Tara Johnston
Rochester
Summary
Dedicated driver with a proven track record in safe transportation and exceptional customer service. Skilled in route optimization and proactive problem-solving, ensuring punctual and safe passenger experiences.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Driver
Groome Transportation
Rochester, MN
01.2024 - Current
- Ensured timely and safe transportation of passengers across designated routes.
- Conducted thorough vehicle inspections to maintain compliance with safety regulations.
- Assisted in training new drivers on operational protocols and best practices.
- Managed customer interactions to resolve inquiries and enhance service quality.
- Implemented efficient route planning to optimize travel times and reduce delays.
- Maintained accurate records of trips, passenger counts, and vehicle maintenance logs.
- Monitored traffic conditions and adjusted routes proactively to minimize disruptions.
- Followed proper safety procedures and protocols while loading, unloading and operating vehicles.
- Coordinated efficient routes to avoid delays and optimize schedules.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing concerns and resolving issues promptly.
- Communicated with passengers to provide information and assistance for excellent customer service and positive experiences.
Bus Driver
First Student Transportation
Rochester, MN
09.2017 - 06.2025
- Operated school buses safely, adhering to all traffic regulations and safety protocols.
- Conducted pre-trip inspections to ensure vehicle readiness and compliance with safety standards.
- Assisted students in boarding and disembarking, ensuring a safe and orderly process.
- Communicated effectively with parents and school officials regarding transportation issues or changes.
- Managed route scheduling, optimizing travel time while maintaining punctuality for student pickups and drop-offs.
- Trained new drivers on safety procedures, operational protocols, and customer service expectations.
- Implemented efficient driving practices, reducing fuel consumption while maintaining route effectiveness.
- Transported passengers safely along prescribed routes according to tight schedules.
- Communicated regularly with central dispatch teams to report delays and route changes.
- Assisted passengers with disabilities, ensuring safe boarding, comfortable travel, and proper disembarking procedures were followed.
- Performed bus driving duties while keeping student safety in mind to maintain good safety record.
- Navigated challenging weather conditions safely while keeping passengers informed of potential delays due to hazardous road situations.
- Maintained open communication lines with dispatchers to report any delays, accidents or emergencies encountered while on the road.
- Implemented proper emergency procedures as needed, addressing any potential hazards and ensuring the safety of all passengers on board.
- Trained new bus drivers in company policies, route navigation techniques, and safety protocols to ensure smooth onboarding experiences.
- Contributed to company reputation for reliability by maintaining an exceptional attendance record and punctuality rate.
- Collaborated with school staff to coordinate transportation needs for field trips, sporting events, and other extracurricular activities requiring off-site travel.
- Fostered positive team environment, sharing knowledge and tips with colleagues to enhance overall service quality.
Team Member
Taco Bell
Rochester, MN
03.2015 - 04.2017
- Delivered exceptional customer service in fast-paced environment, ensuring timely order fulfillment.
- Operated kitchen equipment efficiently, maintaining high standards of food safety and sanitation.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline food preparation processes, enhancing overall efficiency.
- Assisted in training new staff on operational procedures and customer engagement strategies.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations, fostering a safe and productive workplace environment.
- Supported management in implementing promotional initiatives, driving increased customer traffic during campaigns.
- Kept work areas clean, organized, and safe to promote efficiency and team safety.
- Learned all required tasks quickly to maximize performance.
- Worked scheduled shifts and remained available to work during coworker absences, holidays, and busy periods.
- Developed strong cooperative relationships with coworkers and managers.
- Operated register to process payments and collect cash payment for order totals.
- Worked different stations to provide optimal coverage and meet production goals.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by consistently demonstrating professionalism, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills.
- Increased customer satisfaction with prompt and accurate responses to inquiries, addressing concerns, and resolving issues.
- Assisted with inventory counts and stocking of merchandise.
- Trained new team members by relaying information on company procedures and safety requirements.
- Broke down boxes and cartons, disposing of refuse in proper cardboard receptacles.
- Gained recognition for delivering excellent customer service through active listening, empathetic communication, and timely resolution of concerns.
- Assisted in the onboarding of new team members by providing guidance, support, and training resources to ensure a smooth transition into the work environment.
- Maintained clean and orderly store environment, ensuring pleasant shopping experience for customers.
- Supported new staff through comprehensive onboarding process, ensuring smooth transition into their roles.
- Fostered positive work environment, leading by example and offering support to team members as needed.
Education
Associate of Arts - Massage Therapy
Globe University
Rochester03-2009
Skills
- Time management
- Valid Driver's license
- Customer service
- Clean driving record
- Problem-solving
- Safe driving practices
- Punctual and reliable
- City and non-city driving
- Flexible schedule
- Punctuality
- GPS and route planning
- Loading and unloading
- Safety protocols
- Vehicle inspection
- Safety management
- Driving in adverse conditions
- Navigational systems and GPS
- Transportation
- Traffic law observation
- Commercial driving
- Inclement weather driving
- Passenger transportation
- Relationship building
- Heavy lifting
- Order picking and processing
- Verbal and written communication
- Multitasking
Timeline
Driver
Groome Transportation
01.2024 - Current
Bus Driver
First Student Transportation
09.2017 - 06.2025
Team Member
Taco Bell
03.2015 - 04.2017
Associate of Arts - Massage Therapy
Globe University