Transit Driver

The Transit Driver provides Fixed Route and/or Microtransit transportation services for Maricopa Express Transit (MET), serving residents of the City of Maricopa. The Transit Driver is responsible for providing safe, reliable, and customer-focused public transportation services, including assisting passengers with disabilities, evaluating safe boarding and drop-off locations, and utilizing onboard technology and scheduling software. 

This job description aims to outline the primary duties and responsibilities of this role. Employees may be required to perform job-related duties other than those listed.

• Safely operate a variety of vehicles such as cutaway buses, vans and other vehicles as needed.
• Operate vehicles along designated routes and stops while maintaining established schedules (Fixed Route).
• Drive vehicles to designated pickup and drop-off locations utilizing VIA software, tablets, or other electronic routing and scheduling tools while adhering to service areas and time constraints (Microtransit).
• Evaluate and select safe and appropriate passenger pick-up and drop-off locations. 
• Provide excellent customer service by greeting, assisting, and communicating effectively with passengers, including individuals with disabilities and passengers requiring special assistance. 
• Safely assist passengers boarding and exiting vehicles, including securing wheelchairs, mobility devices, and other accessibility equipment in accordance with safety procedures.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies, passenger incidents, service disruptions, and high-stress situations while maintaining professionalism and composure. 
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections using Samsara DVIR or other inspection systems to ensure vehicle safety and operational readiness. 
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitary conditions of vehicle interiors daily.
• Maintain required certifications, licenses, and medical qualifications.
• Comply with all City policies, safety regulations, drug and alcohol testing requirements, and applicable transit operating procedures.
• Maintain professional conduct and communication while representing MET services. 
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Education and Experience 

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• One (1) year experience driving transit vehicles such as buses, vans, or similar passenger transport vehicles. 

Licenses and Certifications

• Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona driver’s license, or obtain one within thirty (30) days of hire, unless a qualifying military-related exception applies. Documentation for any military-related exception must be submitted to Human Resources.
• Must possess a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class B with passenger endorsement.
• Must possess and maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Medical Card). 
• Must maintain all required certifications and licensing throughout employment. Notify supervisor immediately of any changes that may impact licensing.

OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening in accordance with the City’s Drug and Alcohol Policy.
• Drug testing includes testing for THC and Alcohol.
• Candidates must also successfully meet all requirements under Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations and applicable law.

Knowledge of:

• City policies, procedures, and transit operating guidelines.
• Local medical, dental, and similar facilities within Maricopa.
• Vehicle safety standards, defensive driving practices, and passenger securement procedures. 
• Applicable traffic laws, rules, and regulations governing vehicle and equipment operation. 
• ADA requirements and safe passenger assistance practices.
• Emergency response and incident reporting procedures. 

Skill in:

• Demonstrating high ethical standards, professionalism, and teamwork.
• Obeying all traffic laws, ordinances, and transit safety procedures.
• Safe and efficient operation of transit vehicles and related equipment. 
• Following and effectively communicating verbal and written instructions.
• Providing high-quality customer service to a diverse passenger population.

Ability to:

• Safely operate transit vehicles on public streets, in congested traffic conditions, and through road construction zones. 
• Work patiently, tactfully, and respectfully with a diverse customer base, including individuals with disabilities or special mobility needs.
• Remain calm and make sound decisions in emergency or high-pressure situations.
• Work effectively in a consensus management and team-oriented environment.
• Communicate effectively through speaking, hearing, and visual observation to monitor passenger safety, traffic conditions, and surrounding environments.
• Safely assist passengers boarding and exiting vehicles, including passengers with disabilities or limited mobility. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS

The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands and environmental characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Positions in this class typically require frequent sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. 
• The position involves medium physical demands, such as exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. 

The City of Maricopa is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.