Graduate Transport Planner (Bus Scheduling & Operations)

Transit-Systems-Nsw; Sydney; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Transit Systems NSW is offering a graduate development role in public transport planning and scheduling in Sydney. You will work on developing bus timetables, rosters, and vehicle schedules while analysing operational data to identify improvements.

You will gain structured training in transit planning, exposure to network operations, and stakeholder engagement, supporting evidence-based decisions and continuous service optimisation.

Qualifications

• Degree in Transport Planning, Engineering, Data Science, Mathematics, Operations Research, Geography, Economics, or related field.
• Demonstrated interest in public transport, logistics, or urban mobility is highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and maintenance of bus timetables, rosters, and vehicle schedules.
• Analyse operational data (patronage, running times, delays, on-time performance) to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Support service planning activities including route design, frequency planning, and network optimisation.
• Use scheduling software and modelling tools to test and evaluate service scenarios.
• Monitor real-world service performance and recommend timetable adjustments.
• Contribute to planning for special events, disruptions, and seasonal demand changes.
• Ensure compliance with safety, fatigue management, and industrial requirements.
• Prepare reports, dashboards, and visualisations for internal stakeholders.
• Liaise with depot teams, drivers, operations staff, and external stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate records of schedules, assumptions, and planning decisions.

Skills

Analytical skills

Numerical literacy

Data storytelling

Excel expertise

Power BI

Time management

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

Transport Planning

Engineering

Data Science

Mathematics

Operations Research

Geography

Economics

Tools

Power BI

Job description

Support the planning, scheduling, and optimisation of bus services to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient public transport operations.
Use data-driven insights to inform service design, improve performance, and support operational decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and maintenance of bus timetables, rosters, and vehicle schedules
• Analyse operational data (patronage, running times, delays, on-time performance) to identify trends and improvement opportunities
• Support service planning activities including route design, frequency planning, and network optimisation
• Use scheduling software and modelling tools to test and evaluate service scenarios
• Monitor real-world service performance and recommend timetable adjustments
• Contribute to planning for special events, disruptions, and seasonal demand changes
• Ensure compliance with safety, fatigue management, and industrial requirements
• Prepare reports, dashboards, and visualisations for internal stakeholders
• Liaise with depot teams, drivers, operations staff, and external stakeholders
• Maintain accurate records of schedules, assumptions, and planning decisions

Data & Analytics Focus

• Collect, clean, and interpret large operational datasets
• Analyse GPS data, passenger counts, and service performance metrics
• Identify inefficiencies (e.g. congestion points, excess layover, missed connections)
• Support evidence-based decision-making through data insights

Graduate Development

• Structured training in public transport planning and scheduling systems
• Exposure to network operations, depot logistics, and regulatory frameworks
• Development of stakeholder engagement and project coordination skills
• Hands-on experience contributing to real-world transport outcomes

Skills & Capabilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• High numerical literacy and attention to detail
• Ability to translate complex data into practical, actionable insights
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g. pivot tables, formulas, data analysis)
• Exposure to data tools (e.g. Power BI or similar) desirable
• Strong organisational and time-management skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Clear written and verbal communication skills

Qualifications

• Degree in Transport Planning, Engineering, Data Science, Mathematics, Operations Research, Geography, Economics, or related field
• Demonstrated interest in public transport, logistics, or urban mobility is highly regarded

Personal Attributes

• Curious, proactive, and solutions-focused mindset
• Comfortable working with complex systems and ambiguity
• Willingness to learn industry-specific tools, systems, and regulations

About Us

In partnership with the Government, Transit Systems NSW innovates, designs and delivers public transport solutions that attract customers because they are easy to use, reliable, convenient and safe. To ensure ease of use, we deliver integrated bus services and transport networks, intelligently easing road congestion and increasing a city's sustainability and liveability.

Transit Systems NSW is part of Kelsian Group (Kelsian), Australia's largest integrated multi-modal transport provider and tourism operator, with established bus operations in Australia, Singapore, USA, UK and the Channel Islands. Kelsian provides essential journeys for our customers by delivering safe and intelligent transport solutions designed to improve the sustainability and liveability of the communities we serve.

Kelsian has over 30 years' experience delivering tourism and passenger transport services. The Group is a leader in sustainable public transport as the operator of Australia's largest zero emission bus fleet and Australia's largest electrified bus depot.

As at 31 Dec 2024, Kelsian directly employs over 12,600 people and operates over 5,800 buses, 115 vessels and 24 light rail vehicles that delivered more than 378 million customer journeys over the last year.

We aim to provide meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities that are free from barriers, support and celebrate the diverse talents of our team members, improve awareness of the value of diversity and inclusion across our organisation, and enable our leaders to champion diversity and inclusion. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTQIA+, people with disability and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.