Karen Dale
Lexington One
West Columbia,SC
42
years of professional experience
Results-driven professional with extensive experience at First Transit, excelling in safety management and operational efficiency. Proven track record in enhancing compliance and implementing corrective actions, while fostering effective communication and team collaboration. Skilled in DOT regulations and incident reporting, ensuring a secure and reliable transit environment.
Work History
School Bus Driver
3 Years 5 Months- Operated school bus safely along assigned routes, following traffic laws and district procedures.
- Conducted pre-trip and post-trip inspections to verify vehicle readiness and report maintenance concerns.
- Managed safe loading and unloading of students, maintaining orderly boarding at stops and schools.
- Monitored student behavior and enforced bus safety rules to support a secure ride environment.
General Manager
2 Years 7 Months- Directed daily transit operations, aligning dispatch, scheduling, and service delivery with performance expectations.
- Led safety and compliance programs, reinforcing DOT standards, incident response, and corrective action follow-up.
- Coordinated maintenance priorities with operations teams to improve fleet availability and service reliability.
- Managed workforce planning, including staffing, training, and performance coaching for frontline supervisors.
- Reviewed route performance and service data to identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements.
- Strengthened customer service response by resolving service disruptions and escalating operational issues promptly.
- Oversaw budget controls, expense tracking, and resource allocation to support operational goals.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
Safety Manager
6 Years 6 Months- Directed DOT and OSHA compliance programs across transit operations
- Led accident investigations and implemented corrective action plans
- Trained drivers on defensive driving, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements
- Conducted safety audits, inspections, and hazard assessments for facility and fleet operations
- Coordinated drug and alcohol testing processes aligned with federal transit standards
- Monitored incident reporting trends and updated prevention strategies
Transit Operator
29 Years- Operated transit vehicles safely, following schedules, routes, and passenger service standards.
- Monitored roadway conditions and adjusted driving to maintain safe, reliable service.
- Assisted passengers with boarding, seating, and accessibility needs using courteous communication.
- Inspected vehicles before service, reporting defects and safety concerns promptly.
- Enforced fare policies and passenger rules while maintaining professional customer interactions.
- Coordinated with dispatch on route changes, delays, and service disruptions.
Education
High School Diploma
Skills
Dependable and reliable
Effective communication skills
Safety-focused
Safe driving practices
Incident reporting
Behavior management
Commercial driving
Special needs assistance
Safety equipment usage
Drug and alcohol testing
Defensive driving
DOT regulations
Wheelchair lift operation
Background checks
GPS and route planning
Vehicle maintenance
Verbal and written communication
Timeline
School Bus Driver
Lexington One
05.2023 - CurrentRead More
General Manager
First Transit
05.2019 - 12.2021Read More
Safety Manager
First Transit
06.2013 - 12.2019Read More
Transit Operator
Delaware Transit
05.1984 - 05.2013Read More
Glasgow High School
High School Diploma
Read More