Organization: Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA)
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Reports To: Chief Administrative Officer
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt, On-site
Compensation: $87,500 annually
About CARTA
The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is Chattanooga’s public transit system, founded in 1973. As the driving force behind the city’s mobility, CARTA connects communities and empowers lives through a comprehensive range of services, including fixed-route buses, paratransit services (Care-a-van), microtransit (CARTA Go), the iconic Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, and the free downtown electric shuttle system. CARTA is also responsible for managing the Chattanooga Parking Authority, overseeing a network of garages, parking lots, and on-street parking. By shaping the future of mobility, CARTA fuels Chattanooga’s economic growth, enhances accessibility, and drives the city’s progress forward.
Position Summary
Join CARTA as we transform mobility in Chattanooga. The Director of Transit Planning will lead comprehensive service planning across our multimodal transit network, driving data-informed decisions that enhance service equity, operational efficiency, and customer experience. This role requires a strategic thinker who can balance community needs with operational realities while advancing our commitment to climate action and social equity.
Core Responsibilities
Service Planning & Network Development
- Lead comprehensive service planning for fixed-route, circulator, microtransit, and paratransit services
- Develop and implement service standards, performance metrics, and optimization strategies
- Conduct network analysis and route restructuring to maximize ridership and coverage
- Design service changes that respond to demographic shifts, land use patterns, and community needs
Equity & Compliance
- Execute Title VI compliance analysis and develop strategies to eliminate service disparities
- Lead equity impact assessments for all service changes and capital projects
- Ensure ADA compliance across all transit infrastructure and services
- Champion transportation justice initiatives and community-centered planning approaches
Data Analytics & Performance Management
- Establish KPIs and dashboards to monitor service performance, ridership trends, and customer satisfaction
- Leverage big data, mobile analytics, and emerging technologies to inform planning decisions
- Conduct market research and community engagement to understand evolving mobility needs
- Prepare actionable reports and recommendations for executive leadership and board governance
Infrastructure & Technology Integration
- Maintain comprehensive transit asset inventory including stops, shelters, and accessibility features
- Collaborate on smart city initiatives, ITS deployment, and mobility-as-a-service integration
- Support zero-emission fleet planning and charging infrastructure development
- Advance complete streets and transit-oriented development initiative
Stakeholder Engagement & Grant Development
- Build partnerships with MPOs, municipalities, community organizations, and advocacy groups
- Lead public engagement processes for major service changes and capital projects
- Identify and pursue federal, state, and foundation funding opportunities
- Represent CARTA at regional transportation committees and industry conferences
Team Leadership & Organizational Development
- Manage and mentor planning staff, fostering professional growth and innovation
- Collaborate across departments to align planning with operations, maintenance, and capital programs
- Champion best practices in transit planning and stay current with industry innovations
Required Qualifications
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Engineering, Public Policy, or related field
- Master’s degree in Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, or related discipline preferred
- Minimum 5 years progressive experience in transit planning or transportation analysis
- Demonstrated success managing complex planning projects and cross-functional teams
Technical Competencies:
- Advanced proficiency in GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS) and transit planning tools
- Experience with ridership forecasting, service planning software, and data visualization platforms
- Knowledge of GTFS, performance measurement frameworks, and industry benchmarking
- Understanding of federal transit regulations (FTA, ADA, Title VI, NEPA)
Leadership & Communication:
- Proven ability to translate complex technical analysis into actionable strategic recommendations
- Experience facilitating community engagement and managing stakeholder relationships
- Strong project management skills with ability to deliver results in dynamic environments
- Commitment to equity, sustainability, and community-responsive planning
What We Offer
Compensation and Benefits
- Pension Plan: Employee contribution of 4.5% with CARTA matching contribution of 17%
- Additional Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, dental insurance, vision care, and other benefits
Paid Time Off
- Vacation: Vacation time based on job position
- Personal Time: Five (5) days per year (prorated based on time of hire).
- Sick Time: Accrues at 8 hours per month, can be carried over.
- Holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Easter (observed on Friday or Monday before/after based on operational needs), Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
CARTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Ready to drive positive change in public transportation? Join our team and help us build a more connected, equitable, and sustainable Chattanooga.