Bus Operator G121 Metra Transit

About the role

This position is responsible for operating a METRA transit bus. Prepares the bus for safe operation: conducts pre-trip inspection and checks off daily safety prevention checklist for both interior and exterior of the bus. Boards and inspects passengers. Drives bus and maintains route schedule; monitors fare box, passes, and identifications for the purpose of assuring accurate fare amounts. Operates essential equipment. Assists passengers with disabilities; operates a wheelchair lift; secures wheelchairs and passengers; assists passengers in distress; notifies dispatcher of bus location and symptoms of passengers in distress. Performs duties required by the Office of Homeland Security, assisting customers in safe evacuation from the bus; observes, determines, and reports activities, packages and substances that are suspicious or out-of-place; ability to use a common sense approach when faced with various emergency situations to ensure public/passenger safety and proper bus operation. Provides information and directional assistance. Accesses revenue readings for surveys; provides input on route adjustments. Operates a radio; reports accidents and emergency situations when en route; assists 911 by reporting inoperative traffic lights. Participates in random and mandatory drug and alcohol testing. Attends annual driver refresher training; attends courses in defensive driving as needed. Notifies dispatcher and obtains necessary repairs and maintenance work at each turn-around point; secures bus in case of accident or engine malfunction; directs traffic around bus as needed.

Responsibilities

• Prepares the bus for safe operation: conducts pre-trip inspection and checks off daily safety prevention checklist for both interior and exterior of the bus.
• Boards and inspects passengers.
• Drives bus and maintains route schedule; monitors fare box, passes, and identifications for the purpose of assuring accurate fare amounts.
• Operates essential equipment.
• Assists passengers with disabilities; operates a wheelchair lift; secures wheelchairs and passengers; assists passengers in distress; notifies dispatcher of bus location and symptoms of passengers in distress.
• Performs duties required by the Office of Homeland Security, assisting customers in safe evacuation from the bus; observes, determines, and reports activities, packages and substances that are suspicious or out-of-place; ability to use a common sense approach when faced with various emergency situations to ensure public/passenger safety and proper bus operation.
• Provides information and directional assistance.
• Accesses revenue readings for surveys; provides input on route adjustments.
• Operates a radio; reports accidents and emergency situations when en route; assists 911 by reporting inoperative traffic lights.
• Participates in random and mandatory drug and alcohol testing.
• Attends annual driver refresher training; attends courses in defensive driving as needed.
• Notifies dispatcher and obtains necessary repairs and maintenance work at each turn-around point; secures bus in case of accident or engine malfunction; directs traffic around bus as needed.

Requirements

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Skills and Abilities

• 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.

Benefits

• Low-cost Medical Insurance
• Prescription Drug Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• Credit Union Direct Deposit
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Vacation Leave
• Sick Leave
• PERK Time Off
• Retirement Plan
• Supplemental Retirement Plan
• Free and Discounted Services
• Employee Assistance Program

Pay

The pay range for this position is $X per hour to $Y per hour, based on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

The schedule for this position is typically Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend or evening shifts as needed.