How to Be Public Transportation Safety Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 12, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The role of a Public Transportation Safety Manager is critical to the success and safety of public transportation systems. When managers are in place and regulations are enforced, there is an increase in the safety of riders, drivers, and pedestrians. They are responsible for developing safety plans, conducting safety trainings, monitoring safety conditions, and collaborating with local agencies.

This helps to ensure that buses and trains are operating in a safe manner, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. Proper safety management also helps to improve public perception of public transportation, encouraging more people to use it as an efficient and safe way to get around.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Most employers require candidates for public transportation safety manager positions to hold a bachelor's degree in a field such as occupational safety and health, transportation management, or engineering.
Obtain Certification. Certification is not required, but it may give applicants an edge when seeking employment. Certifications are available through organizations such as the International Association of Safety Professionals (IASP) and the National Safety Council (NSC).
Gain Experience. Employers often prefer to hire applicants who have related experience. Relevant experience could include working as a safety manager, transportation manager, or other management position in the public transportation industry.
Pursue an Advanced Degree. Some employers may prefer to hire applicants who have a master's degree in a related field such as safety engineering or transportation management.
Consider Specialized Training. Many employers provide or require specialized training in areas such as hazardous materials management and emergency response. Completion of a specialized training program can give applicants an edge in the job market.

In order to ensure public transportation safety, a manager must stay up to date on the latest safety regulations and protocols. Staying knowledgeable and competent in this field requires regular research and training. Researching includes staying informed on emerging trends, developing an awareness of potential risks, and understanding industry best practices.

Training involves staying current with safety courses, attending safety seminars, and attending industry conferences. Through this combination of research and training, a public transportation safety manager can ensure that their organization is compliant with safety regulations, which ultimately leads to a safer environment for employees and passengers alike.

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Job Description

Develop and implement safety standards and protocols for public transportation systems.
Monitor compliance with safety protocols and procedures, and ensure necessary corrective action is taken.
Investigate and respond to safety incidents in a timely manner, providing necessary reports and analysis.
Work with public transportation personnel to promote safety awareness and education.
Develop emergency plans and procedures for responding to public transportation accidents or incidents.
Create and maintain safety records for public transportation systems.
Develop and implement safety strategies to reduce public transportation-related injuries and fatalities.
Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure compliance with public transportation safety regulations.
Design and deploy public transportation safety campaigns and programs.
Analyze public transportation accident data to identify trends and address potential safety issues.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of public transportation safety regulations and standards.
Ability to develop and maintain effective public transportation safety plans.
Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
Ability to effectively communicate with a variety of stakeholders.
Knowledge of risk management techniques.
Knowledge of accident investigation procedures and practices.
Ability to develop and implement safety training programs.
Ability to identify and analyze safety trends and hazards.
Familiarity with emergency response procedures and protocols.
Proficient in the use of computer software applications.
Ability to collaborate and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

The job of a Public Transportation Safety Manager requires a variety of important skills and knowledge, the most important of which is the ability to stay up-to-date on laws and regulations related to transportation safety. Staying on top of changes in the field and understanding the implications of those changes is essential to ensure that all public transportation is operated in a safe and compliant manner. the Safety Manager must possess strong organizational and communication skills to effectively manage safety programs and policies, as well as the ability to create reports and analyze data.

Being able to work with a variety of people and entities, from passengers to transportation workers to government officials, is also key to success in this role. Finally, having an understanding of transportation safety technologies and procedures can help the Safety Manager implement plans and strategies for enhancing safety and compliance. All these skills combined enable a Public Transportation Safety Manager to effectively promote safety throughout the transportation system.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with public transportation safety management?
How do you stay up-to-date with safety regulations and protocols in the public transportation industry?
What methods do you use to ensure staff compliance with safety standards?
Do you have experience with emergency response planning?
How would you handle a situation in which a passenger's safety was at risk?
How do you build relationships with local law enforcement, transportation authorities, and other stakeholders?
What strategies have you used to improve safety performance metrics?
What initiatives have you implemented to increase public education about safety protocols?
How do you prioritize safety concerns among competing operational needs?
What strategies do you use to ensure that safety procedures are consistently followed?

Common Tools in Industry

Automated Safety Management System (ASMS). This system is used to store and analyze safety data, as well as to track safety performance. Examples include: TripCheck, Road Safety Audit, and Safety Audit Tool.
Incident Reporting System (IRS). This system is used to collect, store and analyze incident reports. Examples include: STARS (Safety Tracking Analysis and Reporting System) and SafetyLog.
Risk Assessment Tool. This tool is used to assess risk and prioritize safety measures. Examples include: Risk Management Model and Risk Assessment Matrix.
Analytical Software. This software is used to analyze data and identify trends and patterns in order to inform policy decisions. Examples include: STATA, SPSS, and Tableau.
Safety Auditing Tool. This tool is used to assess compliance with safety regulations and standards. Examples include: Safety Audit Tool and Safety Awareness Program.

Professional Organizations to Know

American Public Transportation Association (APTA)
National Transit Institute (NTI)
International Association of Public Transportation (UITP)
National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)
Transportation Research Board (TRB)
Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
Public Transportation Safety Institute (PTSI)
International Railway Safety Council (IRSC)
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT)

We also have Transportation Engineer, Fleet Transportation Manager, and Transportation Route Planner jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Bus Driver. An individual who operates a bus, transporting passengers and goods along a specific route.
Transit System. A system of vehicles, such as buses and trains, used to transport people and goods between locations.
Safety Protocols. Policies, procedures, and guidelines designed to protect people and property from harm or accidents.
Risk Management. The process of identifying, assessing, and controlling potential hazards and risks to prevent them from becoming incidents.
Emergency Response Plan. A plan of action to be taken when an emergency occurs in order to minimize injury or damage.
Incident Reporting. The process of documenting events or incidents that occur during transit operations, such as accidents or service disruptions.
Training Programs. Courses of instruction offered to transit personnel in order to ensure they are knowledgeable in safety protocols and risk management.
Safety Audits. Periodic evaluations of a transit systems safety measures and performance to identify areas for improvement.
Security Equipment. Devices used to protect people and property, such as surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and access control systems.
Accident Investigation. The process of determining the cause of an accident in order to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary responsibility of a Public Transportation Safety Manager?

The primary responsibility of a Public Transportation Safety Manager is to ensure the safety of passengers and employees by maintaining compliance with safety regulations and procedures.

How many safety regulations does a Public Transportation Safety Manager typically have to enforce?

A Public Transportation Safety Manager typically has to enforce a wide range of safety regulations, including those from the Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, and local agencies. The exact number of regulations will depend on the specific transit system.

What qualifications are required for a Public Transportation Safety Manager?

Qualifications for a Public Transportation Safety Manager typically include a bachelor's degree in safety management, transportation safety, or a related field, as well as five years of experience in public transportation safety or a related field.

What are some duties of a Public Transportation Safety Manager?

Duties of a Public Transportation Safety Manager include developing and implementing safety policies and procedures, conducting safety inspections, analyzing accident reports and trends, investigating safety-related incidents, providing safety training to staff, and monitoring compliance with safety regulations.

What type of environment does a Public Transportation Safety Manager typically work in?

A Public Transportation Safety Manager typically works in an office environment, but may also be required to work in various public transportation settings such as buses and trains.

Web Resources

Public Transportation Safety: Safety Issues and Solutions safetymanagement.eku.edu
Transportation Safety Management | SafeTREC safetrec.berkeley.edu
Public Safety - Public Safety & Transportation | myUSF myusf.usfca.edu