I won’t vouch for the quality of this job, nor will I mislead anyone into thinking the application process is easy or fun. I’ve applied myself a couple time for past job openings at SORTA never to get more than an automated email in reply. This is not very satisfying after spending an hour retyping my resume for the clumsy and redundant online application form…
Still, for someone who isn’t me, this could be a good opportunity to see how a transit agency works from the inside. And it pays, which can’t be said of the City of Cincinnati’s planning internships.
Also, if anyone reading this ends up getting the job, I will literally bribe you for access to the (public record, surely) automated passenger count data you’ll be working with.
The job description:
DESCRIPTION The Service Planning Internship at SORTA/Metro is an excellent learning experience that involves exposure to actual projects and requirements found in the public transportation sector. This internship will focus on ridership data collection and complying with the Federal Transit Administration’s National Transit Database program reporting requirements.
DUTIES Help Metro’s Service Analyst collect, enter, and analyze ridership data. The overall objective is to test the ridership and passenger mileage information being collected by Automatic Passenger Counters (APCs) installed on Metro’s buses. Manually collect passenger boarding and alighting data by reviewing onboard video and recording the required data. Prepare reports that compare the manually and automatically collected data to determine if any APCs need to be recalibrated to achieve specific confidence levels. Responsible for mapping routing patterns for Metro’s XTRA Service routes. This process will involve working with Metro’s scheduling software to trace designated routes throughout the service area. The intern will gain an understanding of how Metro designs bus routes and schedules. Learning opportunity regarding data collection and analysis, sampling procedures and report writing within the transit industry, while gaining practical work experience. Conduct real project(s) that will provide a better appreciation of the responsibilities of a Transit Service Planner and a greater understanding of this important job as you consider your career options.
QUALIFICATIONS Pursuing a Planning, Urban Affairs, Geography degree or related field. Two or more years of undergraduate studies. Demonstrated success in academics. Excellent MS Excel Skills and understanding of database programs. Self-Starter; ability to take the lead on assignments and work with limited supervision. Resourceful, energetic, goal-oriented. All qualified candidates should complete the on-line application and include a cover letter and resume.