Transportation Planner

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title: Transportation Planner

Among other tasks, the Transportation Planner is responsible for routine monitoring and assessment of the quality and performance of GBT’s services. This position will is also develop and implement periodic route and schedule adjustments for GBT’s bus system.

Accountability:

This position reports to the Director of Transportation Operations or their designee.

1. Performs a wide variety of transit planning functions to support GBT’s efforts to provide fixed route, paratransit and microtransit bus transit services;

2. Collects, compiles and analyzes data, including ridership, cost, on time performance, customer feedback, driver feedback data for continuous service improvements;

3. Schedules and chairs regular Service Review Committee meetings with Drivers and Transportation Staff.

4. Investigates service requests and opportunities for improvement, including cost estimation and fleet and labor projections. Makes recommendations regarding bus route and schedule revisions to increase ridership, revenue and customer satisfaction;

5. Assists with the management of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) products, including automated head sign control, internal / external announcements, etc.

6. Collects, compiles and reports data for various internal and external consumers, including FTA (ex: National Transit Database) and CT DOT.

7. Ensures compliance with FTA regulations including Incidental Charter, ADA, School Bus and Title VI. Has bottom line responsibility for coordinating and completing all reporting in the National Transit Database (NTD).

8. Manages GBT’s network of bus stops and shelters, plans and oversees new additions, removals and movements.

9. Develops and maintains customer information products, including public timetables, maps and service notifications.

10.Bottom line responsibility for the development and implementation of routing and schedule changes, including public vetting and approval process according to GBT’s policies and procedures;

11.In partnership with the Manager of Transportation Operations, or their designee, leads the development of bus assignments (blocking) and bus operator assignments (runcutting and rostering), for GBT’s fixed route services, through GBT’s current scheduling software “The Master Scheduler”;

12.Serves as liaison to a number of local, state and federal agencies including the Connecticut Department of Transportation, the Federal Transit Administration, the local and regional planning agencies and the Metropolitan Planning Organization;

13.Consults with external stake holders and assesses the impact of major traffic generators and roadway improvement projects, on current and future transit operations, using various means, including field assessments.

14.Manages special projects, frequently through inception, planning, procurement, implementation and closeout.

15.Passenger Advisory Committee – May serve as Staff Coordinator for any passenger advisory or similar committees;

16.Bus Shelter and On-Board Advertising – Manages all aspects of GBT’s advertising program which currently includes exterior and interior bus advertising and bus shelter advertising. Ensures maximum revenues from these programs while balancing revenue with customer preferences and protecting GBT’s brand image.

17.Cultivates and maintains a strong working relationship with all GBT departments;

18.Customer Experience Assessment – Beyond assessing and reacting to customer complaints, manages an on-going program for proactively assessing the quality of GBT customer’s experience. Using a variety of techniques and surveys, assesses current customer perceptions related to GBT services, including but not limited to bus cleanliness, timeliness, quality of amenities (shelters, stops), safety, staff professionalism and courtesy, service span, frequency, crowding and the ability to find and understand service information.

19.Research/Discovery – Manages an ongoing process to improve GBT’s understanding of its riders (why they are riding, how they get their information, language preferences, demographic and socio-economic information). Additionally, continuously expands GBT’s network of stakeholders and community partners.

20.Other duties as assigned by the Director of Transportation Operations or their designee.

· This position requires a Bachelors Degree from a recognized college or university

• Ability to master complex software systems such as The Master Scheduler (TMS), OnRoute (formerly TransitMaster) and various web-based and other content management systems;
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills;
• Demonstrate a mastery of the Microsoft suite of software including Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access and the ability to learn new software systems;
• Strong leadership skills;
• Outstanding customer focus;
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage complex projects from conception through close-out;
• Ability to working directly with the media, general public, local officials, government agencies and other individuals and groups;
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and deliver public presentations and present to GBT’s Board of Commissioners.
• An understanding of bus transit, both fixed route, paratransit, microtransit and other service designs;
• Demonstrated ability to establish, oversee and maintain effective working relationships with staff;
• A general understanding of marketing and community engagement strategies for transit;
• A general understanding of urban, community and regional planning processes;
• This position requires outstanding written and oral communication skills, the ability to prepare and provide presentations to large, public groups, to attend training, meetings and various outreach activities outside of traditional office hours;
• This position may require travel from time to time.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this position. This position may be required to perform job related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. The description is not a contract or guarantee of any kind, can be changed or eliminated at any time and does not alter the at-will status of all non-contractual employees.

Safety

Responsible for contributing to a safe and secure work environment. Is cognizant of surroundings and acts in a safe manner at all times. Is knowledgeable of and adheres to OSHA, GBT and other safety standards, directives and advisories, both written and verbal. Uses safety equipment and protective clothing as appropriate and necessary. Maintains good housekeeping habits in work area to avoid injury to self or others. Immediately reports to supervisor or risk manager any safety or security issue, and makes recommendations for improvement. Observes building access restrictions and locks doors when not present. Knows the nearest two safety exits and participates in safety drills.