Central Ohio Transit Authority
Columbus, OH
POSITION SUMMARY
Responsible for professional route and system network planning as well as planning through implementation for various projects. Coordinates and supervises complex special research projects and obtains operational data for the preparation and implementation of service revisions to improve efficiency and effectiveness of COTA's transit operations. Lead planner for assimilating and tracking quarterly and biennial Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) updates, and Federal Title VI compliance. Works with Project Manager and others in the division to develop transit corridor projects. Works closely with Finance, Corporate Communications, and Operations divisions to assure effective coordination of service planning efforts.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Develops analysis and reports required for the President/CEO’s approval, and to ensure the Division’s compliance with the Authority’s Title VI policies by conducting service change disparate impact analysis on a trimester basis, and as needed, fare equity analysis;
- Conducts technically sound transit research to produce required reports and development of special projects, including the Short-Range Transit Plan, Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 15 reporting and other assorted reports;
- Provides assistance in the analysis of travel demand forecast results, environmental impacts and transit operations and costing data; independently synthesizes data and reaches conclusions that address specific project or policy questions;
- Assists on major projects such as feasibility studies, alternative analyses for corridor planning, operational assessments and transit route planning, Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Request for Bids (RFBs), and reviewing public and private development plans;
- Responsible for transit service planning and analyses for all facets of COTA's operations consistent with COTA's Long- and Short-Range Transit Plans: Conducts field investigation of existing and proposed service and analyzes for transit service productivity and cost effectiveness; ensures route services adhere to Board adopted productivity standards; prepares accurate and timely recommendations for changes and reports based on the analysis aimed at improving service productivity; designs and develops new route alignments;
- Serves as Planning Department’s lead member of COTA’s cross-departmental Performance Incentive Compensation Ridership Committee. Responsible for managing development of strategies and execution of Planning’s yearly PIC initiatives to help increase productivity and overall ridership, peer research, and preparation of monthly ridership reports for management review;
- Assists in providing assignments for Service Planner and Planning Interns to help ensure attainment of department goals and objectives. Leads recruitment efforts for ongoing Planning Intern program;
- Manages COTA’s Geographic Information System (GIS) by ensuring map data is updated quarterly through coordination with MORPC, and creates necessary data to support planning and scheduling activity. Serves as primary contact with MORPC for Location Based Response System data files, and attends regularly scheduled Central Ohio GIS User Group and Ohio Geographic Information Program meetings. Uses ArcView GIS software for development of new data, modifying existing data converting data to and from different GIS software platforms, creating maps and performing field verification; Uses Adobe Suite software for enhanced map graphic production and other design graphics as needed;
- Manages and serves as internal staff liaison for multiple routes assigned to position, including retrieval of pertinent APC and farebox ridership data, conducting research and preparing written responses to customer contacts, posting bus stop commuter bulletins, etc.
- Serves as the lead point of contact with external and internal transit operations staff, and implementation activities (e.g., service changes, public meetings, etc.);
- Prepares PowerPoint presentations (including complex graphics and maps), conducts presentations, and attends and participates in outside meetings with various public and private entities to foster regional participation and coordination in COTA planning efforts, and to help ensure COTA has an active and significant role in regional planning efforts;
- Provides technical review, input and evaluation on internally and externally generated reports and plan to insure continued compliance with COTA planning goals, objectives, practices, and policies;
- Researches, analyzes, and makes sound recommendations on special assignments such as, but not limited to, new transportation technologies, special transit service problems, and requested management assistance;
- Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with citizen groups, organizations, and individuals involved in transit issues to achieve coordinated and cooperative approaches to service development aimed at improving public awareness and operation of existing and future service;
- Serves as lead liaison on various projects with other divisions; and
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Regular, predictable and punctual attendance required.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Requires a Bachelor's Degree in city and regional planning, urban or transportation planning, transportation engineering, geography, business, or other related fields and four to five (4-5) years of experience in conducting transportation research and studies, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in business or public administration. Master's degree in city and regional planning, urban planning, geography, business, or other related fields preferred
Experience: 3-5 years
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
American Institution of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
American Institution of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
- Knowledge of transportation planning techniques such as demand estimation; market research and data analysis; fare elasticity; traffic design and engineering; survey design, implementation and analysis; cost benefit analysis; and transit service, design and evaluation, relating to the implementation of transit services, passenger amenities, and facilities;
- Knowledge of federal laws, regulations, and policies e.g., Title VI, surface transportation bills (MAP-21), etc.;
- Knowledge of GIS techniques, cartographic principles, GPS, map scales, earth coordinate systems, map projection and data layer creation;
- Strong verbal and written communication skills;
- Strong human relations skills; Ability to relate technical information in lay terms in a clear and concise manner; and
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, conceptual drawings and maps and prepare easily understood maps and charts for reports.