KRISTEN BENNETT
Ben Franklin Transit
KENNEWICK,WA
1
Certification
4
years of professional experience
Transit operations professional with 4.5 years of progressive experience at Ben Franklin Transit, advancing from Fixed Route Coach Operator to Fixed Route Dispatcher and Lead Fixed Route dispatcher. Currently supervising five dispatchers as well as training new dispatch personnel. Possess firsthand experience operating transit coaches and coordinating dispatch operations, providing a well-rounded understanding of coach operator responsibilities, dispatch performance, schedule adherence, and service reliability. Experienced in supporting employees, responding to operational challenges, and coordinating daily service needs. Ready to bring established agency knowledge, frontline operational experience, and dispatch leadership to the Manager of Transportation position at Ben Franklin Transit.
Work History
LEAD FIXED ROUTE DISPATCHER
1 Year- Dispatched vehicles and assigned service requests based on route coverage and priority.
- Coordinated with operators to resolve service disruptions and maintain on-time performance.
- Monitored transit operations and relayed schedule updates to operators using radio communication.
- Recorded trip changes, delays, and incidents in dispatch logs and tracking systems.
- Tracked vehicle locations through CAD and GPS systems to support real-time dispatch decisions.
- Notified maintenance and supervisors about breakdowns, accidents, and emergency situations.
- Maintained clear communication among operations staff to support safe, efficient transit service.
- Managed high-stress situations calmly and effectively, ensuring timely assistance to those in need.
- Collaborated with fellow dispatchers to maintain a seamless workflow during shift changes.
- Promoted teamwork among colleagues by proactively assisting others when needed.
- Maintained updated and detailed records of calls in physical and electronic database.
- Trained new dispatchers on company protocols, contributing to a well-prepared team of professionals.
- Maintained high levels of confidentiality and discretion with sensitive information.
- Enhanced team morale by fostering supportive and collaborative a work environment.
FIXED ROUTE COACH OPERATOR
3 Years 5 Months- Operated fixed-route buses safely, following transit schedules, traffic laws, and passenger service standards.
- Monitored vehicle conditions, route changes, and service alerts to keep trips on schedule.
- Conducted pre-trip and post-trip inspections, reporting mechanical issues and safety concerns promptly.
- Assisted riders with boarding, fare payment, and accessibility needs while maintaining courteous service.
- Communicated effectively with dispatch regarding delays, incidents, and operational updates.
- Enforced safety procedures, de-escalating passenger conflicts and responding calmly to emergencies.
- Completed required logs, reports, and incident documentation with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Supported service reliability by adapting to detours, weather conditions, and fluctuating passenger demand.
- Maintained a clean and welcoming vehicle environment for passengers'' comfort and overall experience.
- Fostered positive relationships with regular passengers by displaying a friendly yet professional demeanor during their commute time.
- Streamlined the boarding process by efficiently collecting fares and validating passes, minimizing delays.
- Resolved customer concerns promptly and diplomatically, maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.
- Demonstrated adaptability by stepping in for other routes as needed to support team members during absences or emergencies.
- Assisted passengers with special needs, ensuring accessibility and a positive travel experience.
- Managed emergency situations calmly and effectively, prioritizing passenger safety above all else.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Skills
Monitored daily fixed route operations
coach movements
and schedule adherences.
Communicated with coach operators regarding delays
route conditions
service changes
and operational concerns.
Coordinated responses to service interruptions with information needed for timely operation decisions.
Assisted with service adjustments and operational coordination to minimize interruptions to scheduled service.
Documented service irregularities and incidents according to agency procedures
Worked with dispatch colleagues
operators
and supervisors to support safe and consistent transit service.
Certification
- Class B Commercial Driver's License
- Passenger Endorsement
- School Bus Endorsement
Timeline
LEAD FIXED ROUTE DISPATCHER
Ben Franklin Transit
10.2025 - CurrentRead More
FIXED ROUTE COACH OPERATOR
Ben Franklin Transit
05.2022 - 10.2025Read More
Western Governors University
Bachelor of Science from Accounting
Read More