Position Description

Position: Driver

Reports To: Transit Manager

Group/Department: Transportation/Shelby Public Transit

Work Location: Transit Building

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for the safe and efficient transport of passengers, and includes the safe operation of the assigned vehicle at all times. Drivers are required to assist elderly or disabled passengers as needed. Drivers are part-time employees and report directly to the Transit Manager.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Assure vehicle is operational by doing pre-trip inspections before each shift and reporting mechanical problems or damage as they occur;
  • Refuel vehicle at end of each shift;
  • Maintain cleanliness of interior and exterior of vehicle, which includes, but is not limited to, cleaning out all trash, sweeping or mopping, and cleaning rear window and entry door windows as needed at the end of each shift;
  • Load/unload wheel-chaired passengers using mechanical lift; secure wheelchair using approved four-way tie-down procedure;
  • Assist passengers to board/disembark and assist with packages when needed;
  • Assist passengers to and from their door when needed or requested;
  • Be tolerant and patient with passengers, displaying sensitivity to passengers with special needs;
  • Verify that all passengers in the vehicle have safety belts fastened before proceeding to next destination;
  • Safe operation of transit vehicles, using the most efficient route to pick up and deliver clients, while observing all Ohio traffic laws;
  • Follow departmental policies and procedures;
  • Comprehension of state and federal regulations as related to public transit;
  • Promptly apprise Scheduler/Dispatcher of any field problems such as accidents, breakdowns, delays, passenger problems, etc.;
  • Report all accidents or incidents immediately to dispatch;
  • Estimate time for routing to assure timely pickup/delivery of passengers;
  • Continual radio/cell phone or Nextel communication with dispatch in a clear, professional and courteous manner;
  • Read maps/follow directions for local and statewide trips;

Record fares, charges, required signatures and trip information for contract clients legibly on daily manifest sheet;

  • Keep accurate documentation of pick up and drop off times and mileage;

Reconciliation of receipts with dispatcher manifest at end of shift;

Page 2 – Transit Driver Job Description

Possess physical ability to assist passengers - which includes lifting, pulling, pushing, bending and kneeling; can include maneuvering wheelchair over uneven terrain. Door-to-door assistance is given upon request.

  • Possess the stamina to climb in and out of vehicle repeatedly during the shift;
  • Work in adverse weather conditions;
  • Attend training as needed to perform job duties;
  • Attend all required safety and operation meetings;
  • Assume any other duty as assigned.

Major Challenges:

  • Meeting service and operation demands within time constraints;

Using sound judgment under stressful situations;

  • Assuring safe and efficient daily transit operation while meeting City, State & Federal requirements;

Adapting to constant changes in schedules – drivers may be called in or sent home as ridership fluctuates; no one can be “guaranteed” a certain number of scheduled hours due to varying ridership demands;

  • Working with clientele who may be demanding, angry, offensive or argumentative.

Other requirements:

Demonstrate the ability to work well with people;

  • Have an outgoing service-oriented personality;

Demonstrate sound organizational skills;

Clear and concise verbal communication skills;

  • Ability to interact with co-workers in cooperative manner;
  • Have working home (or cell) phone;
  • Basic math skills, including counting money accurately;
  • Write legibly;

Possess a valid Ohio Drivers License;

  • No DUI violations within the past three years;
  • Be drug free and able to pass FTA mandated drug and alcohol testing requirements;
  • Subject to a BCII Criminal Background Check to prevent certain criminal offenders from being employed transporting children, elderly and disabled clients;
  • Ability to pass DOT driver physical as defined in 49 CFR 391.41 - Physical Qualifications for Drivers.

Revised June 2006