The Tolling and Traffic IT Changemaker

Through a love for learning, ultra-marathons and music composition, Chris Da Silva has harnessed the discipline and expertise to deliver information technology solutions that result in better, faster and more secure operations for tolling and mobility operations clients.

United States | Friday, November 15, 2024
Reading Time : 3:00 minutes

From his time working at Cisco Systems, Chris Da Silva developed a curiosity for what’s next and a talent for deploying information technology solutions to fix organizational process challenges. But he’s finding IT fulfillment at WSP helping the country’s most forward-thinking transportation agencies improve mobility for their communities. In this Q&A, Chris discusses what drives him, what transportation leaders can expect from IT’s evolution and more.

What is your role at WSP?

I am responsible for the service, design strategy and delivery of IT solutions across all mobility operations projects at WSP, which integrate tolling systems, back-office operations and traffic management centers for some of the biggest road networks in the country. I came to WSP from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, where I was capital program manager in the technology department. I worked on large scale capital programs from all electronic tolling, parking, revenue control system replacement and more. Prior to that, I served as technical program manager at Cisco Systems pushing out big IT solutions to global enterprises, such as Bank of America, JP Morgan and Johnson & Johnson.

What inspires you in your career?

I started working in the audio-visual industry out of college, building out conference centers. I had to understand how wireless networks worked, and I went all in on learning, earning certifications and working hard in the IT industry. That pursuit turned into a passion that still inspires and motivates me today. By learning as much as I can about what’s next I can deliver for our team and our client.

What is the biggest challenge that you are working to resolve?

Tolling and mobility operations projects are big, complex and data intensive. The biggest challenge is ensuring that our teams, clients and subcontractors are up to speed on the changing threats and dynamics that impact compliance, information security and risk management. It requires constant attention, reinforcement and education to keep everyone current and aligned to the delivery standards that ensure our clients’ operations and data are protected.

Da Silva’s focus on results is intense outside the office, too. Here he is, pictured with his late mother, after finishing the Jersey City Marathon, one of more than a dozen regular and ultra marathons he has completed.

What advancement on the horizon do toll and customer service center operators stand to benefit from most?

Many public agencies can still benefit from fully adopting cloud-based data services, which quickly deliver new operational efficiencies. From there, new artificial intelligence and blockchain applications hold real promise. AI, for example, will improve customer service center operations by routing, resolving or escalating issues very quickly. Blockchain, over the next decade or so, will have a major impact on transaction transparency, fraud prevention, security and interoperability. It promises a common set of business rules and operating standards that can advance the industry.

What are some of the impactful projects you have been part of?

Since joining WSP about five years ago, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Clipper program in the Bay Area and the Orange County Transportation Authority’s 405 Express Lanes program, which went live last year, have been standout projects.

Why do you enjoy working at WSP?

It's really the people. I think we have a pool of amazingly talented people throughout the entire company. We operate to the highest possible standard when it comes to information technology and service delivery, and I see that consistent across all our teams. When everybody works like that it leads to successful project outcomes. When that is the mindset, there is no obstacle that we cannot overcome.