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Professional Bus Operator Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Bus Operator

La Crosse, WI ยท On-site

$24.61/hr

Description The City of La Crosse is currently accepting applications for full-time Bus Operators ... Position requires a professional demeanor and excellent human relation skills to serve the public.

Bus Operator

La Crosse, WI ยท On-site

$24.61/hr

... Bus Operatorsto join the Municipal Transit Utility team. This position requires excellent human ... Position requires a professional demeanor and excellent human relation skills to serve the public.

Coach/Bus Operator Apprentice - Class 11 (CDL Permit Holders): November 2, 2026; Class 12 (Full CDL ... Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with passengers and staff. * Ability to de ...

Coach/Bus Operator Apprentice - Class 11 (CDL Permit Holders): November 2, 2026; Class 12 (Full CDL ... Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with passengers and staff. * Ability to de ...

CDL Bus Operator

Stevens Point, WI ยท On-site

$28.50/hr

Summary of Job Transit Bus Drivers are frontline representatives of Central Transportation, the ... professional operation of transit buses. In addition to safe vehicle operation, drivers provide ...

Bus Driver (Part-time)

Wausau, WI ยท On-site

$25.55 - $30.67/hr

Our Bus Operators provide excellent customer service in the performance of all duties and ... When completing References section, include 3 professional references with current and valid email ...

Bus Driver (Part-time)

Wausau, WI ยท On-site

$25.55 - $30.67/hr

Our Bus Operators provide excellent customer service in the performance of all duties and ... When completing References section, include 3 professional references with current and valid email ...

Bus Driver

Sheboygan, WI ยท On-site

$20.61 - $27.01/hr

On-Demand Bus Drivers perform essential daily tasks including the professional, safe, dependable ... experience operating a bus is preferred but not required); Must be able to properly and safely ...

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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 Wisconsin?

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

Bus Operator

La Crosse, WI โ€ข On-site

City of La Crosse
Public Administrationย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

$24.61/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate transit vehicles to transport passengers over established routes according to set time schedules.

  • Perform routine visual safety inspections on vehicles prior to operation and report mechanical defects to supervisors.

  • Provide public information, answer passenger inquiries, and assist elderly and handicapped passengers to ensure safe and courteous service.


Job description

Description The City of La Crosse is currently accepting applications for full-time Bus Operators to join the Municipal Transit Utility team. This position requires excellent human relations skills in serving a diverse customer base and must have great communication skills. Successful candidates must have a valid driver's license and the ability to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B with airbrakes and passenger endorsement, and possess a good driving record.

This position requires working various hours/shifts, including evenings, weekends and holidays. Candidates must be available to report to work within 30 minutes of being notified of changes to the schedule. Starting wage for this non-exempt unionized position is $24.61 per hour

The City offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical benefit plan, Wisconsin Retirement Plan, deferred compensation, Roth IRA, life insurance, income continuation insurance, voluntary dental and vision plan, paid holidays, vacations and sick leave. Candidates selected will be subject to a background check and post-offer/pre-employment drug screen, physical and physical capacity screen. The City of La Crosse supports attaining a representative workforce and workplace equity.

Applications accepted until positions are filled. . Purpose of Position The purpose of positions in this classification is to provide transportation services to the public.

Distinguishing Characteristics Incumbents operate transit utility vehicles, including buses, conforming with time constraints, in providing a unique, customized public transit service. Position requires a professional demeanor and excellent human relation skills to serve the public. The work is performed under the supervision of the Transit Manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities The following duties are normal for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Performs routine visual safety inspections on vehicle prior to taking the vehicle onto public roadways. Operates transit vehicles to transport passengers over established routes, according to set time schedules. Must be able to adhere to a strict pre-planned route schedule.

Monitors radio communications while on route to ensure safe and timely arrival and departure times. Provides public information to passengers concerning routes, schedules, transfer points, street locations, and how to use the transit system. Answers passenger inquiries.

Regulates heating and cooling for passenger comfort. Maintains change fund. Receives fares and records money, tokens, and transfers received.

Keeps route ticket to log mileage, tokens, and cash flow. Reports mechanical defects to immediate supervisor as soon as noticed. Provides special care and treatment to elderly and handicapped individuals.

Assist wheelchair bound passengers in situations where bus ramp is inoperable. Performs all functions of the job in a courteous manner to provide optimal customer service to the public and passengers. Must be able to maintain a flexible work schedule.

Must be able to report to work promptly and on a regular basis. Must be able to take direction and work well with others. Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions High school diploma or equivalent with prior responsible work experience.

Incumbents must possess excellent human relation skills. Valid WI drivers license required. Must possess CDL permit upon hire, and must be able to obtain a commercial driver's license with passenger endorsement within 14 days on the job; must be able to maintain CDL for employment.

Must be able to maintain a good driving record. Knowledge of traffic laws and defensive driving techniques. Physical and Mental Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication Ability to effectively communicate through the use of two-way communication devices.

Ability to read and understand street maps and directions. Ability to administer safe workplace rules and procedures to fellow employees, along with the ability to identify occupational hazards and safety precautions of the work. Ability to maintain effective public relations.

Ability to communicate effectively and courteously with department personnel, general public and police department. Ability to explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well established policies, procedures and standards. Ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple requests from others.

Mathematical Ability Ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide. Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability Ability to use functional reasoning and apply rational judgment in performing diversified work activities. Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness, and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against measurable criteria.

Physical Requirements Ability to maintain correct operating speeds with the safety and speed regulations in conforming with time constraints. Ability to safely operate a large vehicle in traffic and close quarters. Ability to be seated in a vehicle for prolonged periods of time.

Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet, and limbs in performing movements requiring skill and training, such as operating transit utility equipment and vehicles. Ability to recognize and identify individual characteristics of colors, shapes, and sounds associated with job-related objects, materials, and tasks. Ability to exert very moderate physical effort in sedentary to light work, typically involving some combination of sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling.

Must be able to push/pull weight of manual wheelchair bound passenger. Environmental Adaptability Ability to work under conditions which require exposure to environmental factors such as odors and temperature variations and extremes. This exposure may cause some discomfort and presents a risk of injury.

The City of La Crosse Municipal Transit Utility is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.