Bus Operator

Bus Operator

Under general supervision by the Operations Supervisor, and through work direction given by Dispatch staff and Road Supervisors, the Bus Operator is responsible for safely operating passenger transporting motor vehicles to provide service for the City of Fargo's Transit Department. The primary responsibility of the Bus Operator is to provide safe, reliable, accessible and efficient public transportation to the general public. Scope of Responsibility: The Bus Operator serves as a frontline ambassador of the City's transit system. This role has a direct impact on service reliability and the daily mobility of the local community. The Bus Operator provides customers with courteous and attentive service including information, assistance with transfers, controlling the environment within the transit vehicle, and enforcement of transit procedures. This position involves the operation of equipment with significant financial value and requires a high level of personal accountability, attention to detail and adherence to safety standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Operates transit vehicles safely and efficiently.
2. Ensures passenger safety and accessibility.
3. Ensures safety and operability of transit vehicles.
4. Collects proper fares and validates passes and identification cards, utilizing electronic fare registering and collection equipment. Exercises care in the handling of funds and other valuables.
5. Communicates effectively, professionally, and courteously with co-workers, supervisors and passengers.
6. Maintains compliance with Transit Department policies and federal, state and local laws.
7. Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
8. Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

Addendum: Fixed Route Scope of Responsibility:

The Fixed Route Bus Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and professional operation of transit vehicles along designated routes in the City's public transportation system. Operators must remain attentive to time constraints while exercising safe driving practices and adjusting to real-time conditions such as traffic, detours, and weather in order to adhere to established schedules. A strong familiarity with assigned routes is essential in this position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Operates transit vehicles along designated fixed routes.
2. Demonstrates and maintains knowledge of assigned bus routes.
3. Ensures passenger safety and accessibility.
4. Collects fares and ensures fare collection equipment is working properly.
5. Supports transit system efficiency and reliability.

Addendum: Paratransit Scope of Responsibility:

The Paratransit Bus Operator is responsible for the safe, reliable, and compassionate transportation of individuals who are unable to use fixed-route public transit due to physical, cognitive, or sensory disabilities. This role requires direct interaction with passengers who often need specialized assistance, including door through first door assistance, mobility device securement, and personalized support during transit. Paratransit Bus Operators are entrusted with maintaining the safety, dignity, and comfort of each rider while adhering to dynamic schedules, routing changes, and strict regulatory standards such as those outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The operator must manage their vehicle independently in the field, operate lift/ramp equipment, ensure proper documentation of all trips and incidents, and communicate effectively with Paratransit Dispatchers, caregivers, and passengers. This position demands a high degree of patience, discretion, and problem-solving ability, as well as a strong commitment to serving vulnerable populations with professionalism and empathy.

Minimum Qualifications:

Same as outlined in the core description.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

This job is performed on-board a transit motor vehicle, with a majority of time spent interacting with passengers and driving different daily schedules. Activities the incumbent must perform include sitting for long periods of time, finger vehicle controls and paperwork, audibly communicate through radios, utilize a full range of vision, push and pull passengers in wheelchairs as needed, stoop and crouch while securing wheelchairs and during vehicle inspections, walk passengers door to door as needed, and be subject to potentially extreme environmental conditions. Heavy Work: This job is rated for Heavy Work, meaning that the incumbent may exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force regularly or constantly to move objects.

Physical Demands:

This job is performed on-board a transit motor vehicle, with a majority of time spent interacting with passengers and driving along pre-assigned routes. Activities the incumbent must perform include sitting for long periods of time, finger vehicle controls and paperwork, audibly communicate through PA systems and radios, utilize a full range of vision, push and pull passengers in wheelchairs as needed, stoop and crouch while securing wheelchairs and during vehicle inspections, and be subject to potentially extreme environmental conditions. Moderate Work: This job is rated for Moderate Work, meaning that the incumbent may exert up to 75 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently.