Village Shuttle drivers must comply with the below identified policy areas to comply with FTA,
State, and local transit service provision requirements.
Accidents; Breakdowns; Evacuations
All Village Shuttle drivers are required to go through training on how to respond after an accident
has occurred. Village Shuttle uses National RTAP’s Emergency Procedures for Rural Transit
Drivers as a basis for procedures in regards to accidents, fire evacuations, and blood borne
pathogen threats. Basic responsibilities include notifying dispatch, helping injured individuals,
exchanging pertinent information with other drivers or police, and completing accident reports
prior to the end of the work shift. Drivers are allowed to treat injured passengers only to the
extent they are trained to do so. Drug Testing is required if the conditions warrant such testing.
AM/FM Radios
Excessive radio volume is prohibited, as drivers must be able to hear passengers, 2-way radio
communication and unusual mechanical noises at all times when the bus is in motion. Drivers are
not to transmit the AM/FM radio over the 2-way.
Bus Inspection
Drivers are required to complete vehicle pre and post trip inspections to identify defects,
especially safety related, prior to the start, and at the end, of each shift per Commercial Driver
License (CDL) requirements. Detailed inspection procedures and forms are provided in the Driver
Manual and TOSV – Village Shuttle Fleet Asset Management Plan (Appendix D).
Cell Phone Use
Drivers are not permitted to use personal cell phones during a work shift.
Food and Drink Use
Drivers are not allowed to eat food while driving or on the bus.
Hours of Service
Drivers are prohibited by Federal Motor Carrier regulations from working in excess of 70 hours
in any eight calendar-day period. Except in emergencies, operators may not work more than six
(6) consecutive days without one full day off.
All employees who are required to have a CDL to perform their job duties are covered by the
Federal Motor Carrier Regulations regarding hours of service. Any time spent performing
compensated work for a non-motor carrier is considered on-duty time. This means that if an
employee is working a job outside of the Village Shuttle work, those hours must be considered
as on-duty by Village Shuttle. Operators may not work more than a total of 12 hours on-duty
time, except in emergencies, without at least eight (8) hours off-duty.
Village Shuttle Policies and Procedures 38
Lift/Ramp Deployment
Drivers are required to assist individuals who require use of the wheelchair lift or ramp and
deploy the lift or ramp upon request. Drivers are required to use the the designated ADA Lift
deployment space at the bus stop and ensure that all pedestrians and obstacles are clear of the
deployment area before deploying the lift/ramp.
Lost and Found
All items left on the bus must be turned into the Village Shuttle administration office. Items are
to be tagged with the driver’s name, date, shift, and where it was found.
Route Deviation and Service Upon Request
During the winter season, portions of routes 2, 3, 6, and 8 are served upon request. All other
deviating from established routes is prohibited unless approved by a supervisor or lead driver.
Reasons for off route travel may include transporting injured passengers to a clinic or
transporting intoxicated passengers that might not get home safely without help.
Seat Belt Use
Drivers are required per Colorado state law and local Town policy to wear a seat belt at all times
while the bus is in motion.
Smoking
Drivers are not permitted to smoke in any enclosed public space. The TOSV has an ordinance that
prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places. Public place means any area where the public is
invited or permitted or an area that serves as a place of work.
Stop on Demand
Village Shuttle follows a stop on demand policy where appropriate. This means that drivers are
allowed to pick up or drop off passengers at any safe location on a route. Every effort should be
made to pull off the road as far as possible.
Trip Sheets
Drivers are to complete trip sheets for each shift that include information about beginning day
mileage, pre-trip inspections, total number of passenger boardings, ending mileage, miles to next
preventative maintenance scheduled service, and post trip inspections.
Unattended Vehicles
Buses can be left unattended only in the Snowmass Mall, but only with permission. Keys are not
to be left in an unattended vehicle.
Uniforms
Drivers are required to wear uniforms during each shift. Clothing must be presentable. Clean
denim jeans are acceptable. Clothing with holes and/or stains is unacceptable.
Personal grooming is important. Beards or mustaches are not encouraged. Hair must be clean
and groomed, long hair must be pulled back into a ponytail. Those with unnatural hair color or
unique styles will need to wear a hat, which are provided by Village Shuttle. Sunglasses are
required on bright days. No ski goggles are to be used.
Watches
Watches are required. The Village Shuttle Transportation Department uses Coordinated
Universal Time as official bus time. Drivers are to check watches daily with the supervisor to
assure accuracy.
Wheelchair Securement
It is Village Shuttle’s policy that all wheelchair or mobility devices be secured when being
transported. Securement is the responsibility of the driver and drivers will be trained in the
proper operation of all securement equipment based on manufacturer specifications. Drivers
should not allow a passenger to ride if they are not secured properly unless the securement
system will not accommodate the wheelchair. If the tie-down system is not compatible for the
wheelchair the passenger is using, the driver will still make an attempt to safely secure the
wheelchair. If the wheelchair cannot be secured because of the wheelchair design, the passenger
still has the right to ride the vehicle. Drivers cannot deny a passenger a ride based on the inability
to secure the wheelchair. However, drivers must warn passengers of the dangers of riding in a
non-secured wheelchair. Passengers who refuse to allow their wheelchairs to be secured may be
denied service. Drivers must secure wheelchairs in the designated securement area only, even if
the passenger wants their mobility device to be secured in a non-designated area.
Seat belts and shoulder harnesses are recommended but not required for passengers riding in
their secured wheelchair.
Winter Driving Conditions
Drivers are to select the proper gear for all grades/conditions and use smooth braking,
particularly in icy conditions. Drivers are to block wheels when parking on any grade.
Chains will be necessary at times. Drivers are to call supervisors if chains are required.