Bus Operator

The Role

Operates buses per legislation and corporate policy, and provides related customer service.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Reading, writing, math, and communications skills, and knowledge of the proper and safe use of buses and related equipment acquired through a Grade 12 education or equivalent industry experience, plus a valid BZ drivers license, plus 2 years of driving and customer service experience.  -OR- Reading, writing, math, and communications skills acquired through a Grade 12 education or equivalent industry experience, plus a valid minimum G drivers license (or other classified license), plus 3 years of driving and customer service experience, with eligibility and ability to obtain a BZ license upon completion of Region-sponsored training. Applicants who hold a G license must obtain a BZ license to pass probation.
• Must possess an acceptable driving record. 
• Ability to follow/knowledge of corporate policies/procedures and legislation related to transit services operation (e.g., Highway Traffic Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act).
• Customer service, communication, and human relations skills to determine customer/client needs; understand/relay information; provide assistance/information; build positive rapport, confidence and trust; contact appropriate personnel in emergency situations; and participate as an effective team member.  
• Ability to relate in a professional, courteous, calm, and friendly manner to all passengers, and respond to difficult passengers and situations.
• Ability to drive buses independently (subject to review by supervisor) and make decisions based on training and experience when responding to inclement weather, adverse road conditions, detours, road closures, fare disputes, and emergency situations.  
• Must provide an acceptable Police Vulnerable Sector Check (Level 3).
• Ability to read, understand, and follow assigned schedules, routes, and standard operating procedures. Ability to write collision and incident reports.
• Ability to support and project the Region’s values.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Safely operates bus per assigned route and schedule. Programs fare boxes and collects fares via same. Issues passenger transfers, as requested. Interprets conditions on passes. Provides passengers with information regarding fares, schedules, transfers, detours, and stops, and responds to complaints. 
• Monitors bus condition through daily pre-trip inspections, reports malfunctions, and submits incident/collision reports per procedures.
• Monitors passenger behavior to ensure the safety of the public, other passengers, and bus. Contacts management/police in the event of disputes, per protocol. Contacts police in situations that threaten the safety of passengers, employees, and vehicles.
• Assists passengers boarding and leaving the bus, as necessary (e.g., the elderly, customers with special needs).
• Ensures passenger and pedestrian safety by performing work per legislation and policies, procedures, and practices. 
• Allows people in need of emergency assistance to board the bus, makes preliminary assessment of their needs, and contacts on-duty supervisor for further direction.
• Exchanges/provides information to other Bus Operators. 
• Participates by operating a bus in the Regional Emergency Plan Evacuation Program at nursing homes, hospitals, and industrial plants, as required.  
• Performs related duties, as assigned.