RELATED: How alternative delivery is helping build Seattle rail
WSP USA names new leader for transit, rail zero-emissions tech
John Drayton will support the company’s vehicle initiatives, providing national strategy development and managerial expertise.


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.
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.
More Management

Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility
In this edition of METROspectives, Joshua Schank discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.
Read More →
Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI
Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.
Read More →
Alstom Acquires Delaware Site to Support Amtrak NextGen Acela Fleet
The company is investing more than $55 million to acquire and improve the property and will employ approximately 100 people at this site once it is operational.
Read More →
SamTrans Sets Priorities for Potential Connect Bay Area Revenue
The board-approved framework allocates future funding to maintaining service, rider improvements, equity initiatives, and infrastructure repairs.
Read More →
Federal Transit Officials Launch MARTA Safety Probe
FTA has given MARTA 15 days to provide records on crime prevention, fare evasion enforcement, and security funding as part of a broader safety investigation.
Read More →
ABA's Ferguson Testifies in Support of BUS Act, National Standards for Bus Operators
The BUSES Act would create a nationwide framework preventing state and local governments from enforcing bus idling restrictions of less than 15 minutes, a threshold consistent with existing Environmental Protection Agency guidance.
Read More →
When Routine Fails: How Public Transit Must Adapt for the World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will test transit agencies’ ability to manage unpredictable travel patterns, making real-time data and operational flexibility critical to moving millions of visitors efficiently.
Read More →
Florida’s JTA Puts Innovation in Motion Ahead of America250
The agency unveiled a commemorative America250 bus during a visit from U.S. DOT's Seval Oz and showcased its autonomous mobility programs.
Read More →
California Selects Team for Nation’s First True High-Speed Rail Track and Systems Contract
The board action follows completion of track installation at the 150-acre southern railhead in Kern County, which will serve as the staging and distribution hub for high-speed track and systems installation.
Read More →
IndyGo, Cleveland RTA Expand Digital Fare Payment Options with Masabi
The new systems combine mobile apps, smart cards, and automatic fare capping to simplify payments, expand flexibility, and help riders access the lowest available fares.
Read More →