ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Bus Operator Trainee Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

JTB Hawaii, Inc.

Hawaii - CDL Driver Trainee

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Travel Plaza Transportation, LLC (TPT) has evolved into one of Hawaii's largest bus operators, with ... Dayforce: Hawaii - Driver TPT - CDL Trainee [Trainee Starting Pay: $18.00 - $20.00] Primary ...

All JobsBus Operator JobsBus Operator Trainee JobsBus Operator Trainee Jobs in Hawaii

Bus Operator Trainee information

See Hawaii salary details

$26.5K

$45.2K

$66K

How much do bus operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for bus operator trainee in Hawaii is $45,226.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,300.00 and $53,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Bus Operator Trainees?

Bus Operator Trainees are individuals who are in the process of learning how to safely and efficiently operate public transit buses. They undergo specialized training that includes classroom instruction, hands-on driving practice, and learning customer service skills. The goal is to prepare them for the responsibility of transporting passengers, adhering to routes and schedules, and ensuring the safety and comfort of riders. Once training is complete and all requirements are met, trainees can become full-fledged bus operators.

How easy is it to become a bus driver?

Becoming a bus operator trainee typically requires a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and passing a background check. Candidates often need to complete a training program that covers safety, customer service, and vehicle operation, which can take several weeks. The process varies by employer but generally involves meeting age and health requirements and obtaining a commercial driver's license with passenger endorsement.

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

To thrive as a Bus Operator Trainee, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), a clean driving record, and knowledge of traffic laws and safety regulations. Familiarity with fare collection systems, route navigation tools, and basic vehicle inspection procedures is typically required. Excellent customer service, patience, and strong communication skills help build rapport with passengers and handle stressful situations. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensuring passenger safety, maintaining reliable service, and representing the transit agency professionally.

How much do bus operators make?

Bus operators in Miami Dade typically earn an average hourly wage of around $15 to $20, which translates to approximately $31,000 to $41,600 annually for full-time work. Starting salaries may be lower, but with experience and certifications, pay can increase, and benefits often include health insurance and retirement plans.

What are some common challenges Bus Operator Trainees face during the training period?

Bus Operator Trainees often encounter challenges such as mastering large vehicle handling, learning complex route navigation, and adapting to strict schedules. Additionally, trainees need to quickly develop strong customer service skills to handle diverse passenger situations and maintain safety standards. Supportive trainers, hands-on practice, and constructive feedback are typically provided to help overcome these challenges and ensure trainees are well-prepared for independent operation.

What is the difference between Bus Operator Trainee vs Bus Driver?

AspectBus Operator TraineeBus Driver
Required CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), training programCDL, experience driving buses
Work EnvironmentTraining sessions, supervised drivingOperating buses independently
Employer & Industry UsagePublic transit agencies, private bus companiesPublic transit, charter services, school buses
Search & Comparison IntentLearning about entry-level roles, training processJob responsibilities, experience requirements

The main difference is that a Bus Operator Trainee is in training and gaining experience, while a Bus Driver has completed training and is actively operating buses independently. The trainee role focuses on learning and certification, whereas the bus driver role involves actual driving duties in the industry.

What is the top pay for a bus operator?

The top pay for a bus operator can vary depending on the city, experience, and union agreements, but it generally ranges from $20 to $30 per hour. Experienced bus operators with additional certifications or seniority may earn higher wages, and some transit agencies offer overtime and benefits that increase overall compensation.

What disqualifies you from being a bus driver?

Disqualifications for a bus operator trainee typically include a history of serious traffic violations, a criminal record involving certain offenses, or a poor driving record. Candidates must also meet age, health, and licensing requirements, and pass background checks and drug tests to qualify for the role.
What job categories do people searching Bus Operator Trainee jobs in Hawaii look for? The top searched job categories for Bus Operator Trainee jobs in Hawaii are:
What cities in Hawaii are hiring for Bus Operator Trainee jobs? Cities in Hawaii with the most Bus Operator Trainee job openings:
Bus Operator Trainee jobs near you
Hawaii - CDL Driver Trainee

Hawaii - CDL Driver Trainee

JTB Hawaii, Inc.

Honolulu, HI • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Travel Plaza Transportation, LLC (TPT) has evolved into one of Hawaii's largest bus operators, with an extensive fleet of commercial vehicles, and a broad suite of transportation service offerings on Oahu. In 2019, we introduced a new fleet of vehicles, including electric buses. TPT is the first private transportation company to acquire electric buses in support of our island community and the rest of the global community to achieve environmental sustainability.
Dayforce: Hawaii - Driver TPT - CDL Trainee [Trainee Starting Pay: $18.00 - $20.00]
Primary Responsibilities: Classroom and on-the-road training on driving commercial vehicles; transporting JTB Hawaii guests and customers on specific routes throughout the Island of Oahu, in a professional and friendly manner. Training period is approximately thirty to thirty-five days.
Percent
Time Spent
Essential Functions
25%
  1. Complete Taptco 40-hour classroom Defensive Driving Training Course; complete Onboarding and online training, as well as Customer Service training and T- Bus training.

25%
  1. Complete Pre/Post-Trip training - on all Travel Plaza Transportation passenger equipment. Complete behind-the-wheel training on all Travel Plaza Transportation passenger equipment. Wash rack training and procedures.

25%
  1. Complete Route Training - Completion of all HI-Bus (Trolley & EV) routes, and deviation routes for the A.M. and P.M. shifts. Documentation training of daily HI-Bus (Trolley & EV) route sheets.

25%
  1. Complete Route Training - Completion of route training for JTB Look arrivals/departure transfers. Training on JTB LOOK departure cards and arrival hotel list from Olioli Station. Training on all non-Japanese routes, Luau's, Wedding transfers, Charters and locations around Oahu.

Secondary/Other Duties:
Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  1. High school graduate, and required to be at least 21 years of age.
  2. Required to possess a valid Hawaii driver's license with a totally clean driver abstract.
  3. Required to possess a commercial driver's permit or CDL license for, B or C, with air brake and passenger endorsements. Must be able to drive any type of commercial vehicle requiring a CDL "B" and/or "C".
  4. Possess at least one (1) year experience in customer service or hospitality-related experience, preferred.
  5. Able to frequently communicate with customers over a 2-way radio, cell phone, public address (PA) system and microphone in English and/or Japanese.
  6. Able to work independently and work cooperatively with others; able to work with employees, business partners, and customers in a professional and positive manner.
  7. Able to multi-task when vehicle in motion, while communicating with Dispatch over two-way radio.

Working Conditions:
Working Hours
Shift work variable between 5:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m., 7 days/week. Overtime, weekend and holiday work required.
Environmental Conditions:
Subject to atmospheric conditions including: an air conditioned office, noise, exhaust fumes, dust, and adverse weather conditions.
Physical and Mental Demands
  1. Possess visual acuity; including constant peripheral awareness or side vision, eye coordination, depth perception, focusing ability and color vision.
  2. Able to exercise self-control and handle stressful situations; able to deal with angry customers.
  3. Able to work with concentration, accuracy, and attention to detail.
  4. Constant - requires grasping, handling, finger dexterity, vision, hearing, eye-hand-foot coordination;
  5. Frequent - pushing, pulling/lifting/carrying less than 25 pounds to more than 50 pounds, stair climbing and bending;
  6. Occasional - standing, walking, crawling, squatting, twisting, side bending, overhead reach
  7. Seldom - kneeling, stooping, crouching, climbing
  8. Not Applicable - running

Communication Demands
  1. Constant - requires talking to co-workers and customers, written communication to co-workers;
  2. Frequent - requires responding to verbal or written requests of co-workers, writing/composing written language, visiting/working at different worksites;
  3. Occasional - requires talking to outside trades persons/vendors, talking on the telephone;
  4. Seldom - requires written communication to customers, training/giving verbal instructions;
  5. Not Applicable - written communication to outside trades person/vendors, supervising others, written or verbal requests of vendors.

Travel Plaza Transportation, LLC is a drug free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply