Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Job Classification Specification

BUS OPERATOR (F/T)
Pay Grade U31

Basic Function
Under close supervision, operates public transit buses, collects fares, transports passengers, and performs safety inspection of bus equipment.

Classification Characteristics
Differs from Bus Operator (Part-time) in that Bus Operator (Full-time) works a minimum of 40 hours per week.

Supervised by: Transportation Manager; Asst Transportation Manager; Transit Operations Supervisor, Division Operations

Supervises:

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Work Environment
In order to achieve Metro’s goals in support of its mission, potential candidates are required to commit and continuously practice and demonstrate the following work values:

Examples of Duties
  • Memorizes routes, transfer points, and fare structures for all lines assigned divisions
  • Performs a complete pre-pull-out inspection of bus, safety checks equipment, and informs mechanic when adjustments or repairs are necessary
  • Refers to and implements route maps, time schedules, and instructions for pull-outs, line service, pull-ins, and off-route trips
  • Collects and counts fares, issues transfer tickets, and transports passengers on public transit buses
  • Provides schedule, route, and fare information to passengers seeking assistance
  • Operates wheelchair lift and assists passengers with disabilities in boarding, riding, and alighting in a safe manner which may include pushing a wheelchair up & down the ramp
  • Secures wheelchairs of passengers with disabilities and clearly communicates the action being taken
  • Receives and transmits two-way radio messages involving accidents, emergencies, criminal activities, or other authorized Metro business
  • Line instructs student trainees and regular operators learning specific bus line routes
  • Reports hazardous or dangerous conditions along bus route and at passenger loading zones, including such hazards as unusual traffic, road conditions, obstructions, construction, and potential criminal activity
  • Writes reports and completes forms
  • Contributes to ensuring that the EEO policies and programs of Metro are carried out

Essential Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:

  • State and local traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations involved in the operation of vehicles
  • Vehicle safety rules and regulations
  • Basic money and time concepts

Ability to:
  • Operate Metro vehicles and equipment safely and efficiently
  • Work independently in a highly-structured environment
  • Exercise sound judgment in stressful situations
  • Understand and follow detailed oral and written instructions
  • Communicate courteously and effectively with other employees and the public
  • Decipher and successfully encounter traffic patterns flows and potential road hazards
  • Recognize existing or potential mechanical defects, problems, or maladjustments
  • Push, pull and lift up to 35 pounds
  • Push and pull wheelchair up to 275 pounds
  • Bend with both knees and back, squat and/or kneel when securing a wheelchair
  • Quickly and accurately count money at a glance
  • Read small printed material
  • Perceive patrons at bus stops from great distances
  • Read, write, speak, and understand English

Minimum Qualifications
Potential candidates interested in the BUS OPERATOR (F/T) position MUST meet the following requirements:

  • 21 years of age
  • 6 months of public contact or customer service experience
  • Valid California Class C driver’s license
  • Possess a valid US driver’s license for at least two years
  • Good driving record as verified by an H-6 DMV printout
  • Able to obtain a BP Permit prior to offer of employment and BP License before completion of training
  • Must have satisfactory attendance and work performance records as verified by reference check prior to offer of employment

Special Conditions
  • Good driving record for the past 5 years
  • Positions in this classification are considered safety sensitive under Federal Transit Administration (FTA) drug and alcohol regulations
Positions in this classification are considered safety sensitive under Federal Transit Administration (FTA) drug and alcohol regulations.

Disclaimer
This job specification is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be required to perform other related job duties.


Date Originally Created: 5/15/1995
Date Last Revised: 3/11/2013
SMART (UTU): 0850