TRE Chief Operating Officer

The incumbent oversees the daily provision of TRE commuter rail service by the TRE Commuter Rail Service Operator (CRSO), including operations, dispatch, and maintenance. The incumbent recommends TRE Operating Rules as required by applicable law and regulations and ensures adherence once they are approved. The incumbent also recommends service level changes to the Director as warranted. This position is under the direction of the Director of TRE.

Responsibilities

• Provides daily oversight of TRE Commuter Rail Service Operator (CRSO), including, but not limited to operations, dispatch, fleet maintenance, Equipment Maintenance Facility (EMF) maintenance, and maintenance of track, maintenance of signal, fare enforcement, passenger counts, customer complaints, safety, and security. Ensures compliance with service standards and state and federal requirements. Maintains documentation of oversight (i.e., checklists, inspection reports, and memoranda) that shall be made available to the Director, Trinity Railway Express Management Committee (TREMC), auditors, and federal or state agencies upon request.
• Responsible for advising the Director and assisting with budgeting for operating maintenance and capital improvements of the fleet, EMF, security assets, and the state of good repair of those assets.
• Provides timely and comprehensive operational input and assists the Director in preparing the agenda for the monthly TRE Coordination Committee (TRECC). The TRECC is the joint support staff of the two Authorities, including but not limited to marketing, customer service, finance, service planning, and police functions.
• Develops and maintains an Incident Management Plan (IMP) and ensures the IMP is followed in the prompt restoration of service and notification to TRE’s customers. Provides timely coordination with the appropriate staff of the Transit Authority(ies) in the event of an emergency (such as the need for bus bridges, public service announcements, security, or railroad property issues).
• Assist the Director with administering the commuter rail operating contract or other contracts that may be awarded by Trinity Metro and DART, including developing requests for proposals and writing statements of work as required.
• Submits periodic written reports to the Director using data obtained from the CRSO as to operational performance on the TRE Corridor. Obtains data monthly from the CRSO. Assesses the accuracy of the CRSO operating data used for invoicing and provides monthly reports to the Director as necessary.
• Assists the Director in budgeting, planning, and recommending service level changes, special excursions, and special events, including frequency of service and capacity, for consideration by the Director.
• Responsible for timely reporting of pending regulation’s impact on TRE and ensuring oversight and compliance of all state and federal regulations by TRE and the CRSO.

• Oversees the Trinity Metro interests in TRE, in which we hold a 50% interest with our partners at DART, in accordance with the Second Restated Interlocal Cooperative Agreement dated 13, 2021, by working closely with the Director.
• Assists in the development of the Operating Rules for Commuter Rail Service on the TRE Corridor that shall be approved as required by applicable law and regulations. Ensures such approved Operating Rules shall be made available to the Director and the TREMC upon request.
• Coordinates with the TRE Manager of Right of Way (MROW), CRSO, and freight railroads to ensure uninterrupted TRE service.
• Undertakes periodic audits of the CRSO to determine adherence to the Fleet Management Plan and the Systems Safety Program. Determines the type and quantity of passenger equipment and motive power required to operate service and makes recommendations to the Director. Determines if any rolling stock should be removed from service for safety or maintenance reasons.
• Ensures compliance with the TRE System Safety program, EMF Security Plan, Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), and coordinates with CRSO, DART Police, and Trinity Metro Security Administrator to ensure compliance, safety, and security for TRE’s customers, the EMF and TRE assets.
• Ensures the maintenance of a high standard of customer relations with all users of the TRE and a low fare evasion rate. Manages timely and professional responses to customer complaints and tracks and reports fare evasion. Monitors compliance by the train crews for spot checks of passengers to ensure compliance with fare policy. Coordinates issues of fare evasion with transit police, Trinity Metro’s Security offices and local law enforcement officials.
• Works with the Chief Mechanical Officer to coordinate all existing service and maintenance of equipment.
• Participates in the Trinity Metro and DART community activities to promote transit during evening and weekend hours as necessary.
• Maintains confidentiality of information.
• Reliable and consistent attendance.

EDUCATION

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in Public Administration, Urban Affairs, Business Administration or a similarly related degree. A Master’s degree preferred. Incumbent will be ruled qualified or able to obtain qualification within six months of their employment date with either "Western Rules" or other Class I Railroad Operating Rules and must maintain qualification.

EXPERIENCE

Ten years of relevant transportation experience in commuter rail, with heavy emphasis on the management of contract rail transportation services. Five years of demonstrated responsible experience in general management or supervisory capacity with the transportation/operations department of a commuter railroad or intercity passenger railroad (not rail transit).

Any combination of experience, training, and/or education that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skills may substitute for the required education.

Trinity Metro is an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action Employer.