Manager – Service Planning

Role Overview

• Lead the development of short‑ and long‑range service plans, including network redesigns, frequency improvements, and service expansions or reductions
• Establish and maintain service standards and guidelines (e.g., span of service, frequency, productivity, and coverage)
• Evaluate tradeoffs between ridership, geographic coverage, equity, and resource allocation to support agency priorities
• Implement and refine recommendations from Comprehensive Operational Analyses (COA) and similar system studies
• Ensure service plans align with the agency’s strategic plan, equity goals, and financial constraints
• Oversee ongoing monitoring of system‑wide and route‑level performance using key metrics such as ridership, on‑time performance, productivity, and cost‑effectiveness
• Utilize Automated Vehicle Location (AVL), Automated Passenger Counter (APC), and other data sources to inform planning decisions
• Develop and present performance reports, dashboards, and actionable recommendations for internal and external audiences
• Conduct before‑and‑after evaluations of service changes to assess outcomes and inform future planning
• Plan, coordinate, and implement service changes, including triannual pick cycles
• Collaborate with Scheduling, Transportation, Training, and Maintenance to ensure operational feasibility and effective implementation
• Partner with Public Affairs to support public information, outreach, and customer communications
• Develop service change timelines, materials, and internal coordination processes
• Participate in Title VI service and fare equity analyses in compliance with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requirements
• Integrate equity considerations into all service planning decisions
• Support the development and maintenance of Title VI policies, thresholds, and documentation
• Engage community members, including historically underserved populations, in the service planning process
• Coordinate with Capital Planning on transit‑supportive infrastructure, including bus stops, amenities, accessibility improvements, and transit priority projects
• Oversee planning and prioritization of bus stop improvements to enhance accessibility, safety, ADA compliance, and customer experience
• Provide service planning input into capital improvement programs and grant applications
• Engage with municipalities, regional partners, and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs)
• Present service planning concepts and recommendations to executive leadership, advisory committees, and governing boards
• Respond to public, stakeholder, and elected official inquiries regarding transit service
• Supervise, mentor, and develop Service Planning staff
• Establish team priorities, assign work, and ensure timely completion of projects
• Foster a culture of data‑driven decision‑making, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Build team capabilities in analytics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and inclusive public engagement practices

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Public Administration, Geography, or a related field
• Considerable experience (five [5] years) in transit service planning or a related field
• Supervisory or project management experience (two [2] years) preferred
• A valid driver's license is required.
• Thorough knowledge of transit service planning principles, including network design, scheduling coordination, and performance evaluation
• Working knowledge of data from transit technologies such as AVL and APC systems
• Proficiency with GIS tools (e.g., ArcGIS) and data analysis platforms (e.g., Excel, Power BI, or similar), or the demonstrated ability to learn specialized software
• Ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable recommendations for technical and non‑technical audiences
• General knowledge of Title VI requirements and equity analysis practices in public transit
• Strong project management, organizational, and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to navigate competing priorities, stakeholder interests, and political considerations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and effectively with diverse communities and perspectives

Benefits

• Full-time positions with guaranteed 40 hours per week
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage (effective on the first of the month following 30 days of employment)
• Free on-site wellness clinic for employees and their families
• Retirement plans (401A and 457B)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Free IndyGo transportation for employees and their families
• Eligibility for the Federal Loan Forgiveness Program