Transit Operator

Job Purpose: This position is under general supervision of the Transit Operations Coordinator and Operates either fixed route or paratransit bus through light to heavy city traffic, for the purpose of carrying passengers in a safe manner and in accordance with city, state, and federal laws, as well as City rules and policies. Collects fare, assists passengers with disabilities as needed while safely performing operation procedures. Monitors bus, weather conditions, and safety of passengers. The position performs a variety of responsible, secretarial, and financial duties in support of the City’s public transit system. The position is responsible to assist in planning, organizing, and coordinating support activities, and functions related to the City’s public transit system. The position provides general information and assistance to members of the Transit staff and public; and may have responsibilities as both a Transit Operator and a Dispatcher or may have work responsibilities that fall under only one of these job titles. The responsibilities are at the discretion of the Transit Supervisor. Essential Duties: These job functions are the essential duties of the position and are not all-inclusive of all the duties the incumbent may be assigned. Duty 1: Operate Transit Bus 30% Essential Tasks: ? Performs pre-trip and post-trip operational inspections; reports mechanical repair items needed for safe operations; reports passenger emergencies or incidents which affect the safety of passengers; and completes all required documentation for all situations. ? Operate transit bus/cutaway bus in a safe, proficient manner. Comply with all cities, state, and federal traffic rules regulations, laws, and procedures for the safe operation of a transit bus. ? Assist persons with disabilities onto and off the wheelchair lift, operate lift/ramp, and secure wheelchairs as required. Adhere to the City of Helena Capital Transit Paratransit policy when operating a Paratransit bus. ? Ensure AVL system is logged in. Ensure driver area is clean at the end of each shift. ? Evacuate passengers in need during emergency situations. ? Assist in the training of new drivers as assigned. Actively participate in the reporting of safety issues and concerns that are observed during essential job functions. Participates in staff development and in-service training programs as assigned and attends scheduled safety meetings and safety programs. ? Notifies appropriate individuals of delays or route problems; and recommends necessary corrections or changes in equipment or routing. ? While operating para-transit buses, the incumbent provides origin to destination service as requested or provided as conditions warrant. Duty 2: Dispatching 30% Essential Tasks: ? Serves as dispatcher for the public transit system using a computerized scheduling system to perform a wide variety of specialized technical and administrative work including maintain accurate and detailed records, verifying accuracy of information, researching discrepancies, and recording information. ? Receives, compiles, and organizes information for the preparation of reports that are assigned ? Prepare a variety of correspondence, documents, and reports. ? Maintains detailed schedules of riders on various transit routes and for assigned drivers by using computerized scheduling system, telephone, and two-way radio system. ? Informs riders of general transit procedures and pick up times and locations. ? Interpret regulations, procedures, policies, systems rules in response to inquiries and complaints. ? Research and gather information to provide accurate answers and information. ? Participates and assists in the administration of the transit service office by recommending organizational or procedural changes affecting support activities. Recommends improvements in work flow, procedures and issuance of equipment and forms. ? Maintains overall control over the operations and personnel upon the request or absence of the Transit Operations Coordinator or the Transit Manager. Duty 3: Perform Customer Service 15% Essential Tasks: ? Provide information in a courteous manner to passengers regarding routes, schedules, transfers, and fares. ? Make public address announcements in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. ? Act as a front-line point of contact to ensure delivery of quality customer service. Duty 4: Maintain Schedule and Assure Proper Fare Collection 10% Essential Tasks: ? Develop rider schedules and Operate the buses on a schedule in a manner that provides for the maximum possible safety to passengers while maintaining the scheduled time points. ? Effectively utilize manifests, and other information, to follow routes and meet time points. Coordinate detour, accident, and incident information to radio dispatch, and respond to instructions given. ? Monitor Fare boxes to assure proper collection of fares including full-ride, tickets, passes, and discounted fares. Duty 5:Monitor Physical Condition of Vehicle, Perform Inspections, and File Reports 10% Essential Tasks: ? Observe all conditions of vehicle while driving including lights, mirrors, door, fare box, brake pressure, tire condition, heater, and/or air conditioner. ? Report any mechanical problem immediately. ? Comply with all state and local laws pertaining to the operation of the vehicle. ? Safely and efficiently operate equipment on buses, including fare boxes, wheelchair lifts, radio, and emergency equipment. Assure the cleanliness of the interior and seating area. ? Conduct and document a thorough pre-trip inspection of the vehicle prior to operation daily as per City of Helena and state requirements. ? Comply with all company safety rules and operate assigned vehicles. ? Complete post-trip inspection at the end of each shift. File necessary reports in case of an accident or incident with assigned vehicle or an injury to passengers and operators. Submit verbal and written reports on accidents or incidents required. Duty 6: General Facility and Bus Stop Maintenance 5% Essential Tasks: ? Keep all transit stops clean and clear of trash and debris, in winter clear snow from transit stops. Ensure trash and other debris is cleared from the transit facility, mow grass, trim bushes, pull weeds located on and immediately adjacent to the transit facility property. Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Related to this Position: Knowledge of: • Safe driving principles and practices. • Principles and practices used in dealing professionally with the public. • Procedures to properly secure wheelchairs into vehicles. • Local geography, streets, points of interest and locations of City offices. • Modern office practices, methods, and equipment including computer equipment and applicable • software programs. This includes computer methods and programs, including database • applications. • Principles and procedures of record keeping. • Basic mathematical principles. Skill or ability to: • Operate a motor vehicle safely. • Operate vehicle radio, Mobile Data Terminal (MDT), AVL system, and fare collection systems. • Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment. • Operate and/or utilize all standard safety equipment installed in transit passenger vehicles, including safety harnesses, restraints, and any other equipment required by federal, state, or local regulations. • Conduct and document pre and post trip inspections. • Read and understand maps and schedules. • Read, understand, and follow rules and regulations, vehicle operating procedures, vehicle laws, and written and oral instructions. • Maintain effective working relationships and deal courteously and effectively with the public, fellow employees, and supervisors. • Be able to work without immediate supervision in the field after completion of the initial training period.