Bus Driver, Transportation I, II

Tri-Valley Opportunity Council•Crookston, MN

About The Position

The Bus Driver is responsible for the safety of passengers transported by the Tri-Valley Heartland Express Bus. The role involves frequent interaction with the public and requires positive, professional customer service. Duties also include inspecting and maintaining bus safety and cleanliness, completing paperwork, marketing program services, answering customer questions, and collecting fares. Drivers safely transport passengers along scheduled routes, assist passengers boarding and exiting, operate wheelchair lifts and securement equipment as needed, and promote safe conduct on the bus. They communicate appropriately with passengers and colleagues, report delays and incidents, complete required records and training, and support public relations and ridership efforts. The position includes pre-trip and post-trip safety inspections, compliance with traffic laws and applicable regulations, participation in required drug and alcohol testing, and prompt reporting of vehicle issues, accidents, passenger incidents, or employee injuries. Bus Driver I requires a valid driver’s license; Bus Driver II requires a valid commercial driver’s license with a passenger endorsement. Tri-Valley offers training support to drivers who do not yet meet the CDL passenger-endorsement requirement, with completion expected within 90 days of employment. The stated wage for an unqualified bus driver is $21.75 per hour.

Requirements

Maintain a current medical examination card upon hire and thereafter.
Be at least 21 years old if required to drive the bus across state lines.
Pass the FTA pre-employment drug screening and participate in subsequent FTA drug and alcohol testing.
Have acceptable background check results upon hire and continuously meet requirements thereafter.
Have acceptable motor vehicle record results upon hire and annually thereafter.
Have at least three years of driving experience.
Pass Passenger Assistance Safety and Sensitivity (PASS) training and wheelchair observation provided upon hire; passing is required to continue employment.
Bus Driver I: Have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Bus Driver II: Have and maintain a valid commercial driver’s license with passenger endorsement.

Responsibilities

Safely transport passengers to scheduled destinations while following routes and adhering as closely as possible to pickup and drop-off times.
Assist passengers on and off the bus, including safely operating the wheelchair lift, securing wheelchair users, and assisting ambulatory passengers with walkers or folding carts as needed.
Advise passengers to sit and use provided seatbelts, and respectfully enforce passenger policies to maintain a safe and positive environment.
Operate communication equipment and promptly report delays to the Route Coordinator or designee.
Complete daily and monthly records and reports, required paperwork, training, and meetings as requested by the supervisor.
Represent Tri-Valley Heartland Express and Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. positively and professionally, and work respectfully and cooperatively with coworkers.
Mentor and assist in training substitute and new drivers.
Perform public relations and marketing duties to increase ridership and public awareness.
Assist with depositing or exchanging fare boxes, sell tickets, and collect fares and fees.
Remain alert to weather and driving conditions that could affect passenger safety or route schedules.
Perform pre-trip and post-trip vehicle safety inspections and promptly report vehicle problems to the Transportation Fleet Supervisor.
Immediately report vehicle accidents, breakdowns, and passenger accidents or incidents to the Transportation Program Manager and Transit Route Coordinator.
Immediately report employee injuries and complete a workers’ compensation accident report form as soon as possible, no later than the end of the shift.
Participate in mandatory drug and alcohol training and comply with required and requested testing.
Ensure the vehicle has required safety equipment and supplies, including a fire extinguisher, spill kit, first aid kit, flashlight, and securements, and use safety equipment as needed.
Comply with traffic laws and regulations.