Latarsha Watson Named Transdev Northeast Transit General Manager of the Year
At Transdev’s Northeast Regional General Manager Meeting, Latarsha Watson, General Manager of Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) shuttle operations, was honored as the Northeast Transit General Manager of the Year. Senior Vice President – Northeast Paul O’Brien, who presented the award, explained Watson’s leadership and dedication made her a standout for this recognition.
“Latarsha’s leadership embodies everything we stand for at Transdev,” said O’Brien. “Her unwavering commitment to her team, her passengers, and the broader community is truly inspiring. She doesn’t just manage operations, she elevates them, making a real difference in the lives of those around her.”
Watson’s journey with Transdev is a testament to the company’s commitment to growth, innovation, and community service. Starting her career in accounting, she sought greater challenges and moved into management. Since taking on her role in 2016, she has transformed operations at PHL Aviation, drawing from her previous professional experience to drive efficiency and elevate service standards. Her focus on employee engagement and safety has had a lasting impact.
Faced with aging buses and complex airfield and landside operations, she prioritized collaboration and efficiency, streamlining payroll processes for fair scheduling and implementing tracking systems to optimize bus dispatching.
“I have the best team ever, and when they work together, they get things done – making both the drivers and the clients happy,” said Watson. Managing an operation of this scale requires incredible coordination. Watson oversees shuttle services for four airport lots, transporting an average of 9,000 to 10,000 passengers daily and approximately 280,000 passengers each month. Her ability to maintain safety and reliability across these operations highlights her leadership.
Beyond operations, Watson has strengthened Transdev’s presence at PHL through customer service training and employee recognition programs. Her team is featured in airport training videos, earning praise from passengers and airport officials. She also leads community initiatives such as holiday donation drives and food programs, reflecting Transdev’s deep-rooted commitment to community engagement.
A strong advocate for training and development, Watson has built a robust training program, ensuring her staff is equipped to train others and uphold Transdev’s high standards.
