Under the general direction of the Director of Rail Services, the Connecting Services Manager (CSM) provides strategic leadership and oversight for the organization and daily operations of the San Joaquins Intercity Bus service for the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA), the Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) shuttle/bus program, and various other connecting services. In this role, the Manager ensures efficient and seamless transportation connections for passengers while fostering collaboration among stakeholders and partner agencies.

Key leadership responsibilities include developing and implementing service improvement initiatives, overseeing vendors and contract management, managing budgetary and operational performance, and driving innovation to enhance rider experience and service reliability. The CSM will promote a culture of continuous improvement and act as a liaison with local, regional, and state transportation authorities to align connecting services with broader transportation goals. The CSM must be able to make data-driven decisions, handle complex logistical challenges, and articulate a clear vision for the program.

?The Thruway Bus service is critical to the overall service's performance, with connections in Bakersfield, Sacramento, Stockton, Lodi, Oakland, Emeryville, Martinez, Hanford, Fresno, and Merced, and future connectivity to High-Speed Rail Service in Merced. The CSM is responsible for the extensive network of dedicated Thruway Buses connecting the San Joaquins to and from destinations around California and Nevada.

As a key leader within the agency, the CSM oversees the strategy of the ACE Shuttle Program. On weekdays, eight (8) shuttles operate from the ACE Great America Station, providing vital connections to major employers in Santa Clara County. This role requires a proactive approach to optimizing service delivery, ensuring that the shuttles operate seamlessly and efficiently to meet passenger needs.

The CSM works closely with regional transit partners, such as WHEELS, to coordinate connecting shuttle services between the ACE Pleasanton Station and the BART Pleasanton Station. The CSM plays a pivotal role in fostering interagency collaboration and building and maintaining strong working relationships with key stakeholders to promote convenient local and regional transit connectivity with ACE and San Joaquins stations and ensure the integration and alignment of services across multiple transit systems.

This position demands strong leadership and problem-solving skills, as the CSM is responsible for identifying opportunities for service improvement, troubleshooting operational issues, supporting operational funding initiatives, and ensuring that services are responsive to evolving passenger patterns and demands. The CSM also plays a critical role in representing the organization in regional transportation planning discussions, advocating for the needs of connecting services within the broader transportation network, and working towards long-term goals of enhancing regional mobility and connectivity. Through effective leadership, the CSM drives innovation, efficiency, and passenger-focused service improvements, contributing to the overall success of the transit system.