Who We Are
The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA) is a public agency with the mission to create new and better ways to move and connect people. The RTA partners with transit providers, communities, companies and citizens to create a vision for public transit – what it can be, what it can do, what we can achieve with it – and to bring that vision to life. By exploring new strategies for improving transit coverage and service, securing and overseeing funding, and increasing accessibility to transit offerings, the RTA plays a crucial role in unleashing our region’s boundless potential.
Our 10-member board is appointed for three-year terms by the Macomb, Oakland and Wayne County executives, the chair of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, the Mayor of Detroit, and the Governor of Michigan. The Governor's appointee serves as a non-voting chair. The RTA was established by the state Public Act 387 in 2012.
The RTA oversees the operation of the QLINE streetcar system in Detroit. along with implementation of the Regional Transit Master Plan (RTMP) and its Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Roadmap.
Our Mission:
Creating new and better ways to move and connect people.
Our Vision:
A Southeast Michigan where advances in transit create greater prosperity for all.
RTA’s Values
Creativity – bringing innovative thinking to enhance the transit experience.
Empathy – understanding how we can help improve lives across the region.
Opportunity – leading the way to the future of transit in Southeast Michigan.
Learn more at We’re The RTA. Get On Board.
Join Our Passionate Team of Professionals
You’ll join a growing public transportation organization with a unique structure – one that plans, funds, coordinates, and accelerates transit services and programs in Southeast Michigan, while operating a 3-mile streetcar in Downtown Detroit. RTA is responsible for planning regional transit, deploying new services, allocating federal and state funding to transit service providers, and securing new regional funding sources for transit.
We’re a team that works diligently and cares deeply about creating opportunities to improve the quality of life for our residents. We live what we lead, coming in to work on all modes of transportation. RTA’s goals — from safer streets to enhanced mobility — energize and motivate us to do what we do best in delivering transit throughout our region.
About This Role
The Operator is responsible for transporting passengers safely along the Woodward corridor in accordance with city, state, and federal laws as well as QLINE rules and policies. The Operator must observe and interact with both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The Operator ensures that the highest quality of streetcar service is delivered to customers. Safety and dependability are required of all Operators
Primary Responsibilities
- Operate a streetcar in revenue service, non‐revenue service and in the streetcar storage yard and maintenance facility in strict compliance with QLINE’s rules, policies and procedures (SOP’s). Adhere to all traffic safety laws, regulations, standard operating and emergency procedures.
- Act in an appropriate, professional manner always with fellow employees, the public, and customers.
- Act as a QLINE representative and ambassador to the public.
- Operate communication system in accordance with radio protocols and FCC regulations; announce station stops, communicate with passengers, and handle events related to automatic equipment failure, announcements, and emergencies.
- Work with maintenance technicians to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical failures utilizing on‐board computerized diagnostic equipment, circuit breaker readouts, brake indicators and bypass switches under the direction of rail streetcar Supervisors and/or other designated management staff.
- Operate a streetcar in unusual conditions where specific functions such as propulsion and braking are rendered impaired.
- Operate manual track switches as directed.
- Use a variety of keys, levers and buttons to activate the streetcar and decelerate/accelerate.
- Perform streetcar pre‐trip and post‐trip inspections in accordance with standard procedures and general orders and notices.
- Assist in acceptance and commissioning new streetcars and associated equipment.
- Responsible for reporting any unusual occurrences while duty including vehicle and maintenance‐of‐way issues to Supervisors.
- Perform other duties as assigned, including flagging.
- Assist in providing on‐the‐job instruction and/or training assistance to student operators as required.
- Complete all other job‐related duties as assigned.
- Communicate with maintenance staff regarding equipment observations and malfunctions.
- Utilize training and other on‐board devices to meet established performance measures.\
Physical requirements:
- Able to work outside in all weather conditions.
- 20/20 or corrected to 20/20 vision.
- Able to distinguish colors on warning lights, traffic, train signals, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
- Able to hear normal conversations, warning sounds, emergency vehicle sirens, and radio transmissions.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Previous professional transportation experience in streetcar/LRV, transit bus, and/or trucking desired but not necessary.
- Customer service experience is desired.
- Satisfactory performance and attendance in previous positions.
- Able to maintain a high level of concentration, dependability, reliAble and safety.
- Able to speak & write clear concise reports.
Able to speak clearly, distinctly, and effectively in a variety of situations using tact and diplomacy.
Minimum Education and Experience
- Possess a High School diploma or equivalent.
- Must be a minimum of twenty‐one (21) years of age.
- Possess a valid Michigan driver’s license.
- Meet the qualifications for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
- Successfully completed the Streetcar Operator Training Program.
- Be certified to operate a QLINE streetcar
- Periodically re‐certify on Standard Operating Procedures, rules, and hands‐on proficiency.
Benefits
- Paid-time off and holidays
- Retirement
- Health Insurance, including telehealth care support
- UNUM Dental and Vision Coverage
- Short-Term Disability
- Optional Long-Term Disability Coverage
- Optional Life Insurance Coverage
- Optional Critical Insurance Coverage
- Optional Pet and Legal Insurance Coverage
- Transit passes and main office parking
Professional development
Application Deadline
Submit your application to
Equal Employment Opportunity
The RTA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The RTA complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Studies have shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. The RTA may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
At Will Employer
Employment with the RTA is voluntary and is subject to termination by management at will, with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time. Nothing in this notice shall be interpreted to conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of RTA employees. The only exception to this policy is a written employment agreement approved at the discretion of the RTA Board of Directors.
