Director, Public Transport at the Abia State Transport Authority (ABTA) - H.Pierson Associates Limited

H.Pierson Associates Limited - Our client, The Abia State Transport Authority (ABTA), soon to be established, is a fully autonomous government corporation, created by the State Legislature to serve as the primary strategic planner, regulator, and coordinator of roads within the State and its metropolitan area.

The Transport Authority's mandate is to create a world-class, integrated, efficient, and sustainable public transportation system that supports the State's economic growth and enhances the quality of life for all residents.

They are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Director, Public Transport

Location: Umuahia, Abia

Job Summary

• The Director, Transport is responsible for overseeing the operational performance and strict regulation of all public transport service providers and networks within the State.
• This role ensures the continuous delivery of safe, efficient, and coordinated mass transit services by managing operator compliance, service quality standards, and integration across various modes.
• The Director is the principal driver of the Authority's regulatory mandate in the field.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Planning:

• The Director of Public Transport provides leadership and technical direction for all public transport planning, service delivery, route management, franchising, scheduling, monitoring, and operational compliance.
• Lead development of long, medium- and short-term public transport plans.
• Develop service plans, network restructuring proposals, and new route concepts.

Regulatory Enforcement and Compliance:

• Produce Peak Vehicle Requirement (PVR) estimates, fleet deployment strategies, service frequencies, and operational adjustments.
• Supervise the route franchising framework, including operator selection, permit approval, and contractual obligations.
• Define and enforce operator performance metrics, incentives, and penalties.
• Ensure operator compliance with safety, service quality, customer service, and operational standards.
• Oversee the Operations Control Centre (OCC), including real-time monitoring of schedule adherence, headways, incidents, and service delivery.
• Manage operational disruptions, incident reports, accidents, route blockages, and emergency response actions.
• Oversee customer complaint handling, service audits, mystery rider assessments, and satisfaction surveys.
• Recommend improvements to bus stops, terminals, and passenger amenities.

Service Quality and Performance Management:

• Monitor planned vs. actual service delivery and issue weekly and monthly performance dashboards.
• Define, monitor, and enforce KPIs for punctuality, reliability, cleanliness, customer service, and standards across all public transport modes.
• Interpret and communicate transit policies and operational procedures.
• Respond to public inquiries and resolve service issues across transit, fixed-route, and paratransit operations.
• Maintain effective professional relationships and communicate clearly (written and verbal) with stakeholders and the public.

Operational Integration and Technology:

• Oversee Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) deployment, including control room systems, electronic fare collection, real-time passenger information (RTPI), and traffic management technologies.
• Ensure mandatory collection, accuracy, and timely submission of operational data (ridership, GPS tracking, revenue data) by all franchised operators.

Safety and Security:

• Ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities, women, children, and elderly passengers.
• Work with Engineering on road designs, construction impacts, diversions, and operational mitigation.
• Develop and enforce best-practice safety protocols, emergency procedures, and operational risk mitigation measures.
• Coordinate response to major incidents and service disruptions, ensuring rapid restoration of service and minimal commuter impact.

Team Leadership & Organizational Development:

• Promote a high-performance culture focused on transparency, accountability, professionalism, and innovation.
• Supervise, organize, and review the work of staff; lead staff training, evaluation, and performance improvement.
• Mentor emerging leaders within the Transport Authority, supporting continuous professional development.
• Any other duties as assigned by His Excellency, the Governor of Abia State.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Transport Planning/Engineering, Civil Engineering, Business Administration, or Operations Management.
• A Master's degree in a relevant discipline is highly desirable.
• Professional certifications in Safety Management Systems or internationally recognized transport safety standards.
• Chartered membership with a relevant professional body (e.g., COREN, Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria – CITA).
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.
• Minimum of 10 - 15 years of total professional work experience.
• Prior experience in institutions similar to LAMATA or equivalent organizations is preferred.
• Experience within the transport sector is required.
• At least 7 years of industry-specific experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience at the senior management level.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• A strong focus on execution, systematic monitoring, and meticulous enforcement of standards and procedures.
• Ability to make quick, informed, and firm operational and regulatory decisions under pressure, particularly during incidents.
• Proven ability to manage, regulate, and negotiate effectively with powerful private transport unions and commercial operators.
• Understanding of transport planning, fleet management, and intelligent transport systems.
• Regulatory & Compliance Know-How
• Direct experience managing or regulating public transport service providers (either as an operator or regulator) is essential.
• Proven ability to navigate the operational and logistical complexities of the Nigerian transport environment.
• Methods and techniques of delivering public transportation programs.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online