What career paths exist in public transit systems? Aside from customer svc, what else exits?

Question

Who decides the cost of a ride? Who decides whom to buy fuel from? And does that same person decide whom to buy buses and trains from? What criteria are taken into effect? So many employers value an MBA, but can those with liberal arts degrees succeed in this industry in areas other than customer service? I enjoy trains (commuter mostly) but I just don't know what to do with my interest? Government agencies often baffle me. Can anyone guide me as to how I can proceed? Thanks,

Answer 1

If management is your goal, an MBA will give one a leg up on the competition.

There are many other positions involved with any transportation system, including, operating, purchasing, marketing, maintenance, personnel, human resources, advertising, public relations and a slew of others.

I am thinking with an interest in the trains themselves, you may want to consider operating department employment, in which case a liberal arts degree may get you further than one with an MBA.

In most instances, commuter lines are municipally owned and operated, and those will have their own hiring guidelines to which they adhere. The others will undoubtedly be state or federal owned. Either way, one can expect pre-employment drug screening, and a clean driving record is nice to have as a part of one's resume, if looking at an operating department position.

Having letters behind someone's name is rarely a drawback, unless one falls into the category of "over qualified."

Good luck.

Answer 2

If you enjoy trains, move to Salt Lake City, work for the UTA. They are in need of train engineers for the new system, or become a bus driver.
There are many jobs in public transpertation. Route planners, for one.
Do not laugh college is a requirement now days for many transit jobs.

Answer 3

I have worked for more than one transit property, and this is just a thought, but several of them have their own art, printing, graphics departments AND departments to proudce commercials for tv and radio, etc. With an M.B.A. they would love you.