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Professional Transit Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

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Professional Transit information

See Rochester, NY salary details

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How much do professional transit jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional transit in Rochester, NY is $16.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $18.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional transit operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Transit Operator, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), strong knowledge of traffic laws, and a track record of safe driving. Familiarity with fare collection systems, route management technology, and vehicle inspection tools is typically required. Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills help you manage passenger interactions and respond calmly to unexpected situations. These skills ensure passenger safety, efficient transit service, and a positive experience for riders.

What is a professional transit worker?

Professional transit workers are individuals employed in the public transportation sector, such as bus drivers, train operators, subway conductors, and transit planners. They are responsible for operating, managing, and maintaining various forms of urban and regional transportation systems that move people efficiently and safely. These professionals also ensure schedules are met, assist passengers, and contribute to the smooth functioning of transit services. Their work is essential for reducing traffic congestion, supporting environmental sustainability, and providing mobility options for communities.

What is the difference between Professional Transit vs Bus Driver?

AspectProfessional TransitBus Driver
Required CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), specialized transit trainingCDL, passenger endorsement
Work EnvironmentPublic transit agencies, often in urban areasPublic or private bus services, urban/suburban routes
Employer & Industry UsageTransit authorities, government agenciesTransit companies, private operators
Job FocusPassenger safety, route management, customer serviceSafe driving, route adherence, customer interaction

Professional Transit and Bus Driver roles both require CDL licenses and involve operating vehicles in public transit settings. However, Professional Transit often emphasizes specialized transit services, such as paratransit or shuttle operations, with a focus on passenger safety and route coordination. Bus Drivers typically operate scheduled routes, focusing on safe driving and customer service. Both roles are vital in public transportation, but Professional Transit roles may involve more specialized training and different service types.

What are some common challenges faced by professional transit operators, and how can they effectively manage them?

Professional Transit Operators often encounter challenges such as managing tight schedules, ensuring passenger safety, and navigating unpredictable traffic or weather conditions. Effective communication with dispatchers and fellow operators, staying up-to-date with route changes, and maintaining a calm, customer-focused attitude are essential for addressing these challenges. Regular training and support from a collaborative team environment also help operators adapt to new policies and technologies, enhancing their ability to provide reliable and efficient transit services.

What are the most commonly searched types of Transit jobs in Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Transit jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What are popular job titles related to Professional Transit jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Professional Transit jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Professional Transit jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Professional Transit jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Professional Transit jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Professional Transit job openings:

New Pay Rate! RTS Ontario Bus Driver (Full Time and Part Time)

Regional Transit Service

Canandaigua, NY • On-site

$21.53/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

RTS OntarioBus Driver (Full-Time and Part-Time)

Reports To: OntarioRegional Manager

New Hourly Rate: $21.53/per hourto start; increases to $23.57after the probationary period

This is a Union environment in association with the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 282.


Make an Impact at RTS

Regional Transit Service (RTS) is a regional transit authority established by New York State, with more than 1,000 employees proudly serving customers and business partners throughout Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, and Wyoming counties.

Recognized as one of the best-run transit systems in the nation, RTS partners with the communities we serve to provide vital, safe, and sustainable transportation services to more than 11 million riders each year.

Every day, we carry out our mission by connecting people to jobs, schools, healthcare, shopping, and recreational activities.


Why Join RTS?

Staying Healthy

(Full-Time)

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Care
  • Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
  • Healthy U Employee Wellness Program

(Part-Time)

  • Healthy U Employee Wellness Program

Feeling Secure

(Full-Time)

  • Disability Insurance
  • Pension Plan
  • New York State Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
  • Accident Insurance, Group Specified Disease Insurance and Hospital Insurance

(Part-Time)

  • Disability Insurance
  • Accident Insurance, Group Specified Disease Insurance and Hospital Insurance

Work-Life Balance

(Full-Time)

  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Healthy U Employee Well-Being Program
  • BJ's Wholesale Club

(Part-Time)

  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Healthy U Employee Well-Being Program
  • BJ's Wholesale Club

What You'll Do

  • Operates a bus or other revenue service vehicle to safely transport customers along designated routes and according to established schedules. Picks up customers in response to scheduled service, radio, or telephone requests and assists customers with boarding and exiting the vehicle as needed. Responsibilities also include completing required trip logs, reporting vehicle malfunctions, and conducting pre-trip vehicle inspections before departure. Paid training is provided!

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications:

  • Valid NY State Commercial Driver's License (Class A, B, or C) withpassenger endorsement and no seating restrictionspreferred.If not fully licensed,we will train you!(Must have Class "B"permit with passengerendorsementprior to start date.)
  • Clean driving recordand at least 5 years of regular Class D driving experience required.
  • Excellent Customer Service skills are a must.
  • Will be required to pass a post-offer 19A physical.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Tasks involve the intermittent performance of physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of bending, kneeling, squatting, reaching, climbing (stairs), twisting (arm/back) and/or rotating (arm). May also involve lifting (up to 10 pounds), carrying (up to 10 pounds), pushing and/or pulling (up to 150 pounds) materials and/or equipment. Job involves sitting for extended periods of time; up to eight hours per day.

Ninety-five percent of time is spent inside and 5% of time is spent outside, exposing employee to natural environmental conditions. Employee is exposed to fumes, noise (bus), vibration (seat), hazards, and motorized vehicles.

Bus Operators must be able to maintain composure and professionalism while interacting with a diverse population of passengers, including in situations that may involve conflict, stressful conditions, or challenging customer interactions.


Equal Employment Opportunity

Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA) is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. RGRTA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with known disabilities unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the organization.

For safety-sensitive positions, RGRTA maintains a drug- and alcohol-free workplace in accordance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations. Applicants for safety-sensitive positions must successfully complete a pre-employment drug test and receive a verified negative test result before performing safety-sensitive functions. Employees in these positions are also subject to additional drug and alcohol testing throughout their employment as required by applicable regulations.

As required by law, RTS tests for a variety of substances, including cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, phencyclidine (PCP), and marijuana metabolites. Please be aware that marijuana can remain detectable in the body for an extended period of timesometimes more than 30 daysand may result in a positive drug test long after use.