Controller, Regional Operations Center (Bus)

rtddenver; United States; On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Regional Transportation District (RTD) seeks a Controller to provide real-time operational oversight of the bus network. You will monitor operations, communicate with teams, and coordinate responses to incidents to maintain safe, reliable service.

Under the Assistant Manager, ROC, you will handle scheduled service, special movements, and events using CAD/AVL and other tools. Strong awareness and judgment are essential to balance dynamic conditions and ensure continuity.

Qualifications

• Experience in real-time transportation operations.
• Ability to monitor and manage service levels under varying conditions.
• Strong communication and situational awareness under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control real-time bus operations and maintenance coordination.
• Maintain radio and electronic communications with Operators, Supervisors, Maintenance, and other personnel.
• Use CAD/AVL and other tools to track route adherence and adjust service levels.

Skills

Real-time operations

CAD/AVL

Radio communications

Emergency response

Data analysis

Operational judgment

Tools

CAD/AVL systems

Operational software

Job description

At Regional Transportation District (RTD), We make lives better through connections!

When you join RTD, you will be among dedicated employees exhibiting RTD's values of passion, respect, diversity, trustworthiness, collaboration, and ownership. RTD is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace. As part of our diversity value statement, we encourage our employees to honor diversity in thought, people, and experience. Come join RTD on this great journey to be the trusted leader in mobility, delivering excellence and value to our customers and community.

RTD Employee Benefits: https://www.rtd-denver.com/careers/benefits

(RTD Represented Employee Benefits: Please refer to the Labor Agreement included in the above link for details.)

This position provides real-time operational oversight of RTD's bus network to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable service. Working under the Assistant Manager, ROC, this position monitors normal, degraded, and emergency operations; maintains continuous radio communication with Operators, Supervisors, Maintenance, and other personnel; and manages scheduled service, special bus movements, and high-volume events. Using the Integrated CAD/AVL system and other operational tools, the Controller maintains route adherence, mitigates delays, adjusts service levels as needed, and coordinates responses to incidents or disruptions in collaboration with internal and external partners.

The Controller responds immediately to emergency calls and alarms, coordinates with emergency responders, and directs special or emergency bus movements to maintain service continuity. The role works closely with Vehicle Maintenance to replace defective buses, resolve farebox issues, and minimize service interruptions. Additional responsibilities include documenting procedural violations and commendations, participating in required meetings and training, supporting SMS and PTASP requirements, and promoting safety awareness. Success in this role requires strong situational awareness, communication, and operational judgment to balance dynamic conditions and ensure reliable, customer‑focused bus service.

This requisition is expecting to fill 2 vacancies

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor and control real-time bus operations, including Bus Operators, Service Supervisors, Transit System & Support (Bus), maintenance personnel, scheduled routes, special bus movements, and high-volume events. Ensure safe, reliable, and customer‑focused service while responding to normal, degraded, and emergency operational conditions.
• Maintain radio and electronic communications with Operators, Supervisors, Maintenance, and other personnel to provide timely information and coordinate responses to operational issues.
• Use CAD/AVL and other operational software tools to track route adherence, adjust service levels and headways, mitigate delays, and implement failure management techniques.
• Respond immediately to emergency calls, silent alarms, accidents, and service disruptions. Assess the situation and coordinate with emergency responders, Maintenance, and supervisory staff until normal operations are restored.
• Modify bus operations as required due to incidents, service interruptions, or unusual operating conditions. Coordinate special and emergency bus movements to maintain service continuity.
• Instruct Service Supervisors and Operators on troubleshooting non‑safety‑critical vehicle issues to reduce service interruptions. Coordinate with Vehicle Maintenance to replace defective buses or resolve mechanical issues.
• Monitor fare collection and coordinate with maintenance or revenue personnel to resolve farebox or electronic payment equipment issues.
• Apply Safety Management System (SMS) principles and support all aspects of RTD's Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP). Promote safety awareness and adhere to safety procedures to reduce the risk of accidents or incidents.
• Collect and monitor operational data, including service adherence, delay reports, incident logs, and other key performance indicators. Identify trends, risks, and opportunities for service improvement, and elevate issues to the Assistant Manager, ROC as appropriate.
• Prepare and review operational reports, correspondence, presentations, and other documentation related to bus service performance and incident response for internal leadership and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal departments, including Operations, Maintenance, Safety, Customer Care, and E