Shared Ride Operator

Overall Job Objective

At COLTS, our Shared Ride Operators do more than drive—they help keep our community connected. As a Shared Ride Operator, you will safely and courteously transport passengers to medical appointments, work, school, shopping, and other essential destinations throughout Lackawanna County.

Operators are responsible for safely operating a COLTS van or bus while providing exceptional customer service and ensuring every passenger has a comfortable and positive experience. This position requires defensive driving skills, sound judgment, and the ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations to protect passengers, pedestrians, and the general public.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Conducting pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections
• Assisting passengers, including safely securing wheelchairs and mobility devices
• Operating onboard technology to receive manifests and communicate with dispatch
• Maintaining accurate trip documentation and records
• Collecting and accounting for passenger fares when applicable
• Following established safety policies, operating procedures, and emergency protocols
• Communicating professionally with passengers, dispatch, and fellow team members
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Manager of Shared Ride Operations

Successful candidates are dependable, customer-focused professionals who value safety, maintain excellent attendance, and take pride in serving the community. COLTS provides paid training, ongoing support, and the tools needed to succeed in this rewarding public service career.

Essential Qualifications:

1. High School Degree or equivalent; job related experience preferred.

2. Must meet hiring qualifications including but not limited to, minimum of 21 years of age, acceptable driving record and background verification in accordance with COLTS standards.

3. Ability to apply critical thinking and common sense understanding to carry out transportation services.

4. Ability to keep mentally alert and maintain concentration.

5. Knowledge of safe driving practices and demonstrated ability to operate and drive transit vehicles in a safe manner.

6. Ability to understand and adhere to Authority rules, procedures, directions, funding guidelines, and PA DOT/Traffic regulations.

7. Satisfactory attendance; ability to work bid runs, variable shifts, irregular hours. Available for work and overtime as needed and response to emergency situations.

8. Demonstrated customer service orientation with the ability to deal courteously, sensitively, and effectively with the public. Adherence to regulations; harassment/discrimination policy/guidelines.

9. Ability to operate communication and other designated automated/computer equipment.

10. Ability to manage one’s own time and to follow a schedule to meet deadlines.

11. Ability to actively listen, communicate effectively and follow oral and written instructions that are given in English.

12. Ability to complete records.

13. Ability to work with diverse customers.

14. Ability to enforce all COLTS rules and procedures with passengers.

Physicals, Certificates and Licenses Required:

1. Possession of a valid PA Commercial Driver’s License, with Passenger Endorsement

2. Negative Drug testing-subject to random alcohol and drug testing.

3. DOT Physical. Post-hire recertifications will be required.

Essential Job Functions

Requirements listed represent the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions if it does not present an undue hardship.

1. Prepares for daily run by reporting to dispatch at scheduled time, in physical condition to fulfill the essential functions of driving a vehicle and adhering to the dress code.

2. Obtains assignment, reviews all posted notices, and communicates any irregularities to dispatch.

3. Ensure vehicle is safe and reliable prior to operation by conducting an inspection and performing daily pre- and post-trip inspection checklist and completing a non-compliance report and returning it to the Dispatcher or Supervisor for resolution if necessary.

4. Provides public transit services by safely operating assigned vehicle to pick up and deliver passengers in a courteous and professional manner in accordance with manifest and under all weather, traffic and passenger load conditions. Works variable shifts, irregular hours and is available for work/overtime as needed and safety emergency response situations.

5. Maintains safe conditions by complying with traffic regulations; observing traffic conditions; avoiding dangerous situations, and enforcing passenger safety/conduct rules.

6. Complies with all ADA mandates by assisting with boarding and alighting passengers with disabilities including the operation of wheelchair lifts and securing devices according to policy and procedure.

7. Represents the Authority in a professional and positive manner and ensures a positive passenger experience by listening to complaints regarding delays or problems encountered in the provision of services. Answers questions from passengers regarding fares, schedules and routing. Regulates heating, cooling and ventilation systems for passenger comfort. Maintains the vehicle interior in a neat condition during service operation. Keeps all passenger information confidential.

8. Assists passengers requiring aid (including elderly individuals, individuals with hearing and sight impairments, physically/developmentally disabled individuals, etc.) by helping them board or depart from the vehicle, assisting them with packages, securing wheelchairs, informing all passengers that seatbelts must be worn on all vehicles where available. Waits according to the procedures and policy for passengers to board and when exiting to enter a building before proceeding to the next assignment.

9. Follow proper emergency procedures in the event of an accident, safety, and or passenger incident by following established procedures including, but not limited to, notifying dispatcher or supervisor, securing accident/safety incident scene, tending to passengers, obtaining witness cards, deferring media statements to proper channels, and completing an accident report. Reports any undesirable behavior of a passenger to the Dispatcher/Supervisor.

10. Ensures proper receipts to the Authority by collecting fares according to established fare categories, completing ridership form for times of arrival and mileage at each point of pickup or drop-off, documentation of cancels or no shows, keeping daily mileage, records of gas/oil purchases, and operator’s daily vehicle report.

11. Ensures operation communications and resolutions in accordance with Federal Communications Commission guidelines by utilizing two-way radio to contacting dispatch to timely and accurately report all irregularities, delays, accidents, incidents, requests for emergency maintenance, and safety/operation problems as they occur, preparing written report of event. Listens and complies with all communications/directions from dispatch.

12. Maintains driving knowledge and skills by participating in safety and related training programs that are made available.

13. Ensures compliance by complying with COLTS policies and procedures and local, state and government regulations. Maintains satisfactory attendance and performs duties and responsibilities as assigned. Responds as needed for emergency situations and maintenance of service.

14. Contributes to the team effort by training assigned employees, participating in problems solving methods, and maintaining cooperative relationship with coworkers and management.

Additional Job Functions

Contributes to team effort by performing other assigned duties as needed; maintains cooperative relationship with coworkers and management by communicating necessary information responding to requests, building rapport, and participating in problem solving methods.

Pay: $19.91 - $24.89 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $25