Transit Planner

OUR MISSION
Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) provides exceptional and cost-effective transportation services that consistently exceed customer expectations while promoting the principles and practices of livable communities and sustainable development.

OUR VALUES
We value customer service, collaboration, diversity, fiscal accountability, innovation, sustainability and safety. Employees and representatives of BFT are expected to uphold our values and mission.

NATURE OF POSITION
Oversee the Agency’s service planning functions and support the passenger amenities program in compliance with State and Federal regulations.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities/KSA

• Support and implement the Annual Service Plan (ASP) process by coordinating the planning and implementation of service changes for all modes of public transportation offered by the Agency.

• Work with internal departments and committees regarding recommendations and improvements to the fixed-route network, Dial-A-Ride, Vanpool, and contracted services.

• Monitor the activities of local jurisdictions, including annexations, zoning changes, land use applications, and transportation plans to assess impacts on transit services; attend external meetings as needed.

• Create and implement passenger surveys to understand transit service needs and gauge Agency performance.

• Support the development of transit plans, technical memoranda, and presentations, including the annual update to the Transit Development Plan (TDP) and long-range planning.

• Support key compliance activities, public meetings, and hearings related to service changes and Title VI reporting requirements.

• Analyze and coordinate responses to customer comment records directed to the department.

• Support recommendations by analyzing the effectiveness of current and future service changes by utilizing TripSpark Streets, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remix, HASTUS, Hopthru, and conventional office software.

• Serve as the Agency’s Title VI Officer by analyzing service area demographics and conducting fare and equity analyses to determine the impacts of planned service changes to ensure compliance with Title VI of the Civil Acts of 1964 and Environmental Justice.

• Assisting with the collection and maintenance of accurate service data for use in reporting to the National Transit Database (NTD).

• Participate in public outreach efforts to solicit input on service changes, route facilities and other service development activities.

• Support planning and updates to Agency bus stop locations utilizing data and factoring in Federal, State, and local best practices.

• Support the construction and installation processes for bus stops and bus stop amenities, and coordinate with local jurisdictions to help facilitate this process.

• Work with and maintain confidential information.

• Demonstrate regular and punctual attendance.

• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Interpret and apply Federal, State, and local regulations governing public transit systems.

• Understand and apply Washington State Department of Transportation and Federal Transit Administration regulations and guidance related to assigned activities.

• Understand methods and techniques used in analyzing transit service performance and productivity.

• Understand principles and practices of data collection, analysis, and reporting.

• Ability to understand local permitting processes for the installation of bus stops and other passenger facilities.

• Proficient in office productivity software, including Excel and Access.

• Ability to learn TripSpark Streets, HASTUS, Hopthru, Remix, and other software systems specific to the transit industry with a working knowledge of GIS.

• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the public and other community partners and stakeholders.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

• Work both as a team member and independently; applies organizational and time management skills; meets deadlines and complies with Agency policies.

• Exercise sound judgment in making decisions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, or related field from an accredited institution with two years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of experience, training, and education. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

LICENSES
None

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
One year of experience in the transit industry. Proficient in GIS.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

• Collaboration: Shares time and knowledge with others; adjusts priorities as circumstances dictate; follows through on commitments, accepts responsibility for actions, resolves interpersonal conflicts constructively.

• Diversity: Demonstrates an awareness and respect of cultural and individual values. Treats all people with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

• Fiscal Accountability: Actively contributes to the productivity of the agency; demonstrates good stewardship of company time and resources; displays high standards of ethical conduct.

• Customer Service: Anticipates the needs of internal and external customers; delivers quality work products and services within expected timeframes. Considers and responds appropriately to people in various situations.

• Innovation: Considers new approaches to situations; encourages ideas and improvements.

• Sustainability: Actively encourages environmental benefits and the conservation of natural resources.

• Safety: Adheres to safety-related laws, regulations, standards, and practices; performs work in a safe manner; encourages and supports others to be safe while at work.

BFT IS AN EEO EMPLOYER