—electric vehicles. Recent projects include preparation of a master plan for LA Metro to convert its entire bus fleet to zero emissions by 2030, and a zero-emission bus implementation analysis for King County Metro Transit in Seattle.
About WSP USA
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 9,500 employees in 150 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper. wsp.com
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