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Cta Bus Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chicago Transit Authority

Bus Mechanic

Chicago, IL · On-site

$36.72 - $45.90/hr

... Driver's License (CDL) or a valid State of Illinois CDL permit with Knowledge and Air Brakes ... CTA Bus Maintenance Training Department. • EPA 608 Certification in refrigerant handling and ...

Chicago Transit Authority

Bus Mechanic

Chicago, IL · On-site

$41.31/hr

... Driver's License (CDL) or a valid State of Illinois CDL permit with Knowledge and Air Brakes ... Must obtain forklift certification, as required by OSHA, through the CTA Bus Maintenance Training ...

Chicago Transit Authority

Bus Mechanic

Chicago, IL · On-site

$41.31/hr

... Driver's License (CDL) or a valid State of Illinois CDL permit with Knowledge and Air Brakes ... Must obtain forklift certification, as required by OSHA, through the CTA Bus Maintenance Training ...

Chicago Transit Authority

Bus Mechanic

Chicago, IL · On-site

$41.31/hr

... Driver's License (CDL) or a valid State of Illinois CDL permit with Knowledge and Air Brakes ... Must obtain forklift certification, as required by OSHA, through the CTA Bus Maintenance Training ...

Pace Bus

Full Time Bus Operator

Elgin, IL · On-site

$25.48/hr

Must be at least 21 years of age and be able to obtain a valid class B Illinois Driver's License ... CTA, and Pace. Public Service Loan Forgiveness

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Cta Bus Driver information

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How much do cta bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for cta bus driver in the United States is $19.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical shift look like for a CTA Bus Driver and how are routes assigned?

CTA Bus Drivers usually work in shifts that can vary by seniority and operational needs, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Routes are typically assigned through a bidding process based on seniority, where more experienced drivers get first choice of routes and schedules. Daily responsibilities include conducting pre-trip vehicle inspections, keeping to scheduled stops, assisting passengers as needed, and maintaining communication with dispatch. Drivers collaborate closely with supervisors, maintenance staff, and sometimes law enforcement to ensure safety and service reliability. Adapting to different traffic conditions and handling passenger inquiries or issues are common aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Cta Bus Driver vs Cta Transit Operator?

AspectCta Bus DriverCta Transit Operator
Required CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), passenger endorsementCommercial Driver's License (CDL), passenger endorsement
Work EnvironmentDriving buses on scheduled routes, passenger interactionDriving transit vehicles, passenger interaction, often in urban areas
Employer & IndustryChicago Transit Authority, public transportationChicago Transit Authority, public transportation

Both Cta Bus Drivers and Cta Transit Operators require a CDL with passenger endorsements and work in urban public transit environments. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Cta Bus Driver' specifically emphasizes driving buses, while 'Cta Transit Operator' can include various transit vehicles. Both roles focus on safe driving, customer service, and adherence to schedules within the public transportation industry.

What are CTA Bus Drivers?

CTA Bus Drivers are professional operators employed by the Chicago Transit Authority to drive buses along designated routes throughout the city. They are responsible for safely transporting passengers, collecting fares, assisting riders with disabilities, and adhering to schedules and traffic regulations. CTA Bus Drivers also ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers while maintaining a courteous and professional demeanor. Their role is essential in keeping Chicago's public transportation system running efficiently.

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

To thrive as a CTA Bus Driver, you need a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a clean driving record, and thorough knowledge of traffic laws and city routes. Familiarity with fare collection systems, communication devices, and vehicle safety inspection tools is typically required. Excellent customer service, patience, and stress management are crucial soft skills for handling diverse riders and challenging situations. These skills ensure safe, reliable transportation and a positive experience for passengers and the community.
More about Cta Bus Driver jobs
What cities are hiring for Cta Bus Driver jobs? Cities with the most Cta Bus Driver job openings:
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Cta Bus Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cta Bus Driver job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 22% As Needed, 74% Full Time, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,198 per year, or $19.8 per hour.
Coordinator, Bus Maintenance

Coordinator, Bus Maintenance

Chicago Transit Authority

Chicago, IL

$83K - $85K/yr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

Chicago Transit Authority rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

539th of 644 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

SALARY
$83,816.55 - $85,910.24
POSITION SUMMARY
Under direction, front line supervision ensuring cleanliness of CTA's bus fleet by coordinating, supervising and overseeing bus servicers and other staff assigned to the section.  Maintains quality standards of cleanliness for our customers in the areas of bus rolling stock cleanliness and various campaign activities.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
             Visually surveys buses in the yard to determine if vehicle should be pulled for immediate service or meets appropriate standards to remain in scheduled cleaning cycle.  Adjusts cleaning schedule as appropriate. Investigates and responds to complaints from internal and external customers and directs staff accordingly.
             Coordinates yard and single shop activities of bus servicers and other staff to meet quality and service standards.  Conducts random audits of yard activities at bus garage locations across several routes to ensure adherence to schedule, production and quality.
             Assists management with disciplinary interviews and investigations regarding attendance and work performance. 
             Prepares reports on work shift service and quality in order to provide management with current state of the fleet information.
             Determines if work techniques and equipment utilization of bus servicers and other staff are appropriate to shift and location in order to maintain consistent standards.
             Reviews work reports of bus servicers and other staff to determine adherence to instructions. Reviews technical, training and safety bulletins to keep staff informed of procedures.
             Interfaces with other departments to resolve problems such as: material procurement, vehicle call-ins and personnel issues.
             Performs related duties as assigned.
MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to this position are the following jobs:
Job Title
             Bus Servicer
             Bus Servicer Apprentice
             Various incumbents within Bus Maintenance
CHALLENGES
             Maintaining quality service within tight budget constraints compounded by high employee turnover and day-to-day absenteeism.
             Maintaining a clean fleet of assigned buses under harsh environmental conditions and high public usage.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
             High school diploma required. Experience as a Bus Servicer, other applicable vehicle or facility maintenance experience, or janitorial related experience preferred.
             One (1) year of experience supervising a large workforce required.
             Experience working in a union environment preferred.
             Must possess a valid driver's license.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
             Extensive moving, positioning self, ascending and descending. Move, transports and maneuvers materials or equipment weighing up to 75 pounds.
             Must possess the physical strength and agility to negotiate various conditions in a bus yard.
             Must have the stamina to work excessive hours during emergency situations with duration up to two weeks.
             Exposed to solvents and solutions used in cleaning, waxing, stripping and graffiti removal
             Requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time and constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery.
             Service Area Requirement: Exempt (Non-Union) employees must live within the boundaries of the CTA Statutory Service Area either at the time of employment or within 6 months of beginning employment at CTA.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
             General knowledge with collective bargaining agreements and with union contract provisions governing Bus Servicers.
             Good verbal and written communication skills.
             Good customer service skills.
             Good multi-tasking skills to meet deadlines.
             Basic Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint skills.
             Ability to act as a team player.
             Ability to remain reliable and dependable under pressure.
WORKING CONDITIONS
             Subject to adverse weather conditions related to outside work bus yards.  Minimal office environment.
             May be required to be on-call 24/7, as needed, in order to respond to emergencies.
             May be required to work various extended hours as necessary during emergencies.
             Works a majority of time in bus yards.
             Works in close proximity to moving vehicles.  Required to walk in yard areas where footing may be uncertain.
             Works various hours and shifts subject to change weekly.
             Vacation and other time off requests are limited in periods of special events and seasonal weather alerts.
EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED
             Expected to direct operation of automated tools and equipment including but not limited to bus washers, pumps, floor scrubbers/strippers, electric steamers and buffers. Expected to operate office equipment, 8 channel radio and company/personal vehicle.
             Required to carry and respond to a pager and company issued cellphone at all times.
             Required to carry and respond to radio calls while on duty.

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