Transit Safety Officer

Position Title: Transit Safety Officer

Safety Sensitive: Yes

Supervisor’s Title: Manager of Security

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Security

Division: Operations

This is an onsite position. This role will not be remote.

ABOUT US

We are IndyGo, a Municipal Corporation of Indianapolis – Marion County, and we’re proud to be the largest public transportation provider in the state of Indiana. We operate 31 transit routes throughout the county, providing nearly 10 million passenger trips a year to the good citizens of our region. IndyGo is committed to expanding mobility options to improve connectivity with the company’s mission, vision, and goals.

WHO WE ARE

A key measure of any great city is the ease of getting from one place to another. We call it “mobility.” It’s as essential as access to electricity and clean water. It moves a city forward to become a better place of opportunity and community. It’s a measure of a city’s vitality and potential, and it reflects a city’s judgment about its civic priorities. It makes a city a better home and a better place to visit.

At IndyGo, getting people from one place to another is much more than just moving riders: it’s about getting our riders to their hopes and dreams, to their education and careers, to their families and friends, to their health and well-being, and another day of life in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas.

We’re here because you’ve got somewhere you need to be, and you need an easy, reliable way to get there. So come on; get on and get going to wherever you want to go on IndyGo.

INDYGO MISSION

As the region's largest transit authority, we are duty-bound to set the bar for transparency, trust, and overall professionalism. Our mission is to connect our community to economic and cultural opportunities through safe, reliable, and accessible mobility experiences.

Accountability: We are legally, ethically, and morally committed to utilizing all resources responsibly with integrity and transparency. 

Adaptability: We adapt to disruptions through technology, workforce and ridership innovations, so we can meet the evolving needs of our community. 

Workplace Culture: We offer an empowering workplace to meet the needs of our teammates and riders.

Compassion: We promote, embrace and value all individuals, treating each other with dignity and respect.

Communication: We value open and honest conversations with each other, our riders and the community.     

Excellence: We are proud of who we are and the work we do and will continue to exceed customer expectations.

Responsibility: We will be good stewards of our resources.

Results: We make things better today than they were yesterday.

Safety: We ensure safe and secure environments.

BENEFITS WE OFFER

• Full-time positions with guaranteed 40 hours/week.
• Medical, dental, and vision (effective on the 1st of the month, 30 days after the start date).
• Free on-site wellness clinic for employees and their families.
• Retirement plan (401A and 457B).
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Free IndyGo transportation for employees and their families.
• Federal Loan Forgiveness Program

POSITION PURPOSE

The Transit Safety Officer (TSO) is responsible for promoting a safe and secure environment for IndyGo customers and employees by ensuring compliance with IndyGo fare policies and assisting with on-board and station safety. This role provides a visible presence across IndyGo’s fixed-route and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, engages directly with customers, and assists in the resolution of incidents that may occur on buses, at stations, or at transit centers. The TSO serves as a proactive ambassador for safety while supporting IndyGo’s Ride Safe Program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To succeed in this role, an individual must satisfactorily perform the functions listed below. The company will provide reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conduct fare verification in compliance with IndyGo’s self-service fare policy using handheld devices or visual inspection.
• Actively engage with customers to educate on fare options, digital fare technologies, and proper use of IndyGo services.
• Maintain a visible presence on busses, at stations, and at the transit center to deter fare evasion and promote a safe environment.
• Assist in de-escalating situations involving disruptive, intoxicated, or non-compliant individuals using strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills.
• Serve as the first point of contact for on-board incidents and work with IndyGo Security, Operations Control Center, and law enforcement partners as appropriate.
• Observe and report safety hazards, suspicious behavior, and incidents in a clear and accurate manner.
• Complete accurate and timely reports related to incidents and fare compliance.
• Support the security administration in maintaining records of fare compliance checks and security-related incidents.
• Respond to requests for assistance from bus operators and customers and provide guidance to ensure safe resolution.
• Attend training on fare inspection procedures, de-escalation, and IndyGo security policies.
• Build rapport with riders through daily interaction while upholding IndyGo’s commitment to respectful and professional customer service
  

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Provide support to other IndyGo departments as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned in alignment with IndyGo’s strategic goals.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

To perform this job successfully, an individual should possess the following education and/or experience.

• An associate’s degree in criminal justice, business management, health and safety, or a related field preferred.
• At least two (2) years of experience in a customer-facing role such as security, transit operations, hospitality, or community engagement preferred.
• Prior experience in fare enforcement, security, or public safety responsibilities is preferred.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Indiana driver’s license within 90 days of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Demonstrated verbal communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively in one-on-one and group settings.
• Ability to remain composed while engaging with customers in high-stress or confrontational situations to gain compliance using verbal de-escalation techniques.
• Familiarity with fare inspection procedures, handheld verification devices, and digital fare technology is preferred (training provided).
• Demonstrated ability to observe situations accurately, assess risk, and take appropriate action.
• Comfortable working independently in a mobile environment and managing time effectively across multiple assignments.
• Ability to document incidents and prepare reports that are factual, clear, and concise.
• Commitment to upholding IndyGo’s values of safety, accountability, respect, and professionalism.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those an individual must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Position may require an individual to travel in a moving vehicle for extended periods of time. May have to move or position themselves to use office equipment. May have to move occasionally between departments and/or facilities.
• Requires some exposure to machinery/equipment, excessive noise, extreme temperatures, fumes/odors, some hazardous materials, and dirt/dust.
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions.
• Ability to occasionally move and/or transport safety equipment and promotional materials weighing up to 15 pounds.
• Local travel may be required occasionally between various Agency locations.

IndyGo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.