From Steering Wheels to Steering Strategy: How Dottie Watkins Journeyed from Bus Operator to CEO

Through problem-solving, dedication, and a passion for service, Dottie Watkins has transformed a part-time job into a career of leadership in public transit and has paved the way for others to join her at the top. Dottie Watkins began her transportation career in 1994—driving buses part-time while she attended the University of Texas at Austin. Today, she is President and CEO of CapMetro in Austin. This month the Mineta Transportation Institute is proud to spotlight Ms. Watkins, highlighting her exceptional career and insights on how problem-solving and dedication to service drive professional growth and meaningful contributions to transit and community.

In 1994, as an undergraduate student at the University of Texas, Dottie Watkins climbed into the driver’s seat of a CapMetro bus for the first time. She wanted a part-time job that would let her balance her busy course load and college social life. She didn’t realize then that the same routes she drove through Austin’s neighborhoods would one day be hers to oversee as President and CEO, shaping the future of the transit system she once served behind the wheel.

As only the second woman to lead CapMetro in its nearly 40-year history, Watkins represents a growing but still underrepresented group of women in transportation leadership. Even though the majority of transit users are women, women make up only around a quarter of the transportation workforce. This percentage is increasing though, and leaders like Dottie Watkins are blazing trails for others to follow, breaking down this disparity over time.?

“Sometimes, especially early on, I felt that I encountered some folks who underestimated me and assumed that because I am a woman, I would not be able to understand certain things,” she said in a recent interview with MTI staff. “Some people hold preconceived notions about what certain people, like women, will and won’t understand, especially in an operations context because there are even fewer women in that portion of our industry.” When asked how she approached such moments, Ms. Watkins explained that she did her best to use even the most challenging situations to her advantage. “If someone assumes I don’t understand, I take that as an opportunity to ask questions—questions that not only help me learn but also help us get on the same page, help me understand how much they know, and how we can work together toward common goals. Still, there are times when you just have to push through the bias and remember that it’s their baggage, not yours.” She also mentioned that she was thankful to have people of all genders, races, and backgrounds who supported her and helped her keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles.?

Ms. Watkins noted the significant improvement in balanced representation in transportation that has occurred in the last two decades. Women remain underrepresented (about 24% of transportation workers are women even though they make up more than nearly 51% of the population and 55% of U.S. transit riders), especially in leadership positions. Data (2022) shows that the highest-ranking executives in the state departments of transportation, for instance, are 70.9% male and 85.3% white, excluding those who identified as Hispanic or Latino. The U.S. population, in that same year, was 49.6% male and 58.8% non-Hispanic.

Internationally, the industry has grappled with recruiting and retaining workers from varied backgrounds, including women. Research has shown that perceptions often deter women from entering the transportation industry, as it traditionally does not emphasize communal goals. Successful practices that have been found to attract women to the transportation industry include building up the workforce pipeline earlier by connecting with young people, building connections through networking, and encouraging professional organization participation, especially in leadership positions. Leaders like Dottie Watkins prove progress is being made. As more and more women and people of color join the industry, it is being reshaped to be more inclusive for everyone.?

Ms. Watkins was initially drawn to transit because of its practicality—she needed a well-paying, flexible part-time job. She also received encouragement from her father, who worked at CapMetro doing vehicle maintenance. “I was living with my dad at the time,” explained Ms. Watkins of her start in transit. “And I still joke with him that the only reason he brought me into this industry is that he wanted to get me out of the house! Quickly, I fell in love with the puzzle that is public transit—doing everything to ensure you have a working vehicle in the right place at the right time with a person who knows how to operate this vehicle and get people where they need to be. You solve that same puzzle again, and again, and in doing so, you’re able to make the community a better place that is more livable for people of all walks of life.”

As CapMetro's leader, Ms. Watkins oversees an agency serving 1,359,992 people across 549 square miles, with 26.3 million annual boardings. Under her leadership, CapMetro has received notable recognition for workplace excellence and community impact. The Texas Veterans Commission honored CapMetro in 2024 for its robust veteran workforce, which comprises over 10% of employees. The agency was also named "Best Place for Working Parents" for its family-friendly policies. These achievements reflect CapMetro's commitment to building a transportation system that effectively serves all Central Texas communities.

To those looking to make an impact, Ms. Watkins advises, “Success in transit leadership often comes from persistence and showing up every day with passion and a commitment to making the most of the resources at hand. For women aspiring to leadership roles, it’s important to believe in the mission, embrace challenges, and recognize the value of your unique perspective. A belief in the transformative power of public transit can sustain and inspire you and others. By bringing your passion, persistence, and problem-solving skills to every opportunity, you position yourself to grow and lead, and uplift those around you.”

Recently, Ms. Watkins attended WTS International Conference in New Orleans, where she connected to many other incredible women leaders and shared her journey of overcoming obstacles. At MTI, we are grateful for all Dottie Watkins has achieved in her career and for the inspiration she continues to provide. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of public transit and the need for diverse voices in leadership. As more women and people of color join the industry, leaders like Watkins are paving the way for a stronger, more people-focused future. “Taking a step back and looking at where you've been and where you want to go can be so powerful. So, I want to encourage you to do the same. Whether you're starting out or aiming to reach new heights, know that you're capable of achieving your goals. Take a moment to reflect on your journey and think about what's next for you. The possibilities are endless!”

About the Mineta Transportation Institute

At the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) at?San Jose State University (SJSU)?our mission is to increase mobility for all by improving the safety, efficiency, accessibility, and convenience of our nations’ transportation system. Through research, education, workforce development and technology transfer, we help create a connected world. Founded in 1991, MTI is a university transportation center funded by the US Department of Transportation, the California Department of Transportation, and public and private grants, including those made available by the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (SB1). MTI is affiliated with SJSU’s Lucas College and Graduate School of Business.