Transdev and Industry Leaders Discuss Successful Public-Private Partnerships at SWTA Annual Conference
The South West Transit Association (SWTA) Annual Conference welcomed over 500 attendees to Tucson, Arizona, including numerous Transdev team members. Among the key highlights was a panel featuring esteemed professionals from both the public and private sectors, who shared insights on how collaborative contracting of transit operations can lead to enhanced service, innovation, and cost efficiency.
The panel included:
- Rich Sampson – Executive Director, South West Transit Association (SWTA)
- Paul Comfort – Host, Transit Unplugged Podcast & TV
- Frank White – President & CEO, Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA)
- Valerie Gibson – Transit Manager, City of Pasadena
- Cristina Russell – Vice President of Business Development, Transdev North America
These industry leaders explored how well-structured public-private partnerships (P3s) create opportunities for transit agencies to improve service quality, increase efficiency, and implement technological advancements that benefit riders. The discussion underscored the importance of approaching private contracting with a spirit of collaboration, ensuring that both public agencies and private operators align their goals for the best outcomes.
Speakers shared real-world examples of how their respective organizations have successfully navigated partnerships, emphasizing the value of transparency, mutual trust, and shared objectives. Sabrina Glenn highlighted how the Las Vegas RTC has worked with private operators, like Transdev, to expand services while maintaining high-quality transit experiences.
Cristina Russell of Transdev U.S. emphasized the company’s close collaboration with transit agencies to understand their needs and deliver effective solutions. “For us, it’s all about people—our passengers, employees, and clients. We stay closely connected to our customers to understand what they’re looking for and how we can help. It’s essential to ensure that everyone is treated well, from the proposal stage to contract execution and service on the street,” she said.
The SWTA conference provided an ideal platform for meaningful dialogue on the future of transit. As public transportation evolves to meet new demands and challenges, the insights shared at this event reaffirm the potential for successful public-private collaborations to drive progress in the industry.
For those who were unable to attend or would like to revisit the discussion, a recording of the panel is available. You can view the full session below:
