Bus Operator
CA$37.91/hr
Transit Bus Oper & Maintenance Service Employment Type: Multiple Full-time Permanent Work Hours: 40 ... Ability to sit for long periods of time in the driver's seat while wearing a seat belt * Ability to ...
Bus Operator
CA$37.91/hr
Transit Bus Oper & Maintenance Service Employment Type: Multiple Full-time Permanent Work Hours: 40 ... Ability to sit for long periods of time in the driver's seat while wearing a seat belt * Ability to ...
Transit Bus Oper & Maintenance Service Employment Type: 10 Full-time Permanent Work Hours: 40.00 ... Driver's License Requirement: A valid Ontario unrestricted G class driver's license (or provincial ...
Transit Bus Oper & Maintenance Service Employment Type: 10 Full-time Permanent Work Hours: 40.00 ... Driver's License Requirement: A valid Ontario unrestricted G class driver's license (or provincial ...
Transit Bus Oper & Maintenance Service Employment Type: up to 20 Full-time Permanent Work Hours: 40 ... driver's licence (or provincial equivalent) with no more than 6 demerit points accumulated Must ...
Transit Bus Oper & Maintenance Service Employment Type: up to 20 Full-time Permanent Work Hours: 40 ... driver's licence (or provincial equivalent) with no more than 6 demerit points accumulated Must ...
Long Distance Bus Driver information
What are some common challenges faced by long distance bus drivers, and how are they managed?
Long distance bus drivers often encounter challenges such as fatigue from extended hours on the road, maintaining passenger safety, and adapting to varying weather or traffic conditions. To manage these, companies typically enforce regulated rest breaks, provide training on safe driving practices, and support drivers with real-time route updates. Drivers also work closely with dispatch and customer service teams to address passenger needs and ensure a smooth journey.
What is a long distance bus driver?
Long distance bus drivers are professional drivers responsible for transporting passengers safely over extended routes that often span cities, states, or even countries. They operate large motorcoaches or buses, following specific schedules and making stops along the way. Their duties include ensuring passenger safety, adhering to traffic laws, assisting with luggage, and sometimes providing customer service during the journey. Long distance bus drivers may work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. They are required to hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) and often undergo additional training for passenger transport.
What is the difference between Long Distance Bus Driver vs School Bus Driver?
| Aspect | Long Distance Bus Driver | School Bus Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Required Certifications | Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsement | Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsement |
| Work Environment | Long hours on highways, traveling between cities or states | Daily routes within local areas, primarily on school grounds and city streets |
| Employer & Industry | Transportation companies, charter services, or school districts for long-haul trips | School districts or private schools for daily student transportation |
| Common Search & Comparison | Long Distance Bus Driver vs School Bus Driver |
While both roles require a CDL with passenger endorsement and involve transporting passengers, Long Distance Bus Drivers typically travel longer distances across states or countries, often working on scheduled routes for extended periods. School Bus Drivers focus on daily local routes, primarily transporting students within a school district. The work environment, schedule, and travel scope are the main differences between these two roles.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a long distance bus driver?
To thrive as a Long Distance Bus Driver, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), a clean driving record, and strong knowledge of road safety regulations. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, electronic logging devices, and vehicle inspection procedures is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and customer service skills help drivers manage passenger needs and handle unexpected situations on the road. These competencies ensure the safe, timely, and comfortable transport of passengers over long distances while maintaining compliance with industry standards.
What disqualifies you from being a long distance bus driver?
Long distance bus drivers are typically disqualified if they have a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with the appropriate endorsements, a history of serious traffic violations or DUI, or medical conditions that impair driving ability. Additionally, a clean driving record and the ability to pass background checks and drug tests are usually required; failure to meet these standards can disqualify candidates.
How much do long distance bus drivers make?
Long distance bus drivers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, employer, and region. They often work long hours and may need commercial driver's licenses (CDL) and safety certifications.
What are popular job titles related to Long Distance Bus Driver jobs in Kanata, ON?
For Long Distance Bus Driver jobs in Kanata, ON, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Long Distance Bus Driver jobs in Kanata, ON look for?
The top searched job categories for Long Distance Bus Driver jobs in Kanata, ON are:
What cities near Kanata, ON are hiring for Long Distance Bus Driver jobs?
Cities near Kanata, ON with the most Long Distance Bus Driver job openings:
CA$37.91/hr
Full-time
Posted 18 days ago
Job description
Requisition ID: 23193
Department: Transit Services Dept.
Service: Transit Bus Oper & Maintenance Service
Employment Type: Multiple Full-time Permanent
Work Hours: 40.00/hours per week (Shift Work)
Affiliation: ATU 279/Trans Operators
Salary Information: Training rate is 50% of full-time Bus Operator wage rate ($18.400/hr) (2026 Rates of Pay)
Note: Rates of pay after successful completion of training are as follows:
- 1st - 8th month - 85% of Bus Operator rate ($32.224/hr)
- 9th - 16th month - 90% of Bus Operator rate ($34.119/hr)
- 17th - 24th month - 95% of Bus Operator rate ($36.015/hr)
- After 24 months - Full Bus Operator rate ($37.910/hr) (2026 Rates of Pay)
Location: Transit Service, 1500 St.Laurent
Job Category: Transit Services - OC Transpo
Application Close: 31/12/2026
Note: This list will be used to staff current and ongoing requirements.
JOB SUMMARY
Transit Operations provides safe, reliable and courteous transit services and excellence in customer service delivery to 100 million transit customers per year, by means of conventional bus, para transit and rail operations. The Transit Bus and Para Transit Operations team provides safe, reliable, efficient, effective, on time, courteous and cost-effective rapid transit service to a growing and diverse City of Ottawa.
You operate City of Ottawa buses in accordance with the Highway Traffic Act and corporate policy. You also promote a customer service mindset when interacting with the general public and provide a safe, comfortable, efficient and reliable transportation service.
Bus Operators who temporarily work in the roles of Operator/Bilingual Sightseeing and Charter Sightseeing and Operator/Platform Instructor will be paid the appropriate rate or differential for the time that this work is performed.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Completion of Grade 12.
Minimum of 5 years of driving experience with a clean driving record free of demerit points and including ideally a minimum 3 years of relevant customer service experience including direct contact with the public and dealing with a diverse population.
Public Urban transit experience is an asset
CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENCES
Completion of Defensive Driving course or related is an asset
KNOWLEDGE
- City of Ottawa landmarks and locations
Desirable Qualifications:
- Knowledge of transit fares and pass structure
- Knowledge of the Highway Traffic Act
- Knowledge of/experience using portable communications technologies, such as 2-way radio
COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Able to adapt/react to changes in operating conditions/environment
- Able to operate in a highly diverse cultural community
- Attentive to detail and able to adhere to specific detailed procedures
- Persuasive and tactful with excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills
- Possess good written communication skills
- Basic understanding of and ability to use computers
- Able to multi-task, solve problems and make decisions
- Able to remain calm in stressful situations
- Able to exercise sound judgement
- Able to work with minimum direct supervision and in a team environment
- Ability to use a radio and microphone and to communicate effectively
- Ability to call out stops as per the CTA directive
- Ability to read and understand trip dockets
- Ability to operate a bus in high-density traffic in the downtown core
- Ability to react and deal with emergency situations as they arise
- Ability to talk to and assist passengers while safely operating a bus
- Able to project a positive and professional image at all times, through personal appearance and conduct
- Able to act independently
- Able to communicate clearly in writing, in person, and by using corporate communications technologies, such as 2-way radio, etc.
- Able to deliver excellent customer service at all times and to deal with all situations in a professional manner by remaining calm and self-controlled when dealing with difficult situations, and co-operating with Transit Supervisors and other City of Ottawa personnel to meet customers' transit needs
- Available and able to work overtime, and work a variety of scheduled shifts including split shifts, weekends, evenings and holidays, as per the collective agreement
Applicants must be able to meet the physical requirements of the job including, but not limited to, performing the following tasks, which are repetitive and constant during a normal shift as a Bus Operator:
- Ability to sit for long periods of time in the driver's seat while wearing a seat belt
- Ability to bend, twist body and to manipulate controls independently or simultaneously at any given time, while wearing a seatbelt in the driver's seat
- Ability to "reach over-head" with both arms to manipulate controls
- Constant twisting and neck rotation of different ranges to check mirrors, bus passes, etc.
- Ability to perform required MTO pre-trip inspection, which involves walking, bending, squatting, climbing, reaching, twisting body in many different positions
- Medium duty lifting while assisting customers with special needs
- Constant gripping, pulling and pushing to manipulate control (steering controls, control valves, etc.)
- Bending, stooping, crouching and twisting in order to keep stairway clear of ice and snow build-up
- Ability to manipulate dual foot controls independently or simultaneously at any given time
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Language Requirement: English oral, reading, writing; Various language requirements, locations may require English only, French only OR Bilingual competencies. Some positions require English oral, reading, and writing. Some positions required French oral, reading and writing.
- Police Record Check: The successful candidate will be required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check (Level 3) with the Police Services detachment in their jurisdiction to the City of Ottawa's satisfaction.; Police record checks completed by a third-party company will not be accepted.
- Driver's License Requirement: A valid Ontario unrestricted G class driver's license (or provincial equivalent) with 0 demerit points accumulated to the City of Ottawa's satisfaction.
- Must be able to pass the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) medical exam required to obtain a class "C" license prior to hire.
- Must be able to work shifts, weekends and statutory holidays at a variety of locations.
- Experience and formal training combined with demonstrated performance and ability may substitute for stipulated academic requirements.
- Please save a copy of the job poster. Once the closing date has passed, it will no longer be available.
We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
The City of Ottawa promotes the principles of diversity and inclusion and adheres to the tenets of the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We encourage applications from members of Indigenous, Black and other racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women and non-binary persons, persons of all ethnic origins, religions, sexual orientations, classes, gender identities and expressions.
Candidates are encouraged to self-identify as a member of one or more designated employment equity groups in the self-identification questionnaire.
The City of Ottawa provides accommodation to applicants during all parts of the hiring process, upon request. If contacted to proceed to the selection process, please advise us if you require any accommodation.
Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request. Please contact the Employee Service Centre at 613-580-2424 extension 12211 or via email at esc-cse@ottawa.ca.
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