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Title: Transit Planning Analyst

Purpose: The Transit Planning Analyst assists WeGo’s Planning Department with the multiple data streams that come into and out of the Planning Department. The Transit Planning Analyst is responsible for collecting, maintaining, interpreting, and reporting various planning data, including customer surveys, ridership, and GIS files for departmental use. Work also involves supporting the Department in the preparation of different planning reports and studies, conducting statistical analysis of transit services, leading transit research, and administering specifically assigned programs.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists in the development and maintenance of comprehensive transit plans, programs, and related studies.

• Performs collection, analysis and reporting of public transit data for a variety of studies and uses; research, analyzes, and interprets ridership, system performance, service evaluation, demographic, employment, development, and land use data and trends and planning guidelines that supports service development. Develops and implements recommendations; prepares written reports on various transit planning matters.

• Utilizes Geographic Information System (GIS) and various software applications to perform geospatial analysis using data from multiple databases and sources. Creates detailed maps and highly visual presentations, descriptively communicating to tell compelling stories for a variety of purposes in support of the Planning Department’s projects including general mapping, bus routes and stops, and demographic representations for public meetings, internal discussions and analysis. Coordinates and supports enterprise system needs.

• Investigates and responds promptly to service requests and opportunities for service improvements.

• Assists with service analysis and design, individual route analysis, and new service development.

• Oversees the National Transit Database (NTD) data collection process with other WeGo departments and contractors; ensures that monthly and annual NTD data submissions are done in an accurate and timely manner; works with the assigned NTD Analyst through the data verification, revision, and audit process.

• Assists members of the Planning team as needed with the review of development proposals impacting transit service; occasionally attends Metro Nashville’s Development Review Committee meetings, helps review applications for consistency with WeGo’s Transit Design Guidelines and policies, supports coordination with other Metro Nashville agencies and project applicants; helps make recommendations as needed.

• Helps update and maintain planning documents and develops recommendations for transit policies, plans and projects including close coordination with WeGo’s Engineering Department for next steps in project implementation.

• Conducts Title VI equity analysis related to service changes, fare changes, as well as implementation of transit capital projects. Performs transit accessibility analysis for proposed changes.

• Assists with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews for transit projects including transit centers, stations, and other related transit infrastructure; helps coordinate with the FTA’s regional office environmental specialists on NEPA documents and requirements.

• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with federal, state, and local government agency representatives, community groups, and members of the public.

• Develops written recommendations; makes oral presentations to higher level management or outside agencies; participates in public meetings and events.

• Assists in the development of grant applications and other funding materials.

• Assists in the development, implementation, and evaluation of passenger or public surveys and other public participation strategies, ensuring that the transit planning process is transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the community.

• Provides support for all levels of personnel as needed.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:

• Knowledge of transit concepts, needs, and challenges as they relate to transit planning.

• Familiarity with transit software products for transit planning, scheduling, and operations, or ability to quickly learn industry specific software.

• Experience with Esri ArcGIS software and ability to use for transit planning and analysis as well as ability to prepare, analyze, and interpret spatial data.

• Experience with travel demand forecasting models and application in transit ridership forecasting and analysis is a plus.

• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, and database programs such as Access and Excel.

• Ability to generally read and interpret engineering plans and documents is helpful.

• Familiarity with WeGo transit routes is advantageous.

• Takes personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of the work performed.

• Ability to communicate effectively with others.

• Possess public speaking skills

• Ability to take care of customers’ needs while following company procedures.

• Exhibit professionalism in all interactions promoting a positive company image and work ethic.

• Promote cooperation and commitment within a team to achieve goals and deliverables.

• Problem solving and analytical skills.

Other requirements:

• Must meet regular scheduled working hours including attending offsite meetings and events outside of normal business hours as needed.

• Maintain confidentiality

• Work with minimal supervision

Education, Training, and Experience:

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university majoring in geography, urban and regional planning, statistics, geographic information systems, or closely related field and one to two years’ experience working with data gathering and analysis, developing reports, visual presentations, creating maps, and performing complex geospatial and other data analysis or an equivalent combination of education and experience. An advanced degree and/or major coursework may be substituted for the required work experience

Physical Requirements with or without reasonable accommodations

Physical activity includes but is not limited to:

• Sitting, standing, lifting, reaching, walking, talking, writing, carrying, grasping, holding, clarity of vision, speaking, listening and repetitive motion of hands. Must be able to operate office equipment, including but not limited to, telephone system, computer system, printer, and copy

Salary Range: $57,500 - $63,500

DTO is an Equal Opportunity Employer