John Drayton was named national leader for transit and rail zero emissions technology at WSP USA.
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.
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His focus will be on multiple transportation modes, including buses and 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.
Prior to joining WSP, Drayton worked for 25 years for 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.
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
The service is a flexible, reservation-based transit service designed to close the first- and last-mile gaps and connect riders to employment for just $5 per day.
The upgraded system, which went live earlier this month, supports METRO’s METRONow vision to enhance the customer experience, improve service reliability, and strengthen long-term regional mobility.
The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.