Driver, Dial-A-Ride

BFT; Richland, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) seeks a dedicated paratransit driver to transport elderly and disabled riders in the Benton and Franklin counties. You will handle door-to-door service, fare collection, and passenger assistance with a focus on safety and comfort.

Adhere to DOT and ADA requirements while representing BFT with professionalism. The role requires strong geography knowledge, the ability to perform inspections, and clear communication.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED and 21+ years old.
• WA Class C CDL or CLP with passenger endorsements and air brake restriction removed.
• DOT medical certification; Basic First Aid and CPR within 180 days of employment.
• Minimum five years of driving experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate a paratransit vehicle for elderly and disabled passengers.
• Collect fares and tickets; assist boarding and alighting.
• Perform pre- and post-trip inspections and report issues.
• Provide ADA assistance including securing wheelchairs and mobility aids.
• Maintain records: timesheets, incidents, passenger counts, and logs.
• Keep vehicle clean and maintain professional customer relations.

Skills

Customer service

Safety awareness

Map reading/geography knowledge

Communication

Emergency response

Education

High School Diploma or GED

WA CDL with passenger endorsements

DOT medical certification

First Aid/CPR certification

Job description

## Driver, Dial-A-RideApply: Richland, WA: Full time: Posted 2 Days Ago: End Date: October 5, 2026 (16 days left to apply): JR100078**Salary:**Position Range: $25.10 - $36.80**FLSA Status:**Non-Exempt**Join the team that keeps the Tri-Cities moving!****OUR MISSION**Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) provides exceptional and cost-effective transportation services that consistently exceed customer expectations while promoting the principles and practices of livable communities and sustainable development.**OUR VALUES**We value customer service, collaboration, diversity, fiscal accountability, innovation, sustainability and safety. Employees and representatives of BFT are expected to uphold our values and mission.**NATURE OF POSITION**Operate a paratransit vehicle in the Benton and Franklin County Service area, ensuring safe and timely transport of eligible elderly passengers and persons with disabilities. Display a professional attitude and provide effective customer relations.**ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*** Provide door-to-door or curb-to-curb paratransit service to elderly passengers or persons with disabilities; as directed by dispatch or by customer request; collect fares, tickets, and transfers.* Provide respectful and courteous service to passengers; respond to questions regarding fares and paratransit operating rules.* Assists elderly customers and persons with disabilities as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including the securement of wheelchairs and mobility aids using vehicle lift.* Provide door-to-door passenger assistance to help with boarding and alighting; physically evacuates passengers in any emergency situations.* Conduct a thorough visual pre-and post-trip inspections on assigned vehicle and equipment following Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations; report malfunctions, damages, or equipment failures accordingly.* Troubleshoot enroute problems; notify dispatch regarding mechanical issues, potential safety concerns, traffic problems, road hazards, and accidents.* Implement Agency protocols in the event of vehicle or non-vehicle involved accidents.* Complete paperwork including timesheets, occurrence/incident reports, passenger counts, types of fares used, and driver logs.* Perform special service assignments, bus bridges and acts as replacement driver; assist training new drivers.* Maintain cleanliness of vehicle.* Work with and maintain confidential information.* Demonstrate regular and punctual attendance.* Other duties as assigned.**KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES*** Knowledgeable about special customer service needs; assist needs of people with mental and physical disabilities.* Understand and implement safety standards and practices for operating paratransit vehicles and equipment.* Understand and apply applicable traffic and transportation laws, codes, and regulations.* Familiar with basic servicing and checking procedures.* Familiar with the geography and landmarks of Benton and Franklin counties; read schedules, paper and/or electronic maps; comprehend directions of travel.* Operate a two-way radio.* React quickly and calmly in an emergency and adopt an effective course of action within established guidelines.* Perform simple arithmetic.* General methods of tactful public communication and customer service practices.* Keep legible and accurate records.* Learn new technologies, policies, procedures and guidelines established by professional organizations and/or governing agencies.* Utilize office equipment and other relevant technology (software and systems) to meet business needs.* Understand, follow, and communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.* Work as a team member and independently; effectively apply organizational and time management skills; meet deadlines and comply with Agency policies.* Exercise sound judgment in making decisions.* Focus on tasks and recall details; handle frequent interruptions.**OTHER CHARACTERISTICS*** Collaboration: Shares time and knowledge with others; adjusts priorities as circumstances dictate; follows through on commitments, accepts responsibility for actions, resolves interpersonal conflicts constructively.* Diversity: Demonstrates an awareness and respect of cultural and individual values. Treats all people with dignity, courtesy and respect.* Fiscal Accountability: Actively contributes to the productivity of the agency; demonstrates good stewardship of company time and resources; displays high standards of ethical conduct.* Customer Service: Anticipates the needs of internal and external customers; delivers quality work products and services within expected timeframes. Considers and responds appropriately to people in various situations.* Innovation: Considers new approaches to situations; encourages ideas and improvements.* Sustainability: Actively encourages environmental benefits and the conservation of natural resources.* Safety: Adheres to safety related laws, regulations, standards, and practices; performs work in a safe manner; encourages and supports others to be safe while at work.**MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS** High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent and be 21 years of age plus five years of driving experience. Must possess a valid Washington State driver license. **LICENSES, CERTIFICATES & OTHER REQUIREMENTS** The following licenses and certifications are required to operate a bus and maintain employment at BFT:* Class C Commercial Driver License (CDL) or Washington State Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) with passenger endorsements and air brake restriction removed, and corresponding DOT medical certification.* Basic First Aid and CPR certification, or the ability to obtain within 180-days of employment.**PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS** Previous transit driving experience is encouraged, but not required.**PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS**Frequent standing, walking, reaching, handling, kneeling, crouching, bending, twisting, climbing, and balancing. Constant sitting to drive bus; fine dexterity to handle two-way radio, operate doors, fare box controls, operate lifts, steering. Constant hearing and talking to communicate with passengers, make announcements, listen to equipment. Constant use of foot controls to depress pedals. Continuous push/pull wheelchairs, open/close doors, operate equipment. Sufficient strength to assist passengers into/out of wheelchairs; partial lift/slide of wheelchair onto bus up to 50 lbs. of force. Visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses, field of vision, and depth perception to operate motor vehicles; ability to adjust focus. Good-natured, cooperative attitude, and prepared for any situations that may arise while transporting passengers.**WORKING CONDITIONS**Work is primarily performed while inside paratransit bus. Employee is frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes and airborne particles, vibrations, and moderate traffic patterns. The noise level is usually moderate but occasionally high and can be distracting. Employee maybe exposed to bodily fluids and bloodborne pathogens. Must be available to work seven days a week, including weekends during all hours of operation.*If you want to give back to the community, consider hopping onboard the team that's going places!*