Transdev Names Las Vegas Paratransit Location Winner of Season of Service

Transdev is excited to recognize its Las Vegas Paratransit location as the winner of its Season of Service, an initiative designed to strengthen community trust, employee engagement, and meaningful local impact through sustained service and outreach. The location employs 875 people and serves Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) paratransit customers.

Season of Service was created to go beyond one-time volunteer moments. Instead, it encouraged teams to show up consistently in their communities – listening, learning, and building relationships that reinforce the purpose behind the services Transdev provides every day. For the Transdev Las Vegas Paratransit team, the initiative came at a pivotal moment and became a powerful opportunity to reset relationships with both the community and internal teams.

Rebuilding Trust Through Presence and Purpose

Since the beginning of working with the Transdev Las Vegas Paratransit team, the focus has been clear: demonstrate accountability, provide excellent service both on and off the system, and show the community that the team was present, engaged, and listening.

“Continuous presence is how you build rapport,” said Louis Ferri, Transdev General Manager. “We’re not separate from the community – we’re part of it. We wanted people to know we’re here, we’re ready to make connections, and we’re committed to earning trust again.”

The commitment extended internally, as well. By planning and participating in community events alongside frontline staff, leadership helped strengthen trust and reinforce that everyone was working toward the same goal.

Turning Employee Ideas into Action

A key strength of Transdev Las Vegas Paratransit’s Season of Service events was employee involvement. Using the company’s engagement calendar as a foundation, team members were encouraged to bring forward ideas for community partnerships and outreach.

“When you take time to talk to people, you realize they want to make a positive impact – they just don’t always know how,” said Patricia Tezer, Assistant General Manager, who has been with Transdev for more than 15 years. “Once leadership helped turn those ideas into action, everything changed.”

Management modeled participation by consistently showing up, even with demanding schedules. Their presence encouraged others to step forward, reinforcing a culture that valued and recognized community engagement.

Meaningful Partnerships and Measurable Impact

Throughout the Season of Service, Transdev’s Las Vegas Paratransit team partnered with nine local organizations, contributing an estimated 112 hours of community service. These partnerships included:

• Opportunity Village
• Caring Hands Adult Day Care Center
• American Cancer Society
• Southern Nevada Centers for Independent Living
• North Las Vegas Veteran Community Resource Center
• Three Square
• The Shade Tree
• The Blind Center
• Teamsters Local 631

Events ranged from donation drives and awareness walks to educational outreach and community fairs. One of the most impactful initiatives was the Nevada Child Seeks and Transdev RTC Human Trafficking Training, which connected the transportation services employees already provide with critical knowledge that can help protect vulnerable populations.

“This opened our employees’ eyes to the fact that there are resources out there – and what they do every day already plays a role in supporting the community,” said Amy Cruz, Community Outreach Coordinator.

Connecting Service, Education, and Recognition

Transdev’s RTC Paratransit team outreach strategy was about education, awareness, and making a positive impression with the community and its riders. Participating rates varied by event type, with management-led fairs averaging about 20% leadership participation, and larger employee-driven initiatives engaging dozens of team members across the workforce.

Recognition played a critical role in sustaining momentum. Thank-you posters from community events now hang in break rooms, and new internal recognition efforts, including a pin reward system tied to safety, operational blitzes, and engagement, are helping reinforce the value of employee engagement.

“People leave when they feel unseen,” said Ferri. “Recognition makes the effort worth it. It reminds employees that what they’re doing matters.”

Looking Ahead

The success of the Las Vegas Paratransit team’s Season of Service has already inspired plans to repeat and expand efforts in 2026. With community outreach now a mandatory element of the contract and strong leadership support behind the work, the team is focused on continuing to grow – starting small, listening closely, and staying open to feedback.

“No engagement is too small,” Yili Affonso, Customer Service Manager, said. “Make the time, think outside the box, and grow from there.”

By building trust through consistency, empowering employees to lead, and staying rooted in community needs, the Las Vegas Paratransit team exemplified the very spirit of Transdev’s Season of Service, earning well-deserved recognition and setting a standard for future initiatives across the organization.

Read about more recent Season of Service events across Transdev’s locations.

Transdev’s Season of Service: Back-to-School Spirit in Action 

Cobb County and Transdev: Driving Service Beyond Transit

Transdev Locations Celebrate National Customer Service Week with “Meet the Managers” Events Across the Country 

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Transdev Leaders Selected for LIT’s 2026 Leadership Academy

Transdev is proud to congratulate Victoria Morales, General Manager with Transdev Rochester in Minnesota, and Adam Beltran II, Assistant General Manager with Transdev Houston METROlift Paratransit in Houston, Texas, for being selected to participate in the 2026 Latinos in Transit (LIT) Leadership Academy. Both will take part in the academy’s Leading in Middle Management track, which focuses on developing rising leaders within the public transportation industry.

Their selection underscores Transdev’s longstanding commitment to investing in leadership development and supporting programs that strengthen the future of the public transportation industry. Through partnerships with organizations like LIT, Transdev continues to champion workforce advancement and opportunities for emerging leaders across its operations.

The five-month program brings together transit professionals from across the country for targeted training, professional networking, and a capstone project presented at the LIT Leadership Summit this fall. As participants, Morales and Beltran will build on their operational and leadership skills while representing Transdev among a national cohort of rising industry leaders.

Transdev congratulates Morales and Beltran on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to supporting them throughout their Leadership Academy journey.

Read more about Transdev’s previous LIT Leadership Academy class at:

Read LIT’s full press release here:

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Transdev Celebrates ASE 2025 Award Winners

Transdev is proud to announce that three of our outstanding technicians have been recognized by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) as 2025 Award Winners. These prestigious awards honor individuals who demonstrate exceptional skill, professionalism, and leadership in the transportation industry.

Our 2025 ASE Award Winners

ASE Master Automobile & Mobile/Heavy-Duty Truck Technician of the Year

Robert Morrison

Technician – Transdev – Hartford County, MD

Passion for automotive excellence has driven Robert Morrison’s career from the very beginning. What started as helping his dad fix cars in the driveway grew into a lifelong pursuit of mastery in the field. Today, he stands among the industry’s elite as an ASE World Class Technician and a member of ASE’s President’s Club – one of the most exclusive honors in the industry.

The President’s Club recognizes individuals who hold current certifications in 48 specific ASE test areas, spanning automotive, truck, bus, collision, advanced-level, alternative fuels, high-voltage safety, and more. Fewer technicians reach this milestone, making membership a symbol of exceptional dedication, breadth of knowledge, and long-term commitment to professional excellence.

For the past nine years, Morrison has been a cornerstone of his team, crediting much of his success to the guidance of his supervisor, William (Bill) Woods.

“Bill has been an excellent mentor,” Morrison shared. “He provides strong leadership, supports educational opportunities, and offers knowledgeable, experienced advice.”

Reflecting on his journey, Morrison stated:

“Being an ASE-certified technician has opened many doors and possibilities throughout my career, allowing for growth in the automotive field. ASE has given me the credibility to show my skills and abilities. Also, these certifications allow me to stay current within the changing world of automotive technology.”

His personal motto sums up his approach to work and life.

“There is nothing worth doing halfway.”

ASE Master Transit Bus Technician of the Year

Bryan Gold

Manager of Maintenance – Transdev – Chicago, IL

A lifelong curiosity for how things work sparked a career defined by excellence. From tinkering with cars to leading a major transit maintenance operation, Bryan Gold has spent 15 years ensuring reliability and safety for Transdev’s Chicago PACE contract. His dedication has earned him recognition as an ASE World Class Technician and membership in the ASE President’s Club.

For Gold, professional certification is more than a credential – it’s a commitment to quality.

“Being a service professional has been very rewarding and having some sort of certification to back up your work, in my opinion, is very valuable. You wouldn’t go to a doctor that didn’t have a degree.”

His guiding principle reflects his work ethic.

“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

Derek Williams

Manager of Quality Assurance – Transdev – Commerce City, CO

For Derek Williams, buses have always been more than vehicles – they’re a family tradition. His fascination began in high school and led him to follow in the footsteps of his father, uncle, and grandfather to become a bus technician. Today, as Quality Assurance Manager at Transdev’s Commerce City, Colorado location, Williams has spent the past five years ensuring safe, reliable transportation for the community. His expertise has earned him recognition as an ASE World Class Technician and membership in the ASE President’s Club.

Williams takes pride in the impact his work has on people’s lives.

“Providing service to public transportation systems can have a positive impact on customers’ lives. The work my team and I do helps people get around by providing safe and reliable transportation,” he says.

For Williams, ASE certifications represent more than achievement – they’re a challenge and a standard.

“ASE certifications are a good way for technicians to challenge themselves to know how each system on a vehicle operates and how to repair it correctly the first time.”

His favorite piece of advice is simple but memorable:

“Keep it simple and start with making sure the switch is in the ‘On’ position.”

These award winners exemplify what it means to go above and beyond in their profession. Their stories reflect years of commitment, continuous learning, and a passion for serving their communities through safe and reliable transportation. From early inspirations to building careers their families can be proud of, each honoree demonstrates the impact of perseverance and pride in their craft.

Learn more about Transdev’s fleet services here: Fleet Services – Transdev United States. 

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Transdev Welcomes Emily Guill as Director Business Development

Transdev U.S. is pleased to announce the addition of Emily Guill as Director, Business Development for its U.S. operations. Guill brings more than a decade of experience in the public transportation industry, with a proven track record of connecting transit agencies with partners, solutions and services that support their operational and strategic goals. 

Guill most recently served as Business Development Director for Hallcon Corporation, where she worked closely with agencies across North America to improve cleanliness, safety and the overall rider experience. She also supported the development of shuttle service programs tailored to serve workforce, university and community mobility needs. 

Prior to Hallcon, Guill was Publisher and business leader at Mass Transit magazine, where she guided a cross-functional team spanning sales, editorial and marketing. In that role, she managed P&L responsibility, spearheaded revenue growth initiatives, and strengthened brand visibility across the transit landscape. She collaborated with agencies and industry partners to assess their needs and deliver creative, results‑oriented marketing and communications strategies. Earlier in her career, she held positions with Railway Age and Railway Track & Structures, supporting marketing and advertising for both freight and passenger rail sectors. 

Guill’s passion for public transportation is rooted in its power to connect communities, expand opportunities and enhance quality of life. She is committed to building strong partnerships that advance mobility solutions across the country. 

Guill is an active industry leader, serving on the APTA Business Members Board of Governors and APTA’s Programs and Communications Committee. She is also a Board Member of the Southwest Transit Association. 

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Miami County Transit Celebrates 500 Perfect Safety Days with Transdev

Safety is not just a priority at Transdev, but a cornerstone of our culture. That commitment was recently celebrated in Miami County, Ohio, where the team achieved an incredible milestone: 500 Perfect Safety Days.

Perfect Safety Days – days with no accidents or injuries – represent an overarching safety goal across Transdev’s U.S. operations. These days are tracked and celebrated at every level: by location, region, and nationwide. Achieving them requires focus, teamwork, and a shared commitment to doing what’s right for passengers, colleagues, and the community.

At Transdev’s Miami County location, this milestone reflects the leadership of Cathleen Miller, General Manager, and the dedication of every team member. Miller, who joined the contract in 2016 as a Safety Manager and became General Manager in 2019, has built a safety culture rooted in accountability, transparency, and continuous learning.

Her open-door policy encourages drivers to raise concerns and discuss challenges without fear of blame. Weekly bus rides, tailored safety reminders, and real-time coaching reinforce this culture of engagement. Miller’s leadership philosophy is simple: equip every team member to succeed and lead by example.

This achievement also reflects the strength of Transdev’s partnership with Miami County and the support of leaders like Scott Germann, Vice President of Operations, Transit, Midwest, and John Scheffler, Senior Director of Safety with Transdev. Together, they emphasize that success comes from engagement, trust, and shared values.

With tools like DriveCam and Lytx providing data-driven insights and a team culture that prioritizes learning over blame, Miami County Transit proves that safety goals are attainable. 500 Perfect Safety Days isn’t just a number – it’s a testament to leadership, teamwork, and a relentless focus on doing what’s right.

Congratulations to the Miami County team for setting the standard in safety excellence!

Learn more about Transdev’s Perfect Safety Days initiative and our commitment to safety at:

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Transdev: An Employer of Choice in Rockland County

Transdev believes that being an employer of choice means going beyond providing jobs – it means supporting our people, understanding their challenges, and helping them succeed. This commitment has been on full display in Rockland County, New York, where our Transport of Rockland (TOR) operation faced a unique challenge over the past year.

Recent changes in federal immigration policy created uncertainty for employees working under temporary work authorizations. For many of these team members, who hail from Haiti, their roles are more than jobs—they represent stability, pride, and purpose.

The change impacted 18 drivers—representing   of Transdev’s TOR workforce—who were at risk of losing their ability to work. Our local team acted quickly to connect employees to resources and guidance, helping these employees navigate the complex process of securing long-term work authorization. Thanks to these efforts, team members now have a clearer path toward permanent residency and continued success in their careers.

Our leadership team met privately with each affected employee to understand their situation and guide them through the process. Our TOR team connected with Catholic Charities Legal Services and local advocacy groups to provide free legal assistance. With the help of U.S. Congressman Mike Lawler’s office and advice from industry peers, we worked to ensure our employees’ voices were heard. We also helped the employees complete forms, explained the process, and relayed a sense of urgency needed to meet critical deadlines.

Only a small number of drivers remain in the application process, and their cases are pending approval. This is a significant achievement considering the complexity and estimated six-to-nine-month timeline for permanent residency applications.

Our efforts reflect the values that make Transdev an employer of choice. We care about our people – they are not just numbers; they are family. We proudly invest in and support the vibrant Spring Valley community, where many of our operators reside, and we are honored to serve. And we deliver essential service: TOR operates 10 routes across 176 square miles, 22 hours a day, providing 150,000 to 160,000 free rides each month to a diverse ridership.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to helping our employees thrive – because when they succeed, our entire community benefits.

Learn more about how we engage with our employees here:

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One Year After Eaton Fire: Letty Ochoa Shares Her Story of Leadership & Resilience on Heroes Behind Headlines

It has been one year since the devastating Eaton Fire tore through Altadena and Pasadena, leaving a lasting impact on the community. The fire claimed 19 lives, destroyed more than 9,000 buildings, and became the fifth deadliest and second most destructive wildfire in California history. As flames threatened neighborhoods, Pasadena Transit operators from Transdev were called to act – and they did so with extraordinary courage.

In a new episode of the Heroes Behind Headlines podcast, General Manager Letty Ochoa recounts how she and her team worked around the clock for three days to evacuate 500 residents from senior centers, driving through flames, flying embers, and overwhelming smoke.

Fourteen bus drivers, led by Ochoa and Assistant General Manager Erasmo Rodriguez, put themselves in harm’s way to keep the community safe. Their bravery and teamwork saved lives during one of the most harrowing disasters in recent memory.

The emotional toll was immense.

Today, as the community continues to recover, Ochoa reflects on the experience with gratitude.

Listen to Letty Ochoa’s full story of courage, leadership, and resilience on the Heroes Behind Headlines podcast with Ralph Pezzullo.

Learn more about Ochoa and her team of heroes at Pasadena Transit here:

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Transdev Partners with SFMTA to Launch First All-Electric Paratransit Vehicle in San Francisco

Transdev is proud to partner with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) in introducing the city’s first fully electric paratransit vehicle—a major step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for accessible transportation. This milestone supports California’s Innovative Clean Transit regulation, which requires all public transit fleets to be 100% zero-emission by 2040.

Driving Innovation in Paratransit

As SFMTA’s paratransit operations partner, Transdev worked closely with agency engineers and manufacturers to ensure the successful deployment of this groundbreaking vehicle. Built by Turtle Top and powered by Optimal Electric Buses, the new bus combines zero-emission technology with the accessibility features riders depend on.

Key features include:

• Capacity: Seats 12 ambulatory passengers and accommodates up to three wheelchairs (two for larger electric models).
• Custom Design: Floor plan tailored to paratransit service needs.
• Full-Day Operation: A six-hour Level 2 charge powers the bus for an entire shift.

Training and Operational Excellence

Transdev’s team collaborated with SFMTA and Optimal to train five drivers and mechanics on EV-specific safety and maintenance protocols. Since its launch in September, the vehicle has been operating seamlessly on San Francisco’s challenging terrain, delivering the same reliable service riders expect.

Passenger Experience

For riders, the transition has been smooth—the electric bus looks and feels like a traditional paratransit vehicle, offering comfort and accessibility without compromise to safety or reliability.

Leadership Perspective

Looking Ahead

Transdev will continue supporting SFMTA as it expands its electric paratransit fleet and modernizes facilities to meet California’s zero-emission goals. Plans include adding a second electric bus for comparison and scaling charging infrastructure to accommodate up to 150 electric paratransit vehicles by 2040.

Learn more about Transdev’s paratransit services at: Paratransit – Transdev United States.

Learn more about Transdev’s sustainability efforts at: Sustainability – Transdev United States.

Learn more about SFMTA’s paratransit service here: Accessibility for All | SFMTA.

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Transdev and PSTA Launch Innovative Microtransit Service: The Snapper

Public transportation in Pinellas County, Florida, just entered a new era. Pinellas Suncoast Transit
Authority (PSTA) launched The Snapper, an on-demand microtransit service designed to make travel more flexible, efficient, and community-focused. The service is operated by Transdev, ensuring professional management and high-quality service delivery.

The Snapper joins The Grouper, PSTA’s popular shuttle service that connects travelers from St. Petersburg – Clearwater International Airport (PIE) to hotels, vacation rentals, and Clearwater Beach hot spots. Together, these services showcase PSTA’s commitment to creative mobility solutions that meet the diverse needs of residents and visitors.

After a successful pilot in Safety Harbor, The Snapper now serves Clearwater, connecting riders from their neighborhoods to major transit hubs like Countryside Mall and Park Street Terminal. This approach replaces multiple fixed-route services with a model that adapts to riders’ needs while maintaining strong links to the PSTA network.

Transdev proudly played a key role in making this transition seamless. By repurposing existing vehicles, integrating scheduling technology, and retraining operators, the team delivered a cost-effective solution that operates at one-third the cost of previous routes – all while improving convenience and reliability for riders.

Community response has been enthusiastic. Riders value the ease of connecting to PSTA buses and the personalized experience provided by familiar drivers. For many, The Snapper has become an essential part of their daily routine, helping them reach work, school, and other destinations with ease.

The Snapper is more than a service – it’s a commitment to progress in Pinellas County, and Transdev is proud to be part of the journey.

Learn more about The Snapper at

Learn more about Transdev’s Microtransit services at

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Purpose at the Core: Laura Hendricks Highlights Operational Excellence in Mass Transit

Transdev is proud to share that CEO Laura Hendricks recently published a column on Mass Transit magazine’s website, highlighting the critical role of purpose-driven leadership in achieving operational excellence.

In her piece, Hendricks underscores how clarity of purpose – empowering freedom to move every day through safe, reliable, and innovative solutions that serve the common good – guides every decision at Transdev. She emphasizes that leadership is not just about strategy and systems, but about connecting with people, being present in operations, and fostering a culture of trust and engagement.

Her insights reflect Transdev’s unwavering commitment to safety, reliability, and innovation. Her vision of aligning strategy with culture to deliver exceptional service reflects the principles that guide our organization. By empowering leaders at every level and investing in employee growth, we create conditions for success that benefit the communities we serve.

We congratulate Laura on sharing her perspective with the industry and invite you to read her full column on Mass Transit.

If you missed the previous Mass Transit columns featuring Transdev’s leadership, you can read them below.

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