Bonnie Plank
Cudahy, WI
Summary
Dedicated transportation professional with extensive experience as a Bus Operator at Milwaukee County Transit System. Proven track record in defensive driving and route planning, ensuring punctual and safe transport. Recognized for exceptional customer service and effective communication, fostering positive passenger experiences while adhering to transportation regulations.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Transportation Driver
VIA Student Transport
10.2025 - Current
- Operated my personal vehicle efficiently and safely, ensuring timely student arrivals.
- Assisted in navigating routes using GPS technology for optimal travel efficiency.
- Engaged with students and parents to provide exceptional customer service during transport.
Bus Operator
Waukesha Metro Transit
09.2024 - 06.2025
- Operated transit vehicles safely, adhering to traffic regulations and company policies.
- Conducted routine inspections to ensure vehicle safety and maintenance compliance.
- Assisted passengers with boarding and disembarking, providing excellent customer service.
- Managed fare collection accurately, ensuring compliance with fare policies.
- Communicated effectively with dispatch regarding route changes and passenger needs.
- Maintained a clean and safe bus environment for the comfort of all passengers.
- Assisted passengers with disabilities, ensuring their safe boarding, travel, and disembarking from the bus.
- Accepted and processed fares.
Coach Driver
Badger Bus
08.2023 - 02.2024
- Operated coach vehicles safely and efficiently for scheduled routes
- Ensured passenger comfort by providing assistance and addressing inquiries
- Conducted pre-trip inspections to verify vehicle safety and compliance
- Maintained accurate records of mileage, fuel consumption, and passenger counts
- Adhered to traffic regulations and company policies to promote safe driving practices
- Enhanced passenger satisfaction by providing exceptional customer service and addressing concerns promptly.
Shuttle Driver & Valet Operator
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
07.2022 - 05.2023
- Operated shuttle vehicle to transport passengers efficiently between designated locations.
- Ensured compliance with safety protocols and passenger regulations throughout transportation process.
- Assisted passengers with luggage and special needs, providing excellent customer service.
- Conducted routine vehicle inspections to maintain safety and reliability standards.
- Greeted customers with friendliness and professionalism, engaging in conversation to build rapport.
- Demonstrated excellent communication skills while interacting with passengers to address their needs and concerns.
- Maintained a clean and comfortable vehicle for passengers, promoting a positive travel experience.
- Supported team members during peak hours or absences, maintaining consistent service levels across shifts.
Transit Bus Operator
Milwaukee County Transit System
10.2021 - 04.2022
- Operated transit buses safely, ensuring timely arrival at scheduled stops.
- Monitored passenger behavior and provided assistance as needed for a positive travel experience.
- Maintained compliance with traffic laws and safety regulations during daily operations.
- Conducted pre-trip inspections to ensure vehicle readiness and safety standards were met.
- Collaborated with dispatch to optimize routes and improve overall service efficiency.
- Developed strategies to enhance passenger satisfaction through effective communication and responsiveness.
- Maintained a clean and functional vehicle, conducting thorough checks before each shift to ensure operational readiness.
- Fostered a positive work environment by participating in team-building activities, sharing knowledge with colleagues, and maintaining a respectful attitude toward all passengers and coworkers.
School Bus Driver
First Student Transportation
06.2021 - 09.2021
- Ensured safe and timely transport of students to and from school.
- Maintained vehicle cleanliness and performed routine safety inspections.
- Communicated effectively with parents regarding student transport needs.
- Monitored student behavior to promote a safe riding environment.
- Completed pre-trip and post-trip bus inspections and documented info in vehicle logs.
- Assisted in maintaining bus cleanliness with regular sanitizing and disinfecting.
Bus Operator
Chicago Transit Authority, CTA
04.2018 - 06.2021
- Participated in ongoing training sessions to stay current on industry best practices and regulatory updates.
- Answered questions from passengers with respect and accuracy, providing information about fares, schedule details, and baggage stowing.
- Prepared detailed reports of daily operations including incidents, mechanical issues, delays, or other pertinent information for management review.
- Consistently met or exceeded on-time performance goals, contributing to overall system efficiency.
- Contacted dispatchers and company mechanics to report vehicle issues and other problems.
- Collaborated with dispatchers to address route changes, delays, or emergencies in real time.
- Efficiently processed fare payments using various methods such as cash, cards, or mobile applications.
- Conducted comprehensive pre-trip inspections to ensure vehicle safety and compliance with regulations.
- Completed pre- and post-trip bus inspections for safe passenger transportation.
Bus Operator
Milwaukee County Transit System
09.2013 - 12.2017
- Navigated various routes efficiently, optimizing travel time while ensuring safety.
- Responded promptly to passenger inquiries, enhancing overall satisfaction during rides.
- Participated in training sessions to improve operational knowledge and skills related to transit services.
- Helped passengers stow and retrieve luggage, bags, wheelchairs and other items.
- Implemented conflict resolution strategies to maintain a positive atmosphere onboard the bus during challenging situations.
- Adhered strictly to traffic laws and safety guidelines while operating the bus on assigned routes.
- Informed passengers about route details, schedules, transfers, and fare policies as needed.
- Received commendations for exceptional customer service and professionalism during interactions with passengers.
- Assisted distressed passengers and notified dispatch of bus location and passenger symptoms.
- Handled emergency situations calmly and effectively by following established protocols for passenger safety and incident reporting.
- Maintained full understanding of local roads and traffic patterns.
Education
Milwaukee Area Technical College
Milwaukee, WIHigh School Diploma -
Cudahy High Scholl
Cudahy, WI06-1996
Skills
- Defensive driving
- Fuel efficiency
- Route planning
- Punctuality
- Transportation regulations
- Vehicle inspection
- GPS navigation
- Emergency procedures
- Customer service
- City and non-city driving
- Inclement weather driving
- DOT compliance
- Punctual and reliable
- Friendly and outgoing
- Time management
Timeline
Transportation Driver
VIA Student Transport
10.2025 - Current
Bus Operator
Waukesha Metro Transit
09.2024 - 06.2025
Coach Driver
Badger Bus
08.2023 - 02.2024
Shuttle Driver & Valet Operator
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
07.2022 - 05.2023
Transit Bus Operator
Milwaukee County Transit System
10.2021 - 04.2022
School Bus Driver
First Student Transportation
06.2021 - 09.2021
Bus Operator
Chicago Transit Authority, CTA
04.2018 - 06.2021
Bus Operator
Milwaukee County Transit System
09.2013 - 12.2017
Milwaukee Area Technical College
High School Diploma -
Cudahy High Scholl