Manager, Bus Safety

Basic Function

Works closely with the Bus Operations department in promoting safety awareness and monitoring accident trends.  Responsible for the oversight of bus related safety activities and development of bus safety policies and procedures; plays a key role in the effective implementation of METRO’s Safety Management System (SMS).  Plans, directs, and supervises the activities of the Bus Safety group.  Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Provides primary managerial direction and performs personnel administrative functions of direct report staff (e.g., training, supervising, work assignments, timesheets, performance evaluations, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining necessary staffing, enhancing productivity of staff, and ensuring necessary department outcomes are achieved.
• Leads and oversees bus accident and incident investigations, ensuring accuracy, thoroughness, and timeliness.
• Reviews accident classifications and preventability determinations; recommends appropriate corrective actions.
• Ensures all bus safety activities align with FTA SMS components: Safety Policy, Safety Risk Management, Safety Assurance, and Safety Promotion.
• Reviews and validates directives, policies, and processes against regulatory requirements regarding auditing and oversight. 
•  Interprets, executes, and recommends changes to established safety policies and procedures.
• Maintains corrective action tracking log for bus accidents and incidents.
• Maintains and updates the hazard log for bus operations, including route hazards and environmental risks.
• Prepares routine and ad-hoc reports for the Director of Safety and Chief Safety Officer, including safety metrics, performance indicators, and risk assessments.
• Interprets, executes, and recommends changes to established safety policies and procedures.
• Ensures identified hazards are mitigated to an acceptable level of risk and verifies operational compliance with risk controls.
• Works closely with the Operations Training Department to develop and deliver targeted safety programs for Bus Operators.
• Reviews new bus technologies, equipment, and installations; recommends training or procedural updates.
• Analyzes bus collision and incident data to identify trends and emerging risks.
• Monitors the effectiveness of corrective actions and documents results in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Leads Safety and Security Certification efforts for bus related projects.
• Reviews new/revised bus routes, transit centers, projects, and equipment for safety impacts; recommends additional safety procedures as needed.
• Participates in internal, third-party, and regulatory audits; synthesizes findings into corrective actions.
• Provides technical and regulatory guidance to Transportation and Maintenance leadership.
• Monitors and responds to public comments related to safety concerns.
• Participates in safety-related committees.  Promotes ownership of departmental contributions to safety.
• Provides safety oversight for contracted bus operations, ensuring compliance with METRO policies and applicable regulations.  Supports or conducts safety training, field briefings, presentations, and safety campaigns.
• Supports the implementation of METRO’s Safety Awards programs and recognition efforts.
• Develops and tracks departmental goals to ensure targets are met.
• On call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Applies SMS (Safety Management System) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
• Pay Range: 97, 400 - 130,400

Education Requirement

High School Diploma or GED is required.  A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Safety Management, or related 
degree is preferred.

Years & Experience Required

Minimum of eight (8) years’ experience in progressively responsible safety related positions; to include three (3) years supervisory/management experience.  Experience in transit safety, safety management, or system safety engineering is preferred. 

Knowledge & Skills Required

Knowledge of transit safety regulations, standards, and best practices, including Public Transit Agency Safety Plans (PTASP) and Safety Management System (SMS) requirements. Understanding of risk management principles and safety compliance procedures for bus operations. Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to manage teams, foster a culture of safety, and lead safety initiatives across the organization.  Strong analytical skills to assess safety data, identify risks, and implement effective mitigation strategies.  Excellent problem-solving abilities to address safety challenges and improve safety performance metrics. Strong communication (written/verbal) and interpersonal skills to interact with internal and external stakeholders and clearly convey safety messages at all levels. Strong project coordination and time management skills. Transit Safety and Security Program (TSSP) certification and or Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program (PTSCTP) certification is preferred.  A valid Texas Commercial Drivers’ License is required for the job and must meet METRO’s requirements regarding motor vehicle records.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment. Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements. We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.