Ahead of our sold-out 10th Annual Transportation Symposium: From Gridlock to Growth, we spoke with Arthur Nicolet, Chief Executive Officer of Transdev Canada, who will be joining fellow industry leaders to explore strategies for building more resilient, efficient, and forward-looking transit systems.
From self-driving shuttles to hydrogen-powered buses, the future of transportation is accelerating—and Transdev Canada is on the frontlines of that shift.
For Arthur, the transportation sector isn’t just evolving—it’s being redefined entirely. “Right now, we cannot ignore the growing trend of autonomous modes of transportation, which includes new solutions that offer better control and efficiency for both passengers and transportation authorities,” he says.
“The entire industry is experiencing incredible innovations, not only in automated transport like self-driving shuttles and taxis for example, but also in alternative fuels such as electricity, hydrogen and biogas to power them. This is not merely a trend—it is an industry in its own right.”
It’s this forward-looking perspective that defines Transdev’s approach. With a presence in six provinces and one territory across Canada—and operations in 19 countries worldwide—the company works at the intersection of innovation and implementation, bringing future-focused solutions to local transit systems.
“As a private company, our most trusted clients are municipalities and public transport authorities, who rely on us for our innovative spirit to stay competitive,” says Nicolet. “In other words, drawing from our global experience, we continuously learn and inspire our clients on how to develop innovative and efficient public transportation solutions that work in other markets—whether for light rail systems, paratransit, or municipal and intercity buses.”
That global-to-local knowledge exchange has become a key differentiator, helping Transdev contribute to a transportation landscape that’s not just modern—but meaningfully sustainable. “We leverage our international expertise to help Canada remain highly competitive in the innovative and sustainable transportation industry worldwide.”
And as innovation accelerates, all eyes are on the Toronto region as a testing ground for next-generation solutions. Nicolet sees tremendous potential for the region to lead in mobility transformation.
“The Toronto region is poised to be a leader in mobility innovation through strong public-private collaboration, investments in electrification, and its thriving tech ecosystem,” he says. “With initiatives like new infrastructure projects, AI-driven transit optimization, and seamless multimodal integration, Toronto can serve as a model for sustainable and efficient urban transport. Leveraging its diverse population and economic strength, the region has the potential to pioneer equitable, accessible, and data-driven mobility solutions that enhance connectivity, while also reducing our carbon footprint.”
But to fully realize that potential, transit systems must evolve to meet the demands of growing cities, shifting demographics and emerging technologies. Nicolet believes that innovation in mobility must go hand in hand with inclusivity and workforce modernization.
“Innovation in sustainable mobility depends on continuous efforts to enhance connectivity in suburban areas by adapting transport services to evolving needs through more effective use of mobility data,” he says. “Achieving this requires a strong focus on multimodality to ensure seamless integration between public transit and on-demand shared mobility solutions.”
That also means updating how transit systems are structured and governed. “Contractual models must proactively evolve to incorporate technological disruptions such as autonomous vehicles and collaborative transport while also modernizing the sector’s workforce,” Nicolet adds. “The adoption of new technologies should improve working conditions for drivers and mechanics, making these essential professions more attractive and contributing to a more resilient, inclusive, and efficient transport system.”
For other organizations navigating similar change, Nicolet offers a clear message: progress must be practical, user-focused, and measurable.
“Innovating in sustainable mobility involves finding pragmatic solutions that enhance the passenger experience while ensuring economic efficiency,” he says. “This means leveraging data to optimize services, integrating multimodal options seamlessly, and rethinking contractual models to better accommodate emerging technologies. It’s also about fostering creativity and challenging established approaches, always with a focus on tangible benefits for users.”
At a time when transportation is central to economic growth, sustainability, and livability in cities, Transdev Canada’s leadership reflects a commitment to both purpose and progress—rooted in real-world impact and global perspective.
