Transdev Highlights Industry Leadership, Innovation and Collaboration at APTA TRANSform & EXPO 2026
Transdev showcased its leadership, expertise, and commitment to advancing public transportation during the 2026 APTA TRANSform Conference & EXPO, one of the industry’s largest events. Held in Chicago, the conference drew more than 12,000 attendees from 85 countries and featured over 650 across an expo hall the size of five American football fields. Against this global backdrop, Transdev was recognized for employee achievements, industry-leadership appointments, and thought leadership that is helping shape the future of mobility.
One of the week’s major milestones was Rob Killebrew, General Manager of Transdev’s Phoenix location, graduating from the prestigious Leadership APTA program. As part of the year-long leadership development initiative, Killebrew co-coordinated a capstone project focused on safety, security, and resilience. The group’s project, “AI and Public Transit Safety: Improving Protection for Passengers and Employees,” explored how emerging technologies can strengthen transit safety. Throughout the program, participants collaborated with industry leaders, completed professional development courses, and developed a comprehensive white paper and final project.
”Completing Leadership APTA was an incredibly rewarding experience. Working alongside transit professionals from across North America challenged me to think differently, broadened my perspective, and reinforced the importance of collaboration in our industry."
Rob KillebrewGeneral Manager, Transdev Phoenix
Transdev also celebrated Emily Guill, Director of Business Development, who was elected to the APTA Board of Directors for a three-year term. Guill will serve as one of six Business Member Directors, working alongside transit system leaders and APTA’s Executive Committee to help guide the future of public transportation. Her appointment reflects Transdev’s continued commitment to industry leadership and partnership.
”It is an honor to be elected to APTA’s Board of Directors and represent both Transdev and the business member community. Public transportation plays a vital role in connecting people and communities, and I look forward to working with fellow board members to help advance innovation, strengthen partnerships, and support the future growth of our industry."
Emily GuillDirector of Business Development, Transdev
Adding to the company’s thought leadership presence at the event, Laura Hendricks, CEO of Transdev U.S., was featured in Mass Transit Magazine’s APTA EXPO special issue with her column, “Beyond Today’s Workforce Challenges: Preparing Transit for the Next Decade.” In the article, Hendricks shares insights on workforce development and the long-term strategies needed to support the transit industry’s future.
”The transit industry is navigating a period of rapid change, making workforce development more important than ever. Through this column, I wanted to highlight the opportunities ahead and the actions we can take today to attract, develop, and retain the talent that will lead public transportation into the next decade. Investing in our people remains one of the most important investments we can make as an industry."
Laura HendricksCEO, Transdev U.S.
Transdev maintained a prominent presence on the EXPO floor with a highly visible booth located near the main entrance. More than 30 Transdev team members welcomed attendees throughout the week, hosting conversations with clients, partners, and industry stakeholders while sharing insights into the company’s operations, innovations, and mobility solutions. The company sponsored EXPO’s popular Charging Lounge, which served as a valued gathering place, providing attendees an opportunity to recharge devices and connect between sessions.
The event also provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships across the global Transdev network. Team members from Transdev Canada, Transdev Australia & New Zealand, and Transport UK visited the booth. Their participation fostered valuable discussions around international best practices, innovation, and shared strategies that can help improve mobility solutions worldwide.
Among the event’s many highlights, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) earned APTA’s prestigious 2026 Outstanding Public Transportation System Award for agencies with more than 50 million annual passenger trips. As a proud partner of MTS, Transdev celebrated the agency’s achievement alongside industry peers. The award was presented by Susan Sweat, COO of Transit with Transdev U.S., recognizing MTS’s leadership, innovation, and service excellence in public transportation.
From developing future industry leaders to contributing expertise at the global level, Transdev’s presence at APTA TRANSform & EXPO 2026 reinforced the company’s commitment to shaping the future of public transportation safely and reliably.
