Benjamin Simms Iv Email & Phone Number

Under the administrative direction of the President and Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Transit Operations Officer is responsible for providing safe and efficient regional transportation by organizing and directing Hampton Roads Transit Operations Division. The Chief Transit Operations Officer is responsible for directing all of HRT transit operations, including Bus Operations and Maintenance, Light Rail Operations and Maintenance, Bus and Light Rail Training, Bus and Light Rail Inventory Management, Paratransit Service, Ferry Services, Bus and Light Rail Radio Communications, Bus and Light Rail Fare Collection Systems, Light Rail Train Control System Closed Communications Network, and Bus and Light Rail Facilities Maintenance (shop equipment) and agency Security.

Norfolk, Virginia Area

Norfolk, Virginia Area

HAMPTON ROADS TRANSIT, NORFOLK, VA - 2009 - PRESENT Director of Transportation Responsible for the daily operation and oversight of the Bus, Paratransit, Tide Light Rail systems and Security; direct the efforts of the General Superintendent, Paratransit Contract Administrator, Transportation Managers, Senior Training Managers, Security Manager and Operations Support staff to meet the goal of providing a quality, safe and efficient transportation service; overseeing the planning, development and implementation of all bus and light rail standard operating procedures, emergency operating procedures and the rulebook; development of strategies, goals, objectives and key performance indicators to enhance transportation’s performance; ensure that quality and safety are integrated into all aspects of bus and rail transportation; development and maintenance of the transportation operating budget; maintain a positive, professional work environment that encourages respect, effective communication, recognizes accomplishment.Major Accomplishments:• Being part of the first light rail property in the state of Virginia, The Tide was touted as “one of the safest light rail start-ups in the nation." Since our inception we boast a 98% on-time performance.• Promoted from Director of Rail Transportation to Director of Bus and Rail Transportation within 3 years. • Collaborated with Human Resources to develop a new performance-monitoring program for absenteeism which resulted in a 49 percent decrease in unexcused absences during the first quarter of inception which also resulted in a 6 percent decrease in unscheduled overtime wages.• Established a new Accident Accountability Matrix and Accident Refresher training, which resulted in a 13.8 percent reduction in preventable accidents from 2013-2014.

St. Louis, Mo

Reviewed and developed contract specifications, working standards and contractor performance expectations; developed methods for monitoring contractor performance; documented and reported contractor performance based on QA/QC reports provided by responsible maintenance unit; developed recommendations for performance improvement; ensured contract performance and activities were in compliance with contract guidelines and Metro standards; worked closely with Metro’s Procurement Organization to provide required contract documentation; identified available contractors; develop internal cost estimates (ICE) for contract services; managed billing and payment for Maintenance of Way contracts; managed the day-to-day work permit process for employees, contractors or other non-agency personnel; and managed and maintained permitting for Maintenance of Way facilities and Right of Way.

St. Louis, Mo

Responsible for all Metro Link Rail Operations training for classroom theory, field and direct hands on for Light Rail Controllers, Light Rail Vehicle Operators, Light Rail Construction crews, Light Rail Supervisors (Transit Service Managers) and Light Rail Vehicle Electro-Mechanics. Provided direct supervision of all training personnel acted as Superintendent of Light Rail Operations, and reported directly to the Chief of Metro Link Rail Operations. Provided supervision to Light Rail Supervisors, Controllers and Light Rail Vehicle Operators and performed track allocations. Managed all scheduling aspects as it pertained to training development. Ensured compliance with training budget that includes but not limited to proper spending and budget management. Working knowledge of and experience with the procurement procedures/department.Major Accomplishments:• Instrumental in the development and implementation of training LRV Operators, and Light Rail Supervisors during 2 major extensions. During the 17 mile light rail extension, tested equipment, trained and certified operation personnel on the new extension. During the 9 mile extension handled all aspects of testing and training and development of personnel.