WSP Taps Schwarz to Lead Transit and Rail Business; Benson to Serve as Deputy
In her new leadership role, Schwarz is growing the WSP’s presence in transit and rail markets; “ensuring client success with state and local transit agencies; building relationships with consultants, industry associations, railroads and contractors; and overseeing planning, design, program management and construction management assignments on major projects,” such as the Positive Train Control Project for NJ Transit and the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA’s) communication-based train control (CBTC) program for New York City Transit (NYCT).
Schwarz serves as Technical Advisor for MTA’s CBTC system, which will enhance the efficiency and safety of subway system operations. The project includes designing, installing and commissioning the new system for multiple subway lines for the B Division. It is the first design-build delivery in the history of MTA’s CBTC rollout, aiming to make the program “less expensive, more agile, less complex and faster to commission.”
Schwarz, who is based in Atlanta, joined WSP in 2021 as National Transit and Rail Systems Practice Leader and brings 30 years of experience as a certified project management professional in all aspects of project management. She served as the systems delivery package manager for the Purple Line Project, a $2 billion design-build 16-mile light rail line that will extend from Bethesda in Montgomery County to New Carrollton, north of Washington, D.C.
She earned prestigious recognition as Railway Track & Structure’s 2024 Women in Railroad Engineering and Railway Age’s 2024 Women in Rail and is a graduate of the Leadership APTA, Class 2023.
“Angela’s hands-on approach and skill in navigating complex technical challenges have earned her the respect of both her team and our clients,” said WSP National Business Line Executive for Transportation and Infrastructure David Weiss. “Her technical expertise and leadership strengths continue to bolster our delivery of innovative solutions to agencies nationwide as they transition to zero-emission vehicles, automate operations, and strive for safer, more reliable and expanded services and modernize infrastructure.”
Benson joined WSP in January 2024. She assumes the role of Deputy Transit and Rail Market Leader and continues in her role as National Bus Practice Leader. She is based in Austin, Texas.
Benson is a well-known industry advocate, serving as treasurer for WTS and as a board member for the American Public Transportation Foundation (APTF). She is also vice chair for Leadership American Public Transportation Association (APTA), a program that tutors transit professionals who are aspiring to become leaders within their respective organizations.
“Inez has a deep understanding of what it takes for transit agencies to meet critical community needs,” Weiss said. “Her decades of experience at all levels of transit agencies informs her work at WSP, as she leads our national practice of professionals in all aspects of transit bus planning, implementation, operations, program management and strategy. Her strategic advice enables us to deliver innovations that are reshaping public transportation.”
