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Professional Bus Operator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Transit Operator FT

Flagstaff, AZ

$18 - $23.25/hr

Operates company owned vehicles safely to provide bus and paratransit services. * Performs pre-trip ... Maintains a professional company image while working and in cooperation with the City of Flagstaff ...

Bus Driver

Tucson, AZ

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

Attends and participates in trainings, and other continuing education, career and professional ... Motor Vehicle Operator's (DMV) License. * Current Commercial Driver's License (CDL), class B with ...

Bus Driver

Sasabe, AZ · On-site

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

Attends and participates in trainings, and other continuing education, career and professional ... Motor Vehicle Operator's (DMV) License. * Current Commercial Driver's License (CDL), class B with ...

Bus Driver

Show Low, AZ · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

This position is responsible for operating a school bus, adhering to all traffic laws and safety ... Ability to manage student behavior effectively and respond to emergencies calmly and professionally.

Bus Driver

Phoenix, AZ

$17 - $23/hr

Candidates must possess a current Motor Vehicle Operator's (DMV) License and/or Current Commercial ... Attends and participates in trainings, and other continuing education, career and professional ...

Bus Driver

Show Low, AZ

$16 - $22/hr

This position is responsible for operating a school bus, adhering to all traffic laws and safety ... Ability to manage student behavior effectively and respond to emergencies calmly and professionally.

Substitute Bus Driver

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$16.25 - $22/hr

Candidates must possess a current Motor Vehicle Operator's (DMV) License and/or Current Commercial ... Attends and participates in trainings, and other continuing education, career and professional ...

Bus Driver

Miami, AZ · On-site

$19.42 - $21.68/hr

Maintain the highest level of professionalism. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This position has no ... rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine ...

Bus Driver

Yuma, AZ · On-site

$17 - $23/hr

Immunization Record Three Professional References AZ DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card ADOT Commercial ... in safe operating condition; and ensuring safety of students during transport, loading and ...

The School Bus Driver is responsible for safely operating the state vehicle according to a set ... professional manner -Follow the scheduled route within the allotted timeline. -Communicate ...

Bus Driver

Yuma, AZ · On-site

$14.50 - $20/hr

Immunization Record Three Professional References AZ DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card ADOT Commercial ... in safe operating condition; and ensuring safety of students during transport, loading and ...

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Professional Bus Operator information

What is a professional bus operator?

Professional bus operators are trained individuals responsible for safely driving buses along designated routes to transport passengers. They ensure passenger safety, adhere to traffic laws, assist riders with boarding and fare payment, and maintain schedules. In addition to driving, they often provide customer service, answer questions about routes, and handle emergency situations if they arise. Professional bus operators may work for public transit agencies, schools, or private companies, and typically require a commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger endorsements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional bus operator?

To thrive as a Professional Bus Operator, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), safe driving skills, and a strong understanding of traffic laws and routes. Familiarity with vehicle inspection procedures, fare collection systems, and sometimes GPS or scheduling software is often required. Excellent customer service, patience, and strong communication skills help operators interact effectively with passengers and handle challenging situations calmly. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring passenger safety, maintaining schedules, and providing a positive experience for riders.

How does a professional bus operator typically handle challenging passenger situations during a route?

Professional Bus Operators are trained to manage a variety of passenger interactions, including handling disputes, fare issues, or disruptions, with calm professionalism. They follow specific protocols provided by their transit agency, which may include de-escalation techniques and clear communication. Operators are supported by dispatch teams and, when necessary, security personnel to ensure safety for all passengers. Building rapport and staying attentive to the needs of diverse riders are important aspects of the role, making strong interpersonal skills valuable in this position.

What is the difference between Professional Bus Operator vs School Bus Driver?

AspectProfessional Bus OperatorSchool Bus Driver
Required CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), passenger endorsementCDL with school bus endorsement
Work EnvironmentPublic transit, charter services, private companiesSchool campuses, student transportation
Employer & IndustryTransit agencies, private transportation companiesSchool districts, educational institutions

Both roles require a CDL with passenger or school bus endorsements and involve driving passengers. However, a Professional Bus Operator typically works in public transit or private charter services, while a School Bus Driver specializes in transporting students for school districts. The key differences lie in the work environment and specific endorsements needed, but both roles focus on safe passenger transportation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Bus Operator jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Bus Operator jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Professional Bus Operator jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Professional Bus Operator job openings:

$18 - $23.25/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate company-owned transit vehicles safely to provide bus and paratransit services.

  • Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections, complete documentation, and ensure equipment is mechanically sound.

  • Provide safe, timely, and courteous service to passengers while adhering to all safety and traffic regulations.


Job description

$25.33 CDL A without Passenger Endorsement

$26.66 CDL with Passenger Endorsement

$5000 SIGN-ON BONUS eligible with Passenger Endorsement

FULL-TIME

13 DAYS VACATION PER YEAR

13 DAYS SICK TIME PER YEAR

100% MATCH ON PENSION

Transit Operator Position Summary

Transit Operators are the company's ambassadors, reflecting our core values and transporting customers in a safe, courteous, and timely manner to their destination within the City of Flagstaff. Transit Operators have a thorough understanding of streets and common destinations to aid in trip planning, scheduling pick up/drop off of on-demand passengers, transportation equipment, safety checks, and DOT requirements as a function of operating on city streets. Transit operators are charged with safe vehicle operations and interacting with customers in an often-fast paced environment. Transit Operators will utilize excellent communication skills, both written and oral, customer service, and decision-making skills to operate efficiently and adhere to a strict routing timetable.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

  • Operates company owned vehicles safely to provide bus and paratransit services.
  • Performs pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure equipment is mechanically sound and complete all documentation as required.
  • Maintains knowledge of and adherence with all Mountain Line policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
  • Responsible for safe operation of transit vehicles and adherence to traffic regulations.
  • Provides safe, timely and courteous service to all Mountain Line passengers.
  • Promotes and supports a culture of workplace safety.
  • Operates transit vehicles in inclement weather safely, while adhering to all regulations including FTA, ADA, and traffic laws.
  • Prepares accurate, respectful, timely, and legible documentation when needed, including but not limited to accident and incident reports.
  • Delivers honest, accurate, respectful, and trustworthy communication with passengers and co-workers.
  • Provides exceptional customer service to all passengers in accordance with the Mountain Line Mission and Core Values.
  • Maintains a professional company image while working and in cooperation with the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County representatives.
  • Attends scheduled trainings and meetings.
  • Understands current passes, fares, and assists customers with paper fare solutions.
  • Assists with passenger questions concerning pass operations, changing policies, and riding procedures.
  • May assist with on-the-job training for new operators.

Safety Statement

This is a safety-sensitive position subject to the rules and regulations of the Drug and Alcohol Policy and the required testing policy per the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The incumbent is required to fully comply with all operational safety rules and regulations established by Mountain Line.

Attendance

Attendance should be regular and predictable. General employment policies with regard to vacation, sick, and unpaid leave apply. Occasional need to report to work on day off and work overtime.

Confidentiality

This position is expected to respect and maintain employee and customer confidentiality.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

  • State and Federal Transportation Regulations.
  • English language usage; including spelling and vocabulary for written and verbal communication with other staff and customers.
  • Procedures for safe operation of equipment.
  • Flagstaff streets, businesses, outside service entities and non-profit organizations, and scheduled routes.

Skills & Abilities

  • 2-way radio communication etiquette.
  • Maintaining composure in crisis situations.
  • Operate fare console and reader.
  • Operate GPS navigation terminals.
  • Use prudent judgment and problem-solving skills to make reasonable and appropriate decisions and recommendations in adherence with all Mountain Line policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
  • Follow oral and written instructions in English.
  • Sit for long periods of time.
  • Prepare legible and accurate reports and documentation.
  • Interact with a culturally, physically, and mentally diverse population.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors and co-workers.
  • Be able to perform the essential functions of the job.
  • Multi-task in a noisy environment which is prone to frequent interruptions and operate vehicle safely.
  • Work safely and support culture of workplace safety.
  • Maintain a positive work environment.

Working Conditions, Exposure to Risks and Physical Dangers

This position requires physical effort such as walking, lifting, bending, standing, reaching, kneeling, pushing, pulling and manual dexterity. May require assisting passengers in wheelchairs. This position works onboard a moving vehicle and will require sitting for an extended length of time, with constant arm, hand, and foot movement.

This position may be required to stand in a moving vehicle for extended amounts of time when performing on the job new operator training.

The incumbent may be exposed to violent confrontations from passengers, airborne pathogens, and various weather conditions. Operates vehicles in various weather conditions and may be exposed to the heat of the sun, rain, snow, and ice.

Because of the potential exposure associated with the work, incumbents in this job are required to follow all Mountain Line safety procedures, manuals, and guidelines. Additionally, incumbents are required to properly don safety-related clothing, protective hard hats, gloves, footwear, tools and equipment, and other safety-related gear.

Education Requirements

  • High-School Diploma, GED, or equivalency.

Similar Work Experience

  • Minimum of 6 months' work experience in transportation.

Licenses, Training and/or Certifications Required

  • Must possess a CDL and Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam.
  • Clear background check.
  • Pre-employment DOT drug and alcohol test.
  • Clean 5-year MVR.

Substitution

None.

Mountain Line is an equal employment opportunity employer.