Job Posting: Bus Operator

Job Summary

Safely and efficiently operates bus, motor coach, or paratransit vehicles, including regular route operations, paratransit, charters, and/or private carriage. Communicates with and assists passengers. Collects fares, tickets, or passes. In paratransit operation, may assist riders to and from the door of their origin/destination and with up to two packages weighing up to 50 pounds. Use of Mobile Data Computer to communicate with dispatch. Performs pre- and post-vehicle inspections as required. Completes necessary paperwork, forms and logs as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities, but Operators are responsibile for enforcing transit system rules and maintaining safety and order with passengers while operating the vehicle.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Successfully performs scheduled manifest by picking up all clients and delivering to their destination safely and within a reasonable time frame

2. Fills out appropriate paperwork recording passengers, miles, fuel used and other necessary operating data and using Mobile Data Computer system

3. Disseminates and collects passenger surveys as needed.

4. Communicates and assists passengers and the general public with trip planning, use of transit system and other general inquiries

5. Maintains safety and security of transit facilities and vehicles through monitoring of activities and passengers and reporting suspicious activities to management

6. Ensures the safety of all passengers by use of appropriate on board restraints

7. Communicates effectively with dispatch on central office personnel via two-way radio and Mobile Data Computers (MDCs).

8. Maintains a clean and safe work area and focuses on safety to reduce the opportunity for injury to self, other employees, passengers and motorists.

9. Documents thoroughly the course of the day, including odometer readings, times, and passenger information.

10. Operates communications equipment according to prescribed FCC rules and regulations.

11. Collects passenger ridership and fare box revenue as required by MAX procedures.

12. Performs a pre-and post-vehicle inspection, and records any physical deficiencies on required form.

13. Complies with all MDOT and FTA requirements, and applicable state, federal and local laws as it relates to public transportation operators

Other Duties and Responsibilities

1. Wears and maintains prescribed MAX uniforms, and maintains a clean, well groomed appearance at all times.

2. Must be reliable and punctual, reporting to duty as scheduled for work

3. Records "IN" and "OUT" on Daily Trip report prior to or following completion of daily work assignments.

4. Participates in training programs as directed and meets MAX standards and procedures.

5. Reports all incidents and accidents and completes required forms for same following MAX procedures.

6. Performs other bus driving duties as assigned by the Operations Manager, Assistant Operations Manager, or Supervisors..

Competencies

Interpersonal

Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Response to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.

Interpersonal Skills - Keeps emotions under control.

Organization

Diversity - Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Promotes a harassment free environment; Treats people with respect.

Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures.

Self Management

Professionalism - Ability to remain calm in emergency situations and ensure the safety of all passengers and employees. Follows through on commitments.

Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Strives to increase productivity.

Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions ; Uses equipment and materials properly.

Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

1. High School Diploma or equivalent.

2. Training to successfully test for a commercial drivers license with passenger and air brake endorsement.

3. Previous professional driving experience preferred, but not required.

4. Previous customer service experience, experience working with persons with disabilities and/or senior citizen groups preferred, but not required.

Language Skills

1. Ability to read, write, and speak English clearly.

2. Bi-lingual skills (English/Spanish) is preferred, but not required.

3. Ability to communicate effectively with passengers, passenger representatives, and systems staff.

Reasoning Skills

1. Ability to navigate the service area through the use of maps and/or onboard directional equipment.

Computer Skills

1. Functional knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.

2. Knowledge of Windows-based computer operating systems.

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

1. Must possess a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class B with Air Brake endorsement.

Other Skills and Abilities

1. Must have knowledge of traffic codes, rules, regulations and operate vehicles in a safe manner in full compliance with local and state traffic laws and ordinances.

2. Must be responsible and capable of operating lift and/or ramp equipped vehicles.

Other Qualifications

1. Safe driving record, with no more than two (2) moving violations in the last three (3) years; no more than one (1) accident at fault with ticket issued in the last three (3) years; no violations in the past seven (7) years for: driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; driving while impaired; leaving the scene of an accident; or reckless driving.

2. No violations or convictions for any of the following: negligent homicide; manslaughter; ANY felony; rape or criminal sexual conduct offense; any child abuse or child molestation offense; fleeing an officer.

3. Clean criminal history.

4. Knowledge of the Holland/Zeeland area and within a 50 mile radius of MAX's service area.

5. Must be able to pass the Michigan Department of Transportation physical necessary to possess a CDL.

Physical Demands

1. Job requires the following physical activities: sitting, standing, walking, bending over, pushing, pulling, loading, unloading, lifting, and driving.

2. Job requires planned restroom stops; drivers may not stop for rest breaks other than scheduled stops or breaks.