In a special audio-exclusive episode of METROspectives, Executive Editor Alex Roman is joined by Transdev US CEO Laura Hendricks and COOs Susan Sweat and Lauren Skiver to discuss an array of topics ranging from diversity, equity, and inclusion programs; building a company culture; and what the future holds for public transportation during an election year. 

With a conversation that took place at this year’s APTA TRANSform Conference, Hendricks, Sweat, and Skiver discussed how their unique backgrounds outside the industry prepared them for their public transit careers, as well as how they have applied the lessons learned to leading Transdev’s US operations. 

“If you think about what we do to make a difference in the lives of others and transporting individuals to essential services, my time in the service industry helped tremendously,” said Hendricks. “My experience allowed me to bring what I learned in the past and bring that to Transdev where we are very much aligned in providing efficient services across all of our properties.”

DEI Programs and More

Hendricks, Skiver, and Sweat also discussed Transdev’s DEI programs and how they are representative of what is going on in the public transit industry today, both as a service provider and as a workplace. 

When discussing the company’s internal DEI programs, Skiver explained how the company sets up its employees for growth opportunities. 

“Whether it’s through our mentorship program or an intranet that is chock full of classes and information that people can do on their own time, we make sure our employees have access to training  and opportunities,” she said. “I’m super impressed how Transdev is able to do that every day because there is a lot to be said about making that investment in your people.”

This wide-ranging conversation with the Transdev team was a unique opportunity to get its leadership all in one room to discuss topics that impact the public transit industry. 

For the full conversation, click here.