Motor Coach Operator / Bus Driver - The Ride Ann Arbor

The following FULL-TIME position posting will be open through Friday, January 3, 2025:

MOTOR COACH OPERATOR / BUS DRIVER

Pay Rate: $26.47/hour during 6-week training program

$31.14/hour once graduated

Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Employees in this job classification are members of the Transport Workers Union Local 171

HIRING PROCESS

December 9, 2024 - January 3, 2025 - Employment Applications Accepted

• Submit an Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority Employment Application Form (online or paper), completed in its entirety by the posted deadline date.
  • Apply online at theride.org
  • Paper applications must be received in the AAATA office at 2700 S. Industrial Highway, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 by 5:00pm on the posted deadline date. Paper applications are available at the same address.
• Faxed or emailed applications will not be accepted.
• Late and incomplete applications will not be accepted.

January 8, 2025 - Interviews Begin

• Interviews of qualified candidate will be conducted as applications are received.
• Qualified candidates selected for an interview will be notified via e-mail.
• Applicants who are not selected for an interview will receive notification they are no longer being considered.

February 4, 2025 - Training Class Start Date

• Successful candidates will begin Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES:

Provide direct transportation service to members of the Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and urbanized area. Motor Coach Operators (MCOs) operate lift-equipped motor coaches of various sizes, along fixed routes, in a safe efficient and courteous manner. Responsible for adherence to and performance of all the job requirements set forth in the "Standards of Performance" specified in the Personnel Procedures Manual.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Safely operates motor coaches, tests, and inspects equipment in accordance with pre-trip and in-service vehicle inspection procedures.
• Requests appropriate service and/or maintenance on AAATA vehicles, when necessary.
• Safely boards and de-boards passengers and provides necessary assistance to passengers with disabilities.
• Issues, receives, and punches transfers.
• Collects appropriate fares from passengers.
• Announces streets and time points as required by the ADA and as requested.
• Provides information and directions to passengers.
• Maintains proper radio communication with the Operations Control Center and responds to all instructions and related requests on a timely basis.
• Adjusts route and destination signs when necessary.
• Follows established procedures for handling violent and disruptive incidents, passenger illness, and other emergency situations.
• Returns vehicles to proper place in garage at end of run, places transmission selector in neutral or park, as is appropriate to vehicle type, and completes post-trip vehicle inspection procedures.
• Keeps all vehicle exits, entrances, and interior surfaces clear of refuse.
• Removes ice or slush from vehicle steps and ramps.
• Inspects bulletin boards and checks mailbox each day.
• Completes forms, as required (e.g. Accident/Incident Reports, Vehicle Condition Cards, special count forms, etc.).
• Reports all accidents immediately and submits a complete written report within twenty-four (24) hours and attends related court proceedings whenever necessary.
• Provides in-service training for new operators (e.g. vehicle maneuvering skills, wheelchair tie-down procedures, etc.).
• Operates assigned runs in accordance with published routes and schedules.
• Other duties as required.

REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Knowledge of the operation of vehicles gained through actual hands-on experience with driving larger commercial vehicles.
• Extensive knowledge of traffic rules and regulations.
• Experience in driving in congested urbanized settings.
• Sufficient practical or academic education or training to successfully handle assigned duties.
• Experience in operating commercial passenger vehicles preferred.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Memorizing and attending to detail.
• Reading and interpreting documents.
• Demonstrating good command of the English language.
• Skill to manage, lead, train, coordinate and motivate.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Perform simple and intermediate math calculations.
• Multi-tasking ability.
• Interacting with a wide variety of personalities.
• Working under frequent periods of stress.
• Organizing daily work activities to achieve goals.
• Ability to follow oral and written direction.
• Some mechanical aptitude.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Physically and mentally qualified to safely operate commercial passenger vehicle and perform all related essential job functions.
• Subject to applicable legal requirements, must meet the physical qualification standards specified in the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATION:

• Michigan Chauffeur's License and Commercial Driver License Class B with a "P" endorsement
• OR must possess a Commercial Learners Instruction Permit (CLIP) and have the ability to obtain a valid Michigan Chauffeur's License and Commercial Driver License Class B with a "P" endorsement within 6 weeks of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Constant periods of hearing, near and far acuity, depth perception and accommodation.
• Long periods of sitting.
• Some periods of standing and walking, climbing steps, stooping, bending, and reaching.
• Ability to lift and carry 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL/ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS:

• Occasional exposure to noise, fumes, smoke, chemicals, fuels, cleaners, city pollution environment.