Bus Operator - Paratransit - 1026

City of Greenville•205 Arcadia Drive (Greenlink) - Greenville, SC

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Under regular direction and in compliance with standard operating procedures and policies, operates a specialized bus with wheelchair lift to transport paratransit passengers in a safe, timely, and courteous manner through light to heavy city traffic in accordance with City, county, state, and federal laws, as well as City rules and policies. Maintains a knowledge of the Greenlink service area. Properly secures passengers and mobility devices to the vehicle as required by Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Conducts and documents a thorough vehicle inspection at the beginning and end of shift or when vehicle assignment changes during the shift. Utilizes onboard tablet and software to maintain accurate daily records reflecting passenger activity (i.e., name of passengers, late pick-ups, mileage for each passenger etc.). Collects accurate fares. Assists passengers in and out of the vehicle. Maintains, reviews, and updates daily schedules.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Over one (1) year of bus driving experience or completion of the City of Greenville Bus Operator in Training Program.
Valid South Carolina Class B CDL with air brake provision and passenger endorsement, or the equivalent CDL from their state of residence.
Applicants who do not intend to relocate to South Carolina, must reside in a neighboring State (Georgia or North Carolina) and must meet the same CDL requirements as residents of South Carolina.
Employees residing in a neighboring state are required to provide to the City of Greenville an annual Motor Vehicle Record from their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles at the sole cost of the employee.
Knowledge of the safe operation of a public transit bus, including complete familiarization with its systems and safety features.
Knowledge of traffic rules, regulations and laws and procedures for the safe operation of a transit bus, and the ability to operate a transit bus in a safe manner.
Knowledge of geography and roadways of an assigned route and of the entire municipality.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
Ability to operate vehicle radio, Mobile Data Terminal (MDT), AVL system, and fare collection systems.
Ability to 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.
Ability to assist customers boarding or alighting from vehicles, without lifting persons or wheelchair devices, and lift or carry customer items on and off vehicles as requested.
Ability to operate a wheelchair ramp and assist passengers with disabilities.
Ability to push, pull, and turn passengers in a wheelchair with a combined weight of 800 lbs. up/down wheelchair ramps, on/off vehicle lifts, and across various surfaces as needed.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships and deal courteously and effectively with the public, fellow employees, and supervisors.
Ability to handle confrontational passengers effectively.
Ability to be patient and allow customers to take their time.
Ability to give customers with disabilities the same information and choices given to other passengers.
Ability to conduct and document a thorough vehicle inspection.
Ability to read, understand, and follow rules and regulations, maps and schedules, vehicle operating procedures, vehicle laws, and written and oral instructions.
Ability to work without immediate supervision in the field after completion of the initial training period.
Ability to prepare accident and incident reports.
Ability to maintain simple records and make basic math calculations.
Ability to be punctual and maintain regular, predictable attendance.
Ability to be available to work a flexible schedule that includes nights, weekends, holidays, working split shifts, and a reasonable amount of overtime.

Nice To Haves

Previous driving experience as a bus operator with a transit system, or as an over the road coach operator.

Responsibilities

Operate a specialized bus with wheelchair lift/ramp to transport paratransit passengers in a safe, proficient manner.
Comply with all City, county, state, and federal traffic rules, regulations, laws and procedures for the safe operations of a transit bus.
Provide assistance with alighting, including assisting persons onto and off the wheelchair lift, operating lift/ramp, and securing wheelchairs and mobility devices using seatbelt securement for transport as required.
Assist with boarding, but not lifting, the rider as needed.
Push, pull, and turn passengers in a wheelchair with a combined weight of 800 pounds up and down wheelchair ramps, on and off vehicle lifts, and across various surfaces as needed.
Provide stabilizing support to passengers with balance or coordination challenges to and from the vehicle, on and off wheelchair ramps or lifts, up and down vehicle stairs, and to and from the first exterior door of a building as needed.
Assist passengers during periods of distress or emergency, including the safe evacuation of passengers from the vehicle as required in the event of an emergency.
Notify dispatch or a supervisor as appropriate with bus location and critical details regarding passenger distress or other emergencies affecting service.
Ensure tablet is logged in.
Ensure driver area is clean at the end of each shift.
Assist in the training of new drivers as assigned.
Actively participate in the reporting of safety issues and concerns that are observed during the course of essential job functions.
Adhere to all applicable policies and procedures described in Greenlink Operations Handbook.
Provide information in a courteous manner to passengers regarding routes, schedules, transfers, and fares.
Act as a front-line point of contact to ensure delivery of quality customer service.
Ensure an adequate supply of transfers for the customers.
Monitor passengers during transport and assist passengers as needed to ensure a safely completed trip.
Assist passengers with disabilities in accessing transportation services as required by local, state, and federal regulations, including regulations established by the ADA.
Provide transportation and service to customers with disabilities.
Do not deny service or transportation to a rider with a disability or whose wheelchair is difficult to secure.
Charge the same fare for a trip whether the customer has a disability or requires assistance.
Allow service animals to accompany their owners.
Announce stops at all major intersections, transfer points, and major destination points.
Announce stops at sufficient intervals along a route to orient a person with a visual impairment to the vehicle’s location.
Announce any stop requested by a passenger.
Provide service according to all other related procedures outlined by City and department policies.
Operate various fleet vehicles as assigned.
Perform passenger trips according to a regularly changing schedule and in a manner that provides for maximum possible passenger safety while maintaining service efficiency.
Collect and maintain an accurate record of passenger fares.
Monitor the schedule for any changes and/or cancellations.
Maintain accurate daily records reflecting passenger activity (i.e., name of passengers, late pick-ups, mileage for each passenger etc.).
Maintain regular contact with dispatch or a supervisor as appropriate to notify them of unexpected situations, passenger requests, or emergencies that occur while on duty.
Monitor and observe vehicle condition 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, local, and federal laws pertaining to the operation of CDL, non-CDL, and passenger-carrying vehicles.
Safely and efficiently operate equipment on fleet vehicles including fare boxes, wheelchair lifts or ramps, passenger and equipment securements, radios, and emergency equipment.
Assure the cleanliness of the interior and seating area for passengers.
Conduct and document a thorough vehicle inspection as required by Greenlink, state, and federal regulations at the beginning and end of shift or when vehicle assignments change during shift.
Comply with all company safety policies and procedures when operating vehicles or providing customer service.
Submit verbal and written reports on accidents or incidents as required.
Serve as a subject matter expert on Greenlink’s Safety Committee as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.