The city will soon start a search for a new ColumBUS Transit Coordinator.
Current coordinator Cindy Setser will retire on Feb. 1, according to Department of Public Works Director Bryan Burton.
“We will be looking to fill that position in the very near future,” he said. “Before we make any decisions to move forward, we will review and update job descriptions, and determine the direction we want Transit to move.”
Burton added that the city hopes to find someone who is “goal-minded” and passionate, with vision and experience working in transportation and with the public.
While the duties of coordinator could change in the future, Burton said they currently include handling day-to-day operations, dealing with route changes and route schedules, hiring and assisting drivers, grant writing, payroll, office administration, and reporting to both the Federal Transit Administration and the Indiana Department of Transportation.
One of the department’s biggest challenges amid the pandemic has been a driver shortage, Burton said. He also confirmed that ColumBUS is still waiving fares and looking to add electronic fare counters in the future.
“Cindy has contributed to Transit in many ways over the years and will be missed by her drivers and riders that have come to know her,” said Burton. “She will be taking many years of experience with her and was a valued employee.”
She became transit coordinator in 2012. Former Mayor Kristen Brown, who made the appointment, noted that Setser had worked in almost every position at the transit system. This included serving as a bus driver for more than 20 years.
Setser has been with the department for 42 years as of Jan. 8, said Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop.
Lienhoop thanked Setser for her “years of dedicated service.”
“Forty-two years is a long time to work anywhere,” he said. “But her tenure here sort of exemplifies the manner in which Columbus is well-served by its public servants.”
