Transit Service Planner

Reports to the Manager of Transit Service Planning for VIA’s service-planning efforts. Supports the design, analysis, and optimization of fixed-route, on-demand, and paratransit services. Working closely with cross-functional teams, external stakeholders, and the community, you will develop service strategies that improve mobility, enhance system performance, and align with VIA’s long-range vision and operational goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Develop and implement annual and quarterly service plans across all modes, including fixed-route bus, demand response, microtransit and paratransit.

Use industry best practices and performance metrics to analyze system productivity and recommend service enhancements or realignments.

Conduct route-level and systemwide ridership forecasting using GIS, demographic data, and predictive modeling tools.

Design innovative transit solutions such as flexible routes, first/last mile connectors, point-deviation, subscription-based services, and community circulators.

Perform geospatial analysis using Arc GIS or similar platforms to support planning decisions and equity assessments.

Coordinate closely with internal teams and departments (e.g., Scheduling, Operations, Finance, Community Engagement) to ensure seamless service integration.

Engage with the public, elected officials, advocacy groups, and external agencies to understand mobility needs and communicate service changes effectively.

Support the development of the agency’s Five-Year Transit Service Plan and provide input into capital planning, fleet planning, and VI Atrans strategies.

Monitor and report on service performance against established budget thresholds for vehicle hours and miles.

Prepare high-quality visualizations, maps, reports, and presentations to convey service strategies and planning outcomes to internal and external stakeholders.

Conduct on-site evaluations to assess roadway conditions, rider accessibility, safety considerations, and infrastructure needs for service deployment.

Assures that service is designed in compliance with FTA regulations, VIA policies and standards, or any other pertinent ordinances or regulations.

Monitors compliance with the approved hours and miles budget for scheduled line service.

This job description excludes marginal functions that are incidental to performing the job. Other duties may exist.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s Degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Transportation Planning, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or related field and a minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in public transportation planning, transit operations, data analysis, or a related area. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

PREFERRED QUALIFACTIONS:

Master’s degree in Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, or a related discipline. Experience working in a transit agency or public-sector environment. Familiarity with FTA regulations, Title VI equity analysis, and service planning compliance standards.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be familiar with and be able to use:

· Computer software such as Microsoft Office products – word, excel, access, power point, etc.

· Computer to research information using search engines such as Google, Internet explorer.

· Crystal Reports, Arc GIS mapping software or equivalent software.

· IBM SPSS or equivalent software.

Must be familiar with:

· Mass transit

· Transit planning functions and their relationship to strategic & service planning and scheduling.

· Americans with Disabilities Act.

Requires the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with individuals at all organizational levels both inside and outside the company.

Perform research, reach independent judgments, and advise management of the most advantageous course of action.

Obtain basic knowledge of applicable governmental regulations and federal, state and local laws pertaining to transportation issues.

Requires maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.

Must organize, prioritize, and schedule work assignments to meet deadlines.

Must quickly obtain, highly detailed knowledge of the service area and street network.

Must be able to read and compose complex materials.

Learn how to determine the effect of service revisions through the use of elasticity formulas and projection methods.

Must maintain good work attendance.

Safety Accountability Statement:

- Employees must consider safety in all tasks performed, as well as demonstrate safe judgment and decisions that not only maintain their own safety; but that of fellow employees and customers.

- Demonstrate a professional commitment to assure compliance with all organizational policies, practices and programs; related to safety, health, and system security.

- Employees have a responsibility to identify and report hazards, as well as potentially unsafe conditions, to your immediate supervisor or Safety Department.

- Employees are responsible, and required, to stop a job/task to prevent an unsafe incident or act from occurring. This acknowledges the threat of potential injury, property damage and the opportunity for better judgment to be used.

Must comply with and support VIA’s EEO policies and the Diversity Program.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical ability required to be mobile, bend, stoop, stand, reach and occasionally lift objects weighing 5-25 pounds such as files, supplies and large reference books.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Works in non-standard areas such as on board a bus, outside, and in a normal office environment.

Work involves deadlines and multiple priorities.

Work involves unusual and extended work hours.

Work requires off-site travel.

VIA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal opportunity to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.

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