Bus Controller (Bus Dispatcher)

Bus Controller (Bus Dispatcher)

Requisition Number: 7795 Pay Rate: PGR10 Location: Houston, TX, US Category: Operations

Basic Function: Responsible for overseeing safe, efficient and reliable bus operations by controlling and monitoring Bus Operators, Service Supervisors, maintenance personnel, scheduled revenue service, special bus movements and special events. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties:

• Maintains radio communications with Operators, Service Supervisors, Maintenance and other personnel to provide safe and reliable service to our patrons by quickly and accurately responding to routine and emergency requests for assistance and information.
• Uses the Integrated Vehicle Operations Management System (IVOMS) to effectively maintain scheduled route and service adherence, mitigating delays by following failure management techniques.
• Adjusts service levels and headways as dictated by operating conditions.
• Responds to emergency calls and silent alarms immediately, determining the nature of emergency and coordinating the dispatch of emergency police, fire, supervisor and public safety until the emergency has ended.
• Modifies bus activity when conditions require outside interaction due to accidents, disruption of service, etc.
• Informs appropriate personnel of equipment or facility defects and coordinates the efforts to repair.
• Monitors and controls special and emergency bus movements.
• Disseminates information to METRO Management, Supervisors, Operators and Customer Service via radio, telephone, text messaging and other sources concerning disruptions or changes in service.
• Instructs Service Supervisors and Operators in troubleshooting vehicle failures to lessen service interruptions that are not safety related.
• Coordinates the replacement of defective buses with Vehicle Maintenance.
• Receives and monitors reports concerning farebox defects and coordinates with maintenance or revenue collection personnel for repairs.
• Coordinates system operations and personnel with Emergency Response Agency personnel during emergency conditions.
• Writes reports of procedural violations and commendations and forwards to the proper authority.
• Attends required meetings and training classes, some of which may be off-site and require the use of personal vehicles.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Applies SMS (Safety Management System) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency's Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Salary Range: $63,200 - $82,800

Education Requirement: High school diploma or GED is required. Associate's degree in business or related field preferred.

Years & Experience Required: Minimum four (4) years transit, transportation or incident management related experience. Experience in Service Supervision, Relief Bus Control and/or dispatching in public transit, police or fire communications center. Experience with IVOMS or similar software is preferred. Lead/supervisory experience is preferred.

Knowledge & Skills Required: Sound decision making skills. Excellent communication (verbal/written) skills. Good customer service skills and phone etiquette. Must pass technical testing of computer software package. Working knowledge of transit and bus system operations, to include street running operations. Thorough knowledge in the operation of a variety of communications equipment, including radio consoles, telephones and IVOMS computer systems. Proficient in Microsoft Office suite. A valid Texas Driver's License or Texas Identification Card is required prior to being hired in the job.

Additional Information: The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment. Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements. We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.