AppalCART

TRANSIT BUS OPERATOR

Job Description

AppalCART bus drivers operate buses in the Watauga County area and are responsible for the safe and orderly transportation of passengers to and from their destinations. Work includes completion of daily vehicle inspections, fueling, interior and exterior cleaning, maintaining accurate trip records, assisting passengers as required, receiving and accounting for fares, preparing daily route summaries, radio communications and other activities as assigned by the Assistant Transportation Director.

All drivers are paid on an hourly basis. There are full-time and part-time positions.

Responsibilities

• Care of Vehicle – Inspects the vehicle daily prior to beginning a route. Follows a prescribed checklist to review the vehicle's operational and safety features; reports all repair needs or problems to the Dispatcher on duty; completes all fluid checks and maintains proper fluid levels, reports vehicle safety and maintenance repairs with the Shop; maintains vehicle headway data; and cleans the vehicles.
• Driving Behavior – Uses prudent judgment in following dispatch instructions, follows all route descriptions and assigned stops unless approved by Dispatch for safety, traffic, weather or time adherence purposes; responsible for recognizing, creating and following logical sequences for picking up and dropping off passengers in an efficient manner; learns to operate all Authority routes and vehicles; observes all traffic laws, especially those related to public transportation; ensures that all passengers wear seat belts when required; and follows all safety regulations.
• Record Keeping – Maintains and completes accurate daily trip sheets to provide the necessary data for the Authority's management information system; submits repair requests to Shop; follows reporting procedures as prescribed; and receives and accounts for all fares as collected daily. Attends tablet training to become competent in their use for Van Routes.
• Passenger Assistance – Assists passengers to and from the vehicle. Drivers can assist passengers from the vehicle to a ground-level entrance, but are not to move wheelchair persons up and down stairs and are not to enter a private residence or destination. Instructs passengers of tools (phone apps, route descriptions) to maximize ease of use. Reports passenger suggestions to Management. Have understanding of the entire system to help with correct transfers, etc. Trained to recognize situations such as medical emergencies, hazardous chemicals, impaired/intoxicated passengers, and hazardous weather conditions.
• Use of Radio – Keeps in regular contact, by radio (or by telephone if radio system is down) with the Dispatcher; uses correct FCC procedures and observes radio courtesy.
• Attitude, Initiative, Behavior, and Appearance – Attends and successfully completes the following courses: driver's safety, defensive driving, emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and alcohol/drug training courses; procedures prescribed by the Authority in emergency situations.
• Represents the organization in a professional and positive manner. Adheres to the AppalCART dress code including reflective vest as per policy. Coordinates with Dispatch if relief needed for safety.
• Other – Performs other duties, as assigned by supervisor, or as required to carry out the mission of AppalCART in a punctual and dependable manner.

Qualifications

• Must be able to accept and follow instructions.
• Must possess a valid North Carolina CDL Class B with Passenger and Airbrakes endorsement.
• Must be 19 years of age and have 3 years driving experience.
• Must not have any physical or mental limitations that prevent the competent operation of a motor vehicle or prevent the provision of physical assistance to passengers.
• Must be bondable, courteous and dependable, and able to relate to people of all ages, economic and ethnic backgrounds.
• Must have a good driving record.
• Graduation from high school, GED, or the equivalent in work experience.