Transportation Committee

Purpose (Scope of Ministry): 

To ensure safe and courteous travel for our members and others that may ride on our buses as well as shuttle bus parking for those that are able to help free up parking for our guests. Drivers should have an attitude that reflects our love for Christ as we serve our guests and other members.  Members of the team including its chairperson must be in good standing with our church and must have a good driving record on file with the church office.

Ministry Team Composition Requirements:

  • Church Membership: Yes
  • Chairman: Selected by Nominating Committee and elected by church body
  • Length of service: 3 year term
  • Main Staff Contact: Senior Pastor
  • Other Requirements:
    • Chairman should have CDL license to ensure equipment is in compliance with commercial vehicle regulations and be able to get buses to service appointments.
    • Drivers must be at least 21 years-old, have a good driving record and hold a valid license.  (Commercial Driver License with a passenger endorsement is required for vehicles capable of holding 16 or more passengers.)

Duties:

  1. Schedule shuttle bus drivers for Sunday morning services and additional services as needed
  2. Schedule buses to be washed and cleaned as needed when budget allows
  3. Recommend purchases of new or replacement buses as needs arise
  4. Assist members in obtaining CDL licenses (training, practice driving)
  5. Ensur certificates of insurance and vehicle registration are up-to-date and in each vehicle
  6. Make annual budget recommendations to the Finance Committee and manage expenses against approved budget for transportation needs, including service/repairs, fuel, reserves for new buses
  7. Provide a log book in each vehicle
  8. Ensure routine maintenance, such as inspections, oil changes and general repairs, are completed

Procedures:

  1. Maintenance
    • Routine & Preventative
      • Transportation Committee shall arrange to have all routine and preventative maintenance (oil changes, state inspections, fluid checks, etc.) performed on each vehicle. 
      • Drivers should refuel as needed and at the end of any special trip. 
      • Vehicles can be fueled at the Glen Allen Service Station, using the church’s standing account. 
      • For special trips (i.e. mission trips), drivers may contact the church office to request usage of an SMRBC credit card for fuel purchases. 
      • Regular fuel purchases will be deducted from the budget line item 408B. 
      • Fuel purchases for trips out-of-state should be included in the fees for the trip participants.
    • Required
      • Transportation Committee shall determine if, how, when and where SMRBC vehicles should be repaired.
      • Should a vehicle become inoperable or unsafe to drive, the driver must contact the committee chair, who will determine what action will be taken.
    • Safety
      • Drivers are expected to follow all traffic regulations.
      • Each driver must submit a copy of his/her license and driving record to the church office, prior to operating any church vehicle. 
      • Drivers and passengers under the age of 18 must wear age appropriate safety restraints (seat belts, booster seats and/or harnesses) at all times. 
      • Drivers must record the following information in the log book:  driver, date, mileage and destination. 
      • Drivers holding a CDL license must perform all pre and post trip inspections of buses for special trips (i.e. mission trips) to ensure all equipment is operational.  (Transportation Committee chair may be contacted, if driver prefers to have him complete the pre-trip inspection.) 
      • Should an accident occur, driver should follow steps outlined in vehicles log book and should contact the insurance provider immediately

Measurements of Effectiveness:

  • Buses are serviced and ready for use.
  • Shuttle parking is efficient and a preferred method of parking for additional members.
  • There are sufficient numbers of bus drivers for shuttles and other events.