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Bus Transit Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

MVTA Transit Driver

Eagan, MN ยท On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Mvta Transit Driver Salary Range $27.00 - $30.00 Hourly Description Mvta Bus Driver Safe environment, flexible schedule and fun team! Full time and part-time positions available. Our terminal is ...

MVTA Transit Driver

Eagan, MN ยท On-site

$27 - $30/hr

MVTA Bus Driver Safe environment, flexible schedule and fun team! Full time and part-time positions ... MVTA Drivers provide transportation via transit bus within our local communities. Each day our ...

Showing results 21-40

Bus Transit information

See Minnesota salary details

$8

$19

$28

How much do bus transit jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus transit in Minnesota is $19.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a bus transit operator?

Bus transit workers are professionals who operate buses and provide transportation services for the public. Their duties include driving buses along designated routes, picking up and dropping off passengers, ensuring passenger safety, and collecting fares. They may also assist passengers with disabilities, provide information about routes and schedules, and maintain the cleanliness and operation of their vehicles. Bus transit workers play a crucial role in helping people commute to work, school, and other destinations, making public transportation accessible and reliable.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a bus transit operator?

To thrive as a Bus Transit Operator, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), a clean driving record, and knowledge of traffic laws and transit routes. Familiarity with fare collection systems, vehicle inspection tools, and GPS navigation is typically required. Exceptional customer service, patience, and stress management help operators interact effectively with passengers and handle unexpected situations. These skills ensure safe, timely, and courteous transportation services for the community.

What are common challenges faced by bus transit operators and how can they be managed?

Bus transit operators often encounter challenges like maintaining schedules during heavy traffic, adapting to changing routes, and ensuring passenger safety. Effective time management, staying calm under pressure, and good communication skills are key to overcoming these obstacles. Operators typically receive training on handling difficult situations, such as dealing with disruptive passengers or handling emergency situations, and have support from dispatchers and supervisors. Building strong customer service skills and being adaptable can help operators succeed in their daily responsibilities.

What is the difference between Bus Transit vs Bus Driver?

AspectBus TransitBus Driver
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), possibly additional certificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL)
Work EnvironmentPublic transportation systems, bus terminals, on-routeDriving buses, on the road, various routes
Employer & IndustryPublic transit agencies, transportation authoritiesPublic transit agencies, private companies
Job FocusOperating buses, route management, customer serviceDriving safely, following schedules, customer interaction

Bus Transit refers to the broader role within public transportation systems, including route planning and management, while Bus Driver specifically focuses on operating the vehicle and ensuring passenger safety. Both roles require a CDL and work within the same industry, but Bus Transit encompasses additional responsibilities beyond driving.

Infographic showing various Bus Transit job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Full Time, 86% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $40,349 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Public Transit Operator (Bus Driver)

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Red Wing, MN โ€ข On-site

$22.70/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

The Public Transit Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently transporting passengers along designated routes, ensuring timely arrivals and departures. You'll perform routine vehicle inspections, adhere to all traffic laws and safety regulations, and provide excellent customer service by assisting passengers as needed. Additionally, you'll maintain accurate records of daily activities, including ridership counts and vehicle maintenance reports, and respond to any on-the-road issues or emergencies in accordance with company procedures. You'll work to promote accessibility and ensure that all individuals, including those with disabilities, are provided with a safe and reliable transit experience.

We are looking for part-time bus drivers. Tell us how many hours per week you're looking for and what schedule fits your life. We're happy to work with your availability whenever possible. You will primarily drive in the Red Wing area but may occasionally be assigned to another city/community.

Start pay is $22.70/hour if you already have a Class C CDL and Passenger Endorsement (PE); otherwise, starting pay will be $21.70/hour with a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) while you are in training to receive your CDL. If you do not have a CDL and Passenger Endorsement, a CLP is required before your start date.

Job offers are contingent on a reference check; a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review; a criminal background study with fingerprinting through the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS); a Medical Examiners Certificate ("Medical Card"); a Fitness-for-Duty Exam paid for by the agency at the clinic of the agency's choosing; and a pre-employment Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test. Employees in this position are subject to random and reasonable suspicion DOT drug and alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Required Qualifications:

  • Ability to pass a required background study, as defined by the position
  • Current, valid driver's license for at least three (3) years in good standing as defined by agency insurance company (including, but not limited to, no more than 1 moving violation in the previous 12-months).
  • Current, valid personal automobile insurance
  • Ability to successfully pass required background study (including, but not limited to, no felony convictions).
  • Willingness/ability to adhere to all CFR Part 40 regulations as they pertain to public transit operators, including but not limited to submission to and successfully passing of drug and alcohol testing throughout employment.
  • Ability to safely operate large transit vehicles, associated equipment, mobility lift, and security devices safely and efficiently.
  • Abilityto read, write and speak English to communicate effectively with passengers, dispatchers and in emergency situations.
  • Demonstrated adherence to all state and highway safety rules and regulations.
  • Ability to use tablets and other basic transit software.
  • Ability to pass Driver Training on topics including, but not limited to:
    • Passenger Assistance
    • Maltreatment Awareness
    • Defensive Driving
    • First Aid/CPR
    • Child Passenger Safety

NOTE: If position is offered to and accepted by applicant, the Agency will provide resources to assist applicant in obtaining a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) and a Medical Examiners Certificate ("Medical Card") prior to their first day of employment. Employment will not begin until both are obtained.

Paid training is provided to assist new hires in obtaining CDL and Passenger Endorsement; must obtain CDL and Passenger Endorsement within 90 days of start date.

Functional Requirements:

  • Ability to sit for long periods of time while driving and use hands to finger, handle, or grasp objects and controls, and reach with hands and arms
  • Ability to safely operate large transit vehicles and equipment safely in all types of weather and environmental conditions.
  • Ability to adhere to ADA compliance and reasonable accommodation requirements and physically assist passengers personally, or with mobility devices or property as needed.
  • Ability to pass a Fitness for Duty Exam paid for by the agency at the clinic of the agency's choosing.
  • Potentially frequent lifting of up to 75lbs.
  • Occasional bending/squatting/reaching.
About Three Rivers Community Action

Join Three Rivers Community Action, a dynamic nonprofit organization established in 1966 by dedicated local citizens. Committed to enhancing lives across our service area, Three Rivers collaborates with community partners to provide warmth, transportation, food, housing, advocacy and education to individuals and families.

At Three Rivers, we seek collaborative solutions, lead with integrity, embrace diversity, inspire mutual trust, listen to community needs, respect the people we work with, and promote equity, empowerment and self-sufficiency.

We advocate ardently for our program participants at local, state, and federal levels, leveraging our extensive network of human service agencies to provide comprehensive support. Through these partnerships, we optimize resources to better serve families and communities, catalyzing meaningful change and fostering inclusivity.

We realize dreams of homeownership for people such as single parents, individuals with disabilities, and families. We enable seniors to age in place with vital services like home-delivered meals, transportation, and energy assistance. Through initiatives like Head Start, we ensure children are equipped for school success while supporting their families holistically. At every stage of life, Three Rivers strives to empower and uplift those we serve. Join us in making a difference, one life at a time.

Watch this 2-minute video that provides a snapshot of our programs, values, and a participant story that reflects the heart of what we do.

About the Benefits

Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package tailored to support your well-being and enrich your life:

  • Competitive wages with opportunities for advancement
  • Extensive benefits for regular full-time staff (30+ hours per week), including affordable health insurance with access to employer-sponsored NICE Healthcare and an HRA, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), voluntary dental, vision, voluntary life/AD&D, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance, ensuring peace of mind and security for you and your loved ones.
  • Immediate eligibility for investment in our 403(b), with a generous automatic match (after 1 year of employment), aiding in building a stable financial future
  • Generous paid time off, guaranteeing you sufficient time for relaxation, rejuvenation, and personal interests for regular staff working 30+ hours per week
  • Access to our robust Employee Assistance Program, providing assistance and resources for both personal and professional challenges
  • Training and professional development opportunities aimed at enhancing your skills and fostering career growth
  • A supportive work environment that values lived experience, respects personal representation, teamwork, and recognizes individual contributions.

Experience these outstanding benefits, among others, as we actively support your development, well-being, and success.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that values lived experience. We strongly encourage individuals from under-represented populations and those with relevant lived experiences to apply. We value diverse perspectives and backgrounds. Your unique experiences and perspectives are an asset to our team, and we welcome your application.

Three Rivers is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. If you require assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability, please contact Human Resources at jobs@threeriverscap.org or 507-316-0610.

Online application preferred:www.threeriverscap.org/careers. However, a paper application form may be requested by calling 507-316-0610.

Three Rivers is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer