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Bus Service Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RATP Dev USA

Bus Driver

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.75/hr

Acts as front-line point of contact to ensure delivery of quality customer service. * Safely ... To ensure optimization of all routes, the Bus Driver may make only designated stops in the order ...

Michael's Transportation Service, Inc.

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School Bus Driver - We Train

San Jose, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Michael's Transportation Service is the choice for CAREER MINDED SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS! Get your Career On The Road with MTS! Home to School Routes / Field Trips / Activity Trips Pick up and drop off ...

Michael's Transportation Service, Inc.

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School Bus Driver - We Train

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Michael's Transportation Service is the choice for CAREER MINDED SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS! Get your Career On The Road with MTS! Home to School Routes / Field Trips / Activity Trips Pick up and drop off ...

Michael's Transportation Service, Inc.

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School Bus Driver - We Train

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Michael's Transportation Service is the choice for CAREER MINDED SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS! Get your Career On The Road with MTS! Home to School Routes / Field Trips / Activity Trips Pick up and drop off ...

Michael's Transportation Service, Inc.

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School Bus Driver - We Train

Monterey, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Michael's Transportation Service is the choice for CAREER MINDED SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS! Get your Career On The Road with MTS! Home to School Routes / Field Trips / Activity Trips Pick up and drop off ...

Michael's Transportation Service, Inc.

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School Bus Driver - We Train

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Michael's Transportation Service is the choice for CAREER MINDED SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS! Get your Career On The Road with MTS! Home to School Routes / Field Trips / Activity Trips Pick up and drop off ...

RATP DEV USA

Bus Driver Fixed Route-PT

Visalia, CA · On-site

$23.69/hr

Acts as front-line point of contact to ensure delivery of quality customer service. * Safely ... To ensure the optimization of all routes, the Bus Driver may make only designated stops in the ...

First Class Charter

Bus Driver

Hayward, CA · On-site

$175/day

We provide Shuttle bus services to casinos 24/7 and we are also contracted with major Fortune 500 companies to provide shuttle service weekdays for their employees and workers to transport around the ...

Palo Alto Unified School District

Dispatcher

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$6.6K - $8.8K/mo

Under general supervision, to assist in coordinating the safe, efficient and on-time performance of school bus service, to assist in the effective utilization of personnel and equipment. Resolve ...

First Class Charter

Bus Driver

Hayward, CA · On-site

$175/day

Our shuttle services are morning, Noon, afternoon and evening schedules. Due to COVID-19 most of the casinos stopped their bus program and currently, we are serving only Graton Hotel and casino in ...

LA28

Senior Manager, Bus Systems

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Lead the development of end-to-end service delivery strategies for stakeholder transport systems ... Direct the validation of bus, crew, and asset requirements through advanced demand modeling ...

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All JobsBus Service JobsBus Service Jobs in California

Bus Service information

See California salary details

$8

$19

$28

How much do bus service jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus service 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 are some common challenges faced by bus service operators and how can they be addressed?

Bus service operators often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable traffic conditions, ensuring passenger safety, and maintaining adherence to strict schedules. These challenges can be addressed by staying alert, communicating effectively with dispatchers and passengers, and following established safety protocols. Additionally, operators benefit from ongoing training and support from their team, which helps them adapt to route changes and handle difficult situations with confidence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in bus service?

To thrive in Bus Service, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), a clean driving record, and knowledge of traffic laws and passenger safety. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, fare collection devices, and vehicle inspection protocols are typically required. Strong customer service skills, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help set exceptional professionals apart. These abilities ensure reliable, safe transportation for passengers and support efficient, positive public transit experiences.

Who is the best bus service company to work for?

The best bus service company to work for depends on factors such as employee benefits, safety standards, and work environment. Major transit agencies often have comprehensive training programs and stable schedules, making them popular choices for bus drivers and operators. Researching company reviews and industry reputation can help identify top employers in the transit sector.

What is the difference between Bus Service vs Bus Driver?

AspectBus ServiceBus Driver
Required CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL), passenger endorsementCDL with passenger endorsement, training on vehicle operation
Work EnvironmentPublic transit systems, private transportation companiesDriving buses, ensuring passenger safety, route adherence
Employer & IndustryTransit authorities, private bus companiesPublic transit agencies, private transportation services
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Bus Service refers to the broader role of managing or providing bus transportation, including scheduling, maintenance, and customer service. Bus Driver is a specific job within Bus Service focused on operating the vehicle and ensuring passenger safety. While Bus Service involves overseeing the entire operation, the Bus Driver is responsible for the actual driving and day-to-day passenger interactions.

What is a bus service?

Bus service jobs refer to roles involved in the operation, maintenance, and management of public or private bus transportation. These positions include bus drivers, dispatchers, maintenance technicians, customer service representatives, and schedulers. Employees in bus service ensure the safe and efficient transport of passengers, handle route planning, maintain vehicles, and assist riders. These jobs are vital for providing reliable and accessible transportation in cities and communities.

What cities in California are hiring for Bus Service jobs?

Cities in California with the most Bus Service job openings:

Bus Service jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bus Service job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,658 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Bus Driver

RATP Dev USA

Santa Maria, CA • On-site

$17.50 - $23.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

RATP Dev USA rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 98 rated public transport

Job description

RATP Dev USA - Your future. Our destination.
Mission
Are you seeking to make an impactful difference where you make a difference in people's lives each day? If so, come join our team where you are part of a community, not just an employee.
Profile
Requirements and Responsibility of the Bus Driver

  • Acts as front-line point of contact to ensure delivery of quality customer service.
  • Safely operates several types of buses through light to heavy city and freeway traffic safely and prudently.
  • Passengers safely and courteously according to specified routes. To ensure optimization of all routes, the Bus Driver may make only designated stops in the order prescribed, unless otherwise communicated by the Dispatch Office.
  • Complies with all federal, state, and local laws about the operation of buses, traffic, and safety.
  • Ensures the highest quality of bus service is delivered to our customers.
  • Assists customers in a safe, friendly, courteous, and helpful manner. This includes helping customers with disabilities, on and off the wheelchair lift. As requested by the customer, the Bus Driver will assist with safety restraints.
  • Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
  • Complies with all company safety rules and operates assigned vehicles to meet customer standards.
  • Must be able to operate all equipment safely, efficiently, and adequately, including farebox, lift, radio, emergency equipment, hatches, and rear engine compartment door.
  • Performs pre-trip inspection and completes DVIR in accordance with FMCSR to ensure bus and equipment are in safe, proper working condition.
  • Coordinates detour, accident, and incident information to radio dispatch, and responds to instructions given.
  • Makes effective independent decisions and manages conflicts based on safety, experience, training, and policies.
  • Follows procedures for the collection, processing, and documentation of fares and counting passengers as required.
  • Reports and properly follow up on all accidents or unusual incidents in, on, or near RATP Dev vehicles
  • Other duties as required
  • must be at least 21 years of age or older.
  • requires the candidate to pass a DOT Physical exam
  • Have a High school diploma or equivalent

Pay: 22.50 per hour.
Benefits
We offer competitive compensation and benefits (which vary based on role, location, and business), including medical/dental/vision, 401(k), and paid holiday/vacation.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer & We Welcome Diversity to our Teams!
A message from the General Manager
The City of Santa Maria operates fixed route and ADA paratransit bus service known as Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT). Service area includes the City of Santa Maria, the unincorporated communities of Orcutt, Tanglewood and now regional service to New Cuyama, Lompoc, Vandenberg, Los Alamos, Buellton, Solvang, Santa Ynez and the Chumash reservation. We pride ourselves with bridging cities together and uniting families with our dedicated public transit service. Our diverse fleet of well-serviced vehicles provides our passengers the ability for a safe and comfortable commute. SMRT is in the forefront of modernized transit and Clean Air initiatives by leading the California Central Coast with a goal of being a 100% Zero Emissions Vehicle Fleet by 2026. A BRT System and an Autonomous Vehicle Service will be established by the end of 2023. Our innovative SMRT approach is paving the way for the future of Public Transit! Become part of a team that's making a difference!
Wess Cruz
General Manager

What RATP Dev USA employees say

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