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Public Transit Bus Operators Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$18/hr

... properly operating and maintaining the transit vehicle assigned to him/her. Responsible for ... Provides information to the public regarding transportation services and transit policy. * Provides ...

Transit Bus Driver

Tampa, FL · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

USF Transit Bus driver, a class B commercial driver's license with passenger endorsement, and no ... News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ...

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Public Transit Bus Operators information

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$12

$22

$30

How much do public transit bus operators jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for public transit bus operators in the United States is $22.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Public Transit Bus Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Transit Bus Operator, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), a clean driving record, and a thorough understanding of traffic laws and safety regulations. Familiarity with fare collection systems, GPS navigation, and radio communication devices is typically required. Exceptional customer service skills, patience, and stress management are important soft skills for interacting with diverse riders and handling unexpected situations. These skills and qualities ensure safe transportation, reliable service, and positive experiences for passengers in busy urban environments.

What are Public Transit Bus Operators?

Public Transit Bus Operators are professionals responsible for driving buses along designated routes to transport passengers safely and efficiently within cities or regions. They follow schedules, pick up and drop off passengers at specified stops, and provide information or assistance as needed. In addition to driving, they ensure the safety of all passengers, adhere to traffic laws, and sometimes handle fare collection or ticket verification. Bus operators also inspect their vehicles before and after shifts to ensure they are in proper working condition. This role is essential in helping communities maintain accessible and reliable public transportation.

What is the difference between Public Transit Bus Operators vs School Bus Drivers?

AspectPublic Transit Bus OperatorsSchool Bus Drivers
Required CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsementCDL with school bus endorsement
Work EnvironmentUrban and suburban public transit systems, often indoors or in city settingsSchool zones, residential areas, primarily during school hours
Employer & IndustryPublic transit agencies, government-fundedSchool districts, private or public schools
Common Search & ComparisonPublic Transit Bus Operators vs School Bus Drivers

Public Transit Bus Operators and School Bus Drivers both require CDL licenses with passenger endorsements and work with transporting passengers. However, Public Transit Bus Operators typically work in urban environments for transit agencies, while School Bus Drivers focus on transporting students to and from school, often in residential areas. Their work environments, schedules, and employer types differ, but both roles are essential for safe passenger transportation.

What are some common challenges faced by Public Transit Bus Operators, and how can new operators prepare for them?

Public Transit Bus Operators often encounter challenges such as managing difficult passenger interactions, adhering to tight schedules despite unpredictable traffic, and maintaining focus during long shifts. New operators can prepare by developing strong communication and conflict-resolution skills, familiarizing themselves with city routes, and practicing self-care to handle the physical and mental demands of the role. Most transit agencies also provide training and resources to help new hires succeed in these areas.
What states have the most Public Transit Bus Operators jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Transit Bus Operators jobs include:

$44K - $56K/yr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Brief Description The City is offering a Sign-On Bonus for Bus Operators: $500 with first paycheck and 2% of gross earnings during first year of employment at first anniversary. Job Summary Under regular direction and in compliance with standard operating procedures and policies, operates a bus through light to heavy City traffic, for the purpose of carrying passengers in a safe manner and in accordance with City, county, state, and federal laws, as well as City rules and policies. Maintains a knowledge of the Greenlink service area.

Properly secures passengers and mobility devices to the vehicle as required by Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Conducts a pre- and post-trip inspection of the vehicle. Collects accurate fares, assists passengers with disabilities as needed while safely performing operation procedures.

Monitors bus, weather conditions, and safety of passengers. Job Duties Essential Functions Essential Functions % of Time Operate Transit Bus: Operate transit bus/cutaway bus in a safe, proficient manner by applying brakes, starting and stopping engine. Comply with all City, county, state, and federal traffic rules regulations, laws and procedures for the safe operation of a transit bus.

Assist persons with disabilities onto and off the wheelchair lift, operate lift/ramp, and secure wheelchairs as required. Adhere to the Greenlink Operations Handbook. Ensure Automatic Vehicle Locating (AVL) system is logged in.

Ensure driver area is clean at the end of each shift. Evacuate passengers in need during emergency situations. Assist in the training of new drivers as assigned.

Actively participate in the reporting of safety issues and concerns that are observed during the course of essential job functions. 30% Perform Customer Service: Provide information in a courteous manner to passengers regarding routes, schedules, transfers, and fares. Make public address announcements in accordance with ADA regulations.

Act as a front-line point of contact to ensure delivery of quality customer service. Ensure an adequate supply of transfers for the customers. 25% Maintain Schedule and Assure Proper Fare Collection: Operate the buses on a schedule route in a manner that provides for the maximum possible safety to passengers while maintaining the scheduled time points.

Effectively utilize paddles, manifests and other information, to follow routes and meet time points. Coordinate detour, accident and incident information to radio dispatch, and respond to instructions given. Operate electronic fare boxes to ensure proper collection of fares including full-ride, tickets, passes, half-fares, and special service fares.

25% Monitor Physical Condition of Vehicle, Perform Inspections, and File Reports: Observe all conditions of vehicle while driving including lights, mirrors, door, fare box, brake pressure, tire condition, heater, and/or air conditioner. Report any mechanical problem immediately. Comply with all state and local laws pertaining to the operation of the vehicle.

Safely and efficiently operate equipment on buses, including fare boxes, wheelchair lifts, radio, and emergency equipment. Assure the cleanliness of the interior and seating area. Conduct and document a thorough pre-trip inspection of the vehicle prior to operation on a daily basis as per Greenlink and state regulations.

Comply with all company safety rules and operate assigned vehicles. Complete post-trip inspection at the end of each shift. File necessary reports in case of an accident or incident with assigned vehicle or an injury to passengers and operators.

Submit verbal and written reports on accidents or incidents required. Serve as a subject matter expert on Greenlink's Safety Committee as required. 20% Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications Job Requirements High school diploma or equivalent. Over one (1) year of bus driving experience or completion of the City of Greenville Bus Operator in Training Program. Preferred Qualifications Previous driving experience as a bus operator with a transit system, or as an over-the-road coach operator.

Driver's License Requirements Valid South Carolina Class B CDL with air brake provision and passenger endorsement, or the equivalent CDL from their state of residence. Please be advised: Applicants who do not intend to relocate to South Carolina, must reside in a neighboring State (Georgia or North Carolina) and must meet the same CDL requirements as residents of South Carolina. In addition, employees residing in a neighboring state are required to provide to the City of Greenville an annual Motor Vehicle Record from their state's Department of Motor Vehicles at the sole cost of the employee.

Performance Requirements Knowledge of: The safe operation of a public transit bus, including complete familiarization with its systems and safety features. Traffic rules, regulations and laws and procedures for the safe operation of a transit bus, and the ability to operate a transit bus in a safe manner. Geography and roadways of an assigned route and of the entire municipality.

Ability to: Operate a motor vehicle safely. Operate vehicle radio, Mobile Data Terminal (MDT), AVL system, and fare collection systems. Operate and/or utilize all standard safety equipment installed in transit passenger vehicles, including; safety harnesses, restraints, and any other equipment required by federal, state, or local regulations.

Conduct and document pre and post trip inspections. Read, understand and follow rules and regulations, maps and schedules, vehicle operating procedures, vehicle laws, and written and oral instructions. Maintain effective working relationships and deal courteously and effectively with the public, fellow employees, and supervisors.

Be able to work without immediate supervision in the field after completion of the initial training period. Prepare accident and incident reports. Maintain simple records and make basic math calculations.

Operate a wheelchair ramp and assist passengers with disabilities. Handle confrontational passengers effectively. Be punctual and maintain regular, predictable attendance.

Be available to work a flexible schedule that may include nights, weekends, holidays, working split shifts, and a reasonable amount of overtime. Other Information Working Conditions Primary Work Location: Shop, vehicle, and outdoors (roadways). Protective Equipment Required: Seatbelt and safety vest.

Environmental/Health and Safety Factors: Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work. Daily exposure to extreme temperature, wetness and/or humidity, respiratory hazards, noise and vibration, and physical hazards.

Constant exposure to fire hazards, communicable diseases, and physical danger or abuse. Frequent exposure to mechanical hazards. Occasional exposure to chemical hazards and electrical hazards.

Physical Demands: Constantly requires sitting, handling/grasping, vision, foot controls, balancing, hearing, and talking. Frequently requires kneeling and bending. Occasionally requires standing, walking, reaching, crouching and stooping, and twisting.

Light strength demands include exerting up to 10-20 pounds occasionally, exerting up to 10 pounds frequently, or negligible amounts constantly AND/OR walking or standing to a significant degree. Mental Demands: Frequently requires time pressures, frequent change of tasks, irregular schedule/overtime, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, working closely with others as part of a team, tedious or exacting work, and noisy/distracting environment. Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance The City of Greenville is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Prospective and current employees should contact Human Resources to request an ADA accommodation.

Disclaimer The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.