Bus Controller (Bus Dispatcher)

METRO • Houston, TX

10d • $63,200 - $82,800

About The Position

Responsible for overseeing safe, efficient and reliable bus operations by controlling and monitoring Bus Operators, Service Supervisors, maintenance personnel, scheduled revenue service, special bus movements and special events. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with applicable rules and safety procedures.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Minimum four (4) years transit, transportation or incident management related experience.
• Experience in Service Supervision, Relief Bus Control and/or dispatching in public transit, police or fire communications center.
• Must pass technical testing of computer software package.
• Working knowledge of transit and bus system operations, to include street running operations.
• A valid Texas Driver’s License or Texas Identification Card is required prior to being hired in the job.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s degree in business or related field preferred.
• Experience with IVOMS or similar software is preferred.
• Lead/supervisory experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintains radio communications with Operators, Service Supervisors, Maintenance and other personnel to provide safe and reliable service to our patrons by quickly and accurately responding to routine and emergency requests for assistance and information.
• Uses the Integrated Vehicle Operations Management System (IVOMS) to effectively maintain scheduled route and service adherence, mitigating delays by following failure management techniques.
• Adjusts service levels and headways as dictated by operating conditions.
• Responds to emergency calls and silent alarms immediately, determining the nature of emergency and coordinating the dispatch of emergency police, fire, supervisor and public safety until the emergency has ended.
• Modifies bus activity when conditions require outside interaction due to accidents, disruption of service, etc.
• Informs appropriate personnel of equipment or facility defects and coordinates the efforts to repair.
• Monitors and controls special and emergency bus movements.
• Disseminates information to METRO Management, Supervisors, Operators and Customer Service via radio, telephone, text messaging and other sources concerning disruptions or changes in service.
• Instructs Service Supervisors and Operators in troubleshooting vehicle failures to lessen service interruptions that are not safety related.
• Coordinates the replacement of defective buses with Vehicle Maintenance.
• Receives and monitors reports concerning farebox defects and coordinates with maintenance or revenue collection personnel for repairs.
• Coordinates system operations and personnel with Emergency Response Agency personnel during emergency conditions.
• Writes reports of procedural violations and commendations and forwards to the proper authority.
• Attends required meetings and training classes, some of which may be off-site and require the use of personal vehicles.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Applies SMS (Safety Management System) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees.
• Equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED