1

Bus Controller Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About this role: We're building a new satellite bus launching in Q4 2027. The avionics suite spans actuator controllers, power management electronics, high-speed payload interfaces, and sensor front ...

Never driven a bus before? No worries! We provide paid training to help you succeed. Why LBT ... controlled grasping, power grasping, fine manipulation, pushing/pulling, reaching above/below/at ...

Bus Operator

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$25.95/hr

Never driven a bus before? No worries! We provide paid training to help you succeed. Why LBT ... controlled grasping, power grasping, fine manipulation, pushing/pulling, reaching above/below/at ...

Never driven a bus before? No worries! We provide paid training to help you succeed. Why LBT ... controlled grasping, power grasping, fine manipulation, pushing/pulling, reaching above/below/at ...

$55 - $63/hr

... it on the bus; control generator output to clip the peak load drawn from commercial systems ... Journey level knowledge and skills in controlling the generation or distribution of electric power ...

About this role: We're building a new satellite bus launching in Q4 2027. The avionics suite spans actuator controllers, power management electronics, high-speed payload interfaces, and sensor front ...

Analyst II

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$6.0K - $7.5K/mo

... bus and light rail systems. This position is eligible for hybrid telework under California ... As California's chief fiscal officer, the Controller's Office ensures accountability and ...

Electronic/Electrical Engineer

Fullerton, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Implement robust communication protocols including CAN Bus, Ethernet, ModBus, and board-level protocols (I2C, SPI) * Design controllers and embedded systems for harsh industrial/automotive/locomotive ...

Candidates must know how to troubleshoot programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and make adjustments ... Pay Range: $17.20-$24.00/Hourly RIDE Coach and Bus is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Bus Controller information

See California salary details

$8

$19

$28

How much do bus controller jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus controller in California is $19.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Bus Controller vs Bus Driver?

AspectBus ControllerBus Driver
Required CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL), dispatch or transportation certificationCommercial driver's license (CDL)
Work EnvironmentDispatch centers, offices, coordinating routesOn the road, driving buses, passenger interaction
Employer & Industry UsagePublic transit agencies, school districts, private transportation companiesPublic transit agencies, private bus companies, schools

While both roles are essential in transportation, a Bus Controller primarily manages dispatching, scheduling, and coordinating bus operations from an office setting. In contrast, a Bus Driver operates the vehicle directly, transporting passengers and ensuring safety on the road. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations within the transportation industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Bus Controller, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bus Controller, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a background in transportation operations, often supported by relevant training or qualifications in logistics or transport management. Familiarity with transport management systems, scheduling software, and real-time GPS tracking tools is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills for this position. These competencies are crucial for ensuring efficient fleet coordination, timely service delivery, and effective response to operational challenges.

How does a Bus Controller typically coordinate with drivers and dispatch teams during daily operations?

A Bus Controller maintains constant communication with drivers and dispatch teams to monitor schedules, address delays, and resolve any on-route issues. They use real-time tracking systems and radio communication to provide instructions, reroute buses when necessary, and ensure service reliability. This collaboration is crucial for maintaining punctuality, passenger safety, and efficient problem-solving, especially during peak hours or unforeseen incidents. Teamwork and clear communication are key aspects of the role, as controllers often serve as the central link between drivers, dispatchers, and management.

What are bus controllers and what do they do?

Bus controllers are professionals responsible for overseeing and coordinating the movement and scheduling of buses within a transportation network. They monitor real-time bus locations, manage delays or disruptions, and communicate with drivers to ensure services run smoothly and on time. Their role is crucial in maintaining efficient public transportation, handling emergencies, and providing updates to both drivers and passengers. Bus controllers often work in control rooms using specialized software to track and direct bus fleets.
What are popular job titles related to Bus Controller jobs in California? For Bus Controller jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
870-Transportation - 6065-870 P/T Bus Driver I

870-Transportation - 6065-870 P/T Bus Driver I

Village Management Services

Laguna Woods, CA โ€ข On-site

$20/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Village Management Services, Inc.'s mission is to serve the residents of Laguna Woods Village with the highest level of customer service and professionalism, making Laguna Woods Village the premier active-adult community in Southern California. We value integrity, quality, dedication and open communication in a rewarding and challenging environment.
JOB SUMMARY:
Under general supervision, on an assigned shift, operates a passenger bus accessible to handicapped persons on a designated route and on demand response basis in the Laguna Woods Village Community and to adjacent areas; performs related work as required. Work involves extensive contact with residents.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Performs federally mandated pre-trip inspection before start of shift and if bus is changed during shift.
Drives a bus in a safe manner to designated stops; screens all passengers entering to assure only residents use service, gives directions to passengers requesting help. Operates wheelchair lift or other boarding devices, pushes wheelchair bound passengers on bus and straps wheelchair to bus floor and aids ambulatory and semi-ambulatory passengers on and off the bus.
Utilizes knowledge and understanding of different disabilities to assure a safe ride to and from the passengers' intended destinations.
Reports accidents immediately to dispatcher, requesting police or ambulance service as needed. Completes Company accident report. Reports any maintenance problems encountered while driving the bus. Utilizes all available gauges and instrumentation and knowledge of bus components and function to communicate problem accurately.
Attends safety meetings and other meetings as requested.
Regular attendance required. All duties performed on-site for the Community.
Works effectively with co-workers, customers and others by sharing ideas in a constructive and positive manner; listens to and objectively considers ideas and suggestions from others; keeps commitments; keeps others informed of work progress, timetables and issues; addresses problems and issues constructively to find mutually acceptable and practical business solutions; addresses others by name, title or other respectful identifier; and respects the diversity of our workforce in actions, words and deeds.
NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Cleans and dusts bus interior and wipes windows as required.
EQUIPMENT OPERATED:
Bus, radio, broom, dust cloth.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is driving a one-hour bus route of either a:
  • Part-time shift of 4.5 hours or
  • Full-time shift of 8 hours

While performing the duties of this job the employee is exposed to outdoor elements including exhaust fumes from buses.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
Extensive work experience involving public contact or any equivalent combination of education and experience which produces the following:
  • Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the job.
  • Knowledge of the geography of the community.
  • Ability to learn controlling rules, regulations and procedures.
  • Ability to learn the basic components of a bus and their function and communicate effectively with mechanics.
  • Ability to read, understand, interpret and explain rules and regulations.
  • Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions.
  • Ability to relate to the needs and concerns of senior citizens.
  • Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public and to deal with public relations problems courteously and tactfully.
  • Skill in driving buses, recreation vehicles or related heavy vehicles.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Possession of a valid California driver's license.
  • Possession of a Commercial B License with passenger endorsement.
  • Medical Examination Report Form (MCSA-5875) is required every year to drive at VMS.
  • Enrollment in the DMV Pull Notice Program.
  • Enrollment in the Random Testing Program for Controlled Substances and Alcohol.
  • Ability to pass the Functional Capacity Test showing ability to safely handle and secure passengers using mobility devices upon hire and on an annual basis.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk, hear and use hands to finger, grasp, feel, reach and sit for long periods of time (up to 50 minutes) while driving. The employee is occasionally twisting, bending, standing, stooping and kneeling.
Normal hearing is required to hear emergency vehicles, passengers riding the bus and ability to hear the two-way radio over the engine and traffic noise.
Physical dexterity and strength is required to assist passengers using mobility devices to board and secure such devices with tie downs. Requires the driver to push a wheelchair-bound passenger (weighing up to approximately 300 pounds) up a moderate incline and then kneel or squat to secure the wheelchair restraints and rise with little or no assistance. Moderate grip strength is required to secure and release the restraints.
MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
While performing the duties of this job the employee reads, solves problems, uses verbal and written communication skills and has frequent customer contact.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
VMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.