Bus Operator G121 Metra Transit

Columbus Consolidated Government•Columbus, GA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for operating a METRA transit bus. The Bus Operator prepares the bus for safe operation by conducting pre-trip inspections and checking off a daily safety prevention checklist for both the interior and exterior of the bus. They board and inspect passengers, drive the bus while maintaining the route schedule, and monitor the fare box, passes, and identifications to ensure accurate fare amounts. The operator operates essential equipment, assists passengers with disabilities by operating a wheelchair lift and securing wheelchairs and passengers, and assists passengers in distress, notifying the dispatcher of the bus location and passenger symptoms. They perform duties required by the Office of Homeland Security, assisting customers in safe evacuation from the bus, observing and reporting suspicious activities, packages, and substances, and using common sense in emergency situations to ensure public/passenger safety and proper bus operation. The operator provides information and directional assistance, accesses revenue readings for surveys, and provides input on route adjustments. They operate a radio, report accidents and emergency situations, and assist 911 by reporting inoperative traffic lights. The Bus Operator participates in random and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, attends annual driver refresher training, and courses in defensive driving as needed. They notify the dispatcher and obtain necessary repairs and maintenance work at each turn-around point, secure the bus in case of accident or engine malfunction, and direct traffic around the bus as needed. Additionally, the Bus Operator opens the Transfer Center daily, checks employees as they come in, issues buses, handles incoming calls, provides information about routes, manages bus schedules, prepares mileage reports and surveys, maintains a log of daily activities, prepares requests for charters, sells swipe cards, and drives charters for special tours. They perform the duties of the supervisor in his or her absence and as needed, and perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge of the principles and practices involved in operating assigned automotive equipment.
Knowledge of first aid techniques and procedures.
Knowledge of city streets and bus routes.
Knowledge of traffic rules, regulations, and statutes.
Skill in the safe operation of assigned automotive and other equipment.
Skill in the operation of standard office equipment.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Ability to assist customers using patience and understanding.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Completion of specialized training in the occupational field, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.
Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
Must possess a valid Commercial Driver's License.
Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

Responsibilities

Operate a METRA transit bus.
Prepare the bus for safe operation, including pre-trip inspections and safety checklist completion.
Board and inspect passengers.
Drive the bus and maintain the route schedule.
Monitor fare box, passes, and identifications for accurate fare amounts.
Operate essential equipment, including a wheelchair lift.
Assist passengers with disabilities and passengers in distress.
Notify dispatcher of bus location and passenger distress.
Assist in safe evacuation from the bus and report suspicious activities.
Provide information and directional assistance to customers.
Access revenue readings and provide input on route adjustments.
Operate a radio and report accidents and emergency situations.
Report inoperative traffic lights to 911.
Participate in random and mandatory drug and alcohol testing.
Attend annual driver refresher training and defensive driving courses.
Notify dispatcher for repairs and maintenance.
Secure the bus in case of accident or malfunction.
Direct traffic around the bus as needed.
Open the Transfer Center daily, check employees, and issue buses.
Handle incoming calls and provide route information.
Manage bus schedules.
Prepare mileage reports, surveys, and logs of daily activities.
Prepare requests for charters and sell swipe cards.
Drive charters for special tours.
Perform duties of the supervisor in their absence.
Perform other related duties as assigned.