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Regional Transit Authority Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OH ยท On-site

$20 - $24.60/hr

Join the Butler County Regional Transit Authority TeamDrive Your Career Forward While Making a Difference Are you looking for more than just a job? Do you enjoy driving, meeting people, and making a ...

Bus Mechanic

New Orleans, LA ยท On-site

$26.51 - $33.83/hr

The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) gets people moving around New Orleans. Our transit services provide mobility to residents and tourists, offering access to historic neighborhoods and countless ...

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Regional Transit Authority information

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$759

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$1.9K

How much do regional transit authority jobs pay per week?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average weekly pay for regional transit authority in the United States is $1,459.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,250.00 and $1,625.00 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a regional transit authority?

A Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is a public organization responsible for planning, funding, and operating public transportation services within a specific region or metropolitan area. RTAs coordinate various transit modes, such as buses, trains, and light rail, to provide efficient and integrated transportation options for residents and commuters. Their goal is to improve mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and promote sustainable transportation solutions. RTAs often collaborate with local governments and other agencies to ensure seamless transit services across city or county boundaries.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working at a regional transit authority, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals at a Regional Transit Authority often face challenges such as coordinating across multiple municipalities, adapting to evolving transportation needs, and managing limited budgets while ensuring reliable service. Success in this environment typically requires strong communication skills, flexibility, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving. Many teams use cross-departmental meetings and data-driven planning tools to address these challenges and ensure projects align with regional goals. Staying open to feedback and continuous learning also helps staff adapt to policy changes and emerging technologies in public transit.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a regional transit authority manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Regional Transit Authority Manager, you need expertise in transportation planning, operations management, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a degree in public administration or transportation management. Familiarity with transit scheduling software, budgeting tools, and government reporting systems is typically required. Strong leadership, stakeholder communication, and problem-solving skills are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure effective transit service delivery, regulatory adherence, and positive relationships with the public and government agencies.

What is the difference between Regional Transit Authority vs Bus Driver?

AspectRegional Transit AuthorityBus Driver
Required CredentialsDriver's license, possibly transit-specific certificationsValid driver's license, passenger endorsement
Work EnvironmentTransit agencies, control centers, on-routeOn the road, bus stations, routes
Employer & IndustryPublic transit agencies, governmentTransit companies, private or public sectors

The Regional Transit Authority oversees transit services, planning, and operations, often managing multiple routes and staff. Bus Drivers are frontline employees responsible for operating buses and ensuring passenger safety. While both roles require driving credentials, the Authority has broader administrative and planning responsibilities, whereas Bus Drivers focus on daily route operation.

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What cities are hiring for Regional Transit Authority jobs?

Cities with the most Regional Transit Authority job openings:

What states have the most Regional Transit Authority jobs?

States with the most job openings for Regional Transit Authority jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Regional Transit Authority jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Regional Transit Authority jobs are:

Infographic showing various Regional Transit Authority job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,877 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Division Manager or Manager, Transit Ambassador Program

Regional Transportation Authority

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

26-DMTA
The Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA), formerly the Regional Transportation Authority, was created by the Illinois General Assembly and Governor JB Pritzker to make transit across northeastern Illinois work for riders as one regional transit system. NITA is seeking to fill a critical role with the newly formed Division Manager or Manager, Transit Ambassador Program position for the Safety & Experience department. The incumbent will lead and oversee the regional Transit Ambassador program to ensure a visible, positive, and effective presence across the transit system, promoting safety, customer service, and a welcoming environment for all riders.
NITA sets regional fares, service standards, and schedules across the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace; plans and funds regional capital investment; and oversees the performance and finances of the three Service Boards serving riders across Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties.
As of September 1, 2026, NITA has expanded authority under Public Act 104-0457. People who join NITA now will help build the systems, policies, and partnerships that shape regional transit for years to come.
Accountabilities include but are not limited to:
Oversee accountabilities of Transit Ambassadors defined by NITA Act:
  • Navigational and other passenger assistance.
  • Liaising with law enforcement, social services, and community resources to address unsafe conditions and to connect people with relevant social, medical, and other services.
  • Monitoring passenger activity and compliance with laws and rules.

Program Leadership & Oversight
  • Develop, implement, and continuously improve policies, procedures, and training programs for Transit Ambassadors, with a focus on de-escalation, public safety, cultural sensitivity, disability awareness, and customer service best practices.
  • Ensure Transit Ambassador program complies with all relevant state/federal laws, regulations, and NITA act.
  • Oversee program for recruiting, hiring, training, and evaluating Transit Ambassadors, ensuring a diverse and skilled team that reflects the community served.

Safety, Security, and Incident Response
  • Oversee the collection, review, and analysis of incident reports, daily logs, and data from Transit Ambassadors to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement with Service Board staff.
  • Ensure Transit Ambassadors are trained and equipped to provide first aid, CPR, and administer Narcan (naloxone) as needed, and to connect individuals in crisis with appropriate resources.

Customer Experience & Community Engagement
  • Champion a customer-focused culture by ensuring Transit Ambassadors provide accurate information, wayfinding, and support to riders.
  • Promote and support the use of tools to empower riders to discreetly report safety concerns or request assistance.
  • Foster positive relationships with community organizations and advocacy groups to enhance the program's effectiveness and reputation.
  • Lead outreach and education efforts to encourage courteous behavior and adherence to transit system rules.

Reporting, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement
  • Prepare and present regular reports on program performance, safety incidents, customer feedback, and key metrics to senior leaders and boards of directors at NITA as well as Service Boards (i.e., CTA/Metra/Pace), as well as other key stakeholders.
  • Stay informed of industry's best practices and legislative changes affecting transit ambassador programs and adapt the program accordingly.

Collaboration & Strategic Planning
  • Monitor and evaluate safety, cleanliness, and maintenance conditions across the transit system; collaborate with Service Board departments (e.g., safety, maintenance, customer service) and external partners (e.g., law enforcement, social services) to identify areas for improvement and recommend policy or operational changes.
  • Participate in strategic planning and budgeting for the Transit Ambassador program, aligning resources with organizational goals and community needs.
  • Foster a work culture that's focused on achieving measurable objectives by coaching staff, strengthening interagency relationships, and supporting your team. Supports the Agency's Equal Employment Opportunity policies, goals and objectives.
  • Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

The ideal candidate must have the following:
  • The knowledge, skills, and abilities equivalent to the completion of a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field required.
  • Transportation safety, first aid certifications, and de-escalation certifications are a plus.
  • Division Manager must have seven to ten (7 - 10) years' experience and Managers must have four to six (4 - 6) years' experience in public safety, social work, community engagement, and/or transit experience.
  • Division Managers must have a minimum of three (3) years' of demonstrated supervisory/management experience and Managers must have a minimum of one (1) year of demonstrated supervisory/management experience.
  • Experience working directly with people with disabilities, unhoused communities, incarcerated individuals, or other underserved communities/populations required.
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate across law enforcement, social services, or public transit entities required.
  • Experience in transit operations is preferred.
  • Prior experience managing union staff is a plus.

Skills:
  • Strategic leadership: Capable of setting clear vision and direction, motivating teams, and guiding complex initiatives to achieve organizational goals.
  • Policy development and regulatory alignment: Experienced in crafting, implementing, and evaluating policies to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal safety regulations.
  • Equity-centered service philosophy: Committed to ensuring that safety programs and services are accessible, fair, and inclusive for all community members, particularly underserved populations.
  • Change management: Skilled in guiding teams through transitions, aligning stakeholders, and effectively communicating change.
  • Interpersonal: Ability to build trust, navigate differing perspectives, and develop productive working relationships across diverse internal, governmental, and community stakeholders.
  • Communication: Ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, to diverse internal and external audiences.

NITA offers a highly competitive benefits package:
  • Pension plan or 401(k) salary match provided by NITA at no cost to you
  • 401(k) and/or 457 plan options
  • Hybrid work environment and flexible work schedules
  • Transit benefits to support your commute
  • Twelve paid holidays and one floating holiday
  • Competitive personal leave package
  • Parental leave
  • Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/AD&D Insurance/Pet Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Gym membership discount
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
  • Employee Assistance Program

Division Manager role typically offers salaries near $123,000 and shall consider a Manager tier for candidates who fit the manager role typically at salaries near $99,825. NITA offers competitive salaries with the possibility of a higher offer for highly qualified candidates. (The final scale of the classification for this position will be based upon the selected candidates demonstrated experience and qualifications.)
For more information about NITA, visit our website at https://www.rtachicago.org/.
To apply online: Select Login and within the drop-down box, "Login" to your account or create an account by selecting "Register."
For assistance during your application process (e.g. password login, errors, attaching documents), please contact us at: humanresources@nita.illinois.gov
An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
**Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-NITA employment while employed at NITA, or within one year immediately after ending NITA employment, the employee may be required to notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor ("OEIG") or may be subject to a fine.