Tinika L. Kerns
Waldorf,MD
Summary
Resourceful transit operations supervisor with proven success in resolving critical issues in time-sensitive, safety-sensitive environments. Highly organized, energetic, and customer-focused leader, committed to continuous improvement through effective employee performance management, coaching, and operational support.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Superintendent
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Metro
Washington, District of Columbia
12.2024 - Current
- Assist in directing daily bus transportation operations in a 24/7, safety-sensitive environment to ensure safe, reliable, and on-time service.
- Supervise operations supervisors and frontline employees; manage staffing, service coverage, overtime, and resource deployment for routine service, special events, and emergencies.
- Conduct weekly 1:1 meetings with managers to review performance, service issues, employee concerns, and operational priorities.
- Review operational, safety, and performance data; analyze trends, and implement corrective actions to improve compliance and service reliability.
- Partner with Maintenance, WAVS, and other internal stakeholders to address service, safety, and workforce matters.
- Work closely with union leadership; serve as first-step supervisor for grievances and employee complaints, in accordance with collective bargaining agreements.
- Lead performance management through coaching, counseling, commendations, and discipline.
- Conduct accident and incident investigations, determine the root cause, and prepare clear, concise reports.
- Support administrative functions, including payroll review, attendance accountability, and cost control.
- Enforce safety rules and promote a positive safety culture, consistent with SMS and just culture principles.
Bus Operations Manager
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Metro
Washington, DC
05.2023 - 12.2024
- Resolve conflicts between employees by providing guidance on company policies and procedures.
- Maintain up-to-date records of employee attendance, payroll information, and vacation requests.
- Enhance team member performance through the use of strategic and tactical approaches, motivational coaching, and training.
- Resolve customer inquiries and complaints requiring management-level escalation.
- Investigate incidents involving buses or passengers to determine the cause of the incident, and take corrective action as needed.
- Perform administrative tasks such as record-keeping and filing of paperwork in accordance with departmental standards.
- Investigate incidents reported at the facility thoroughly before taking appropriate action based on company policy guidelines.
- Supervise staff members, organize schedules, and delegate tasks.
Supervisor, Transit Field Operations
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Washington , DC
04.2016 - 05.2023
- Responsible for direct oversight, supervision, and decision-making of Bus Operations employees.
- Initiate administrative actions when appropriate.
- Investigate vehicular and on-duty accidents/ incidents.
- Complete reports and investigations accurately and timely.
- Maintain immediate communications with divisional and mechanical departments relative to operating requirements.
- Operate multiple computer systems and monitor information such as Clevercad, Maximo, Next bus, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and traffic information.
- Monitors and manages on-time performance.
- Maintain two-way radio communications with Metro Bus Service Operations personnel, revenue/non-revenue operation and other radio equipped vehicles.
- Conduct bus detours caused by construction, police activity, weather conditions and/or unsafe conditions.
- Established and enforced clear goals to keep employees working collaboratively.
- Identified and corrected performance and personnel issues to reduce impact to business operations.
- Maintained operating schedules to provide effective coverage for key areas and achieve objectives.
- Monitored employee productivity to provide constructive feedback and coaching.
- Monitored staff operations to comply with administrative policies and procedures, safety rules, contracts and government regulations.
Train Operator/ Mainline Operator
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Washington, DC
07.2014 - 03.2016
- Performed interior and exterior inspection for safe daily operation
- Troubleshoot trains to overcome malfunctions
- Made Public Address announcements (standard and emergency) and control manual door operations
- Received instructions from Rail Operations Control Center of route selection and notification of hazards
- Developed and maintain a thorough knowledge of the Metrorail Safety Rules and Procedures Handbook
- Maintained knowledge of switch alignment and signals.
- Executed equipment operations safely, following regulations, policies and procedures.
Station Manager
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Washington, DC
09.2011 - 07.2014
- Observed all public areas of the station, using CCTV equipment and other detection equipment to observe all public areas of the station
- Monitored the operation of escalators/elevators through the use of the annunciator panel
- Monitored all fire detection equipment and equipment malfunction and if necessary report any findings to the Operations Control Center
- Notify and documented all unusual occurrences such as vandalism and public disturbances
- Performed administrative and operational procedures as the opening and closing of station and other gates/accesses; manual and automatic starting, stopping and reversing of escalators/elevators; and the servicing of AFC equipment.
Bus Operator
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Washington, DC
10.2005 - 08.2010
- Provided continuous courteous treatment of the public
- Responsible for safely transporting hundreds of riders daily
- Performed routine safety checks of commercial passenger buses
- Quickly and effectively solve customer challenges
- Maintained quality control/satisfaction records, constantly seeking new ways to improve customer service.
Education
WMATA Bus Operations Manager
Washington, DC05-2023
Supervisor, Transit Field Operations (BUS) -
WMATA
Washington, DC04.2016
WMATA Principles of Supervision -
01.2016
WMATA Train Operator Training -
WMATA
Washington, DC08.2014
WMATA Station Manager Training -
WMATA
Washington, DC09.2011
WMATA Bus Operator Training -
WMATA
Washington, DC10.2005
Skills
- Decision Making
- Assignment Delegation
- Performance Evaluation and Monitoring
- Employee Motivation
- Goal Setting
- Performance Assessment
- Communications Strategy
- Critical Thinking
- PPE Use
- Microsoft Office
- Active Listening
- Friendly, Positive Attitude
- Planning & Organizing
- Policy Implementation
- Schedule Coordination
Timeline
Assistant Superintendent
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Metro
12.2024 - Current
Bus Operations Manager
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Metro
05.2023 - 12.2024
Supervisor, Transit Field Operations
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
04.2016 - 05.2023
Train Operator/ Mainline Operator
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
07.2014 - 03.2016
Station Manager
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
09.2011 - 07.2014
Bus Operator
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
10.2005 - 08.2010
WMATA Bus Operations Manager
Supervisor, Transit Field Operations (BUS) -
WMATA
WMATA Principles of Supervision -
WMATA Train Operator Training -
WMATA
WMATA Station Manager Training -
WMATA
WMATA Bus Operator Training -
WMATA