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Rta Bus Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Rta Bus Driver information

See California salary details

$8

$19

$28

How much do rta bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for rta bus driver in California is $19.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an RTA bus driver?

An RTA Bus Driver is responsible for safely operating buses for a Regional Transit Authority (RTA), transporting passengers along designated routes. They ensure passenger safety, follow traffic laws, and adhere to schedules. Additional duties include assisting passengers, collecting fares, and maintaining cleanliness. Strong communication and customer service skills are essential.

What does an RTA bus driver do?

A typical workday for an RTA Bus Driver involves following designated routes, adhering to schedules, and safely transporting passengers between stops while providing friendly customer service. Drivers conduct pre-trip vehicle inspections, assist passengers with boarding or fare payment questions, and communicate any delays or issues to dispatch. The job may include split shifts, early morning or late evening hours, and interacting with a diverse range of passengers each day. Collaboration with other drivers, supervisors, and maintenance staff is common to ensure smooth operation and address any on-the-job challenges quickly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the RTA bus driver position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an RTA Bus Driver, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), excellent driving skills, a clean driving record, and a strong understanding of traffic regulations. Familiarity with vehicle safety inspection procedures, fare collection systems, and route navigation technology is essential. Strong customer service skills, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help drivers interact effectively with passengers and manage challenging situations. These qualifications ensure safe, efficient transportation and a positive rider experience for the community.

What disqualifies you from being an Rta Bus Driver?

To qualify as an RTA Bus Driver, candidates must have a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and pass background checks and drug screenings. Disqualifications include a history of serious traffic violations, criminal convictions, or failing to meet physical and medical requirements. Additionally, a lack of proper training or certification can prevent eligibility for the role.

What are popular job titles related to Rta Bus Driver jobs in California?

For Rta Bus Driver jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rta Bus Driver jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Rta Bus Driver jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Rta Bus Driver job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,658 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Bus Operator-SLO Regional Transit Authority (SLORTA)

County of San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$25.25 - $33.33/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


County Of San Luis Obispo rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

385th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

About the Position Bus Operator San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Our Bus Operators are the most important part of our transit system. You are the first face our passengers see and the most important contact to RTA. Driving a bus is a skilled profession but it is really a job about helping people in your community.

RTA is offering a $2,000 signing incentive to bus operators who fulfill the program requirements. You could be operating any one of the following vehicles: Buses, Paratransit Vehicles, Vans and Trolleys. A Class-B license with passenger and air brake endorsements is required.

No experience, no problem. RTA offers a 40 hour a week comprehensive paid training program to get your Class B license and endorsements Upon successful completion of the 6-7 week training program, operators will be assigned to part-time or full-time bids, as available. Benefits for Full-Time: Full-time (35+ hours per week) employees receive a benefit package that includes full health coverage insurance for the employee (family medical coverage available at employee's expense), Personal Time Off, six (6) paid holidays, an RTA-funded 457 Plan and term life insurance.

Click here for a complete job description. The Ideal Candidate Some of the requirements to consider: You must have a good driving record and a valid California Driver's license. We provide study classes to help you get your Class B driver's permit.

Please note that a Class B does require you to be at least 21 years of age. You will learn to apply proper driving procedures, which are trained, learn the transit routes and schedules, and be able to read, understand, and interpret transit system operating rules, regulations, and policies. A background check and health screening take place before an applicant's start date.

We would love to add you as an addition to our team. When applying please use a valid email address as this will be used to communicate through the hiring process and thereafter. How to Apply Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date.

To apply for this position, click "apply" at the top of this page. This recruitment requires you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews. Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process.

Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process. If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed

(RTA) The Regional Transit Authority is a Joint Powers Agency serving residents and visitors of: Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Grover Beach, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, and The County of San Luis Obispo. For further information regarding the San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority, visit our website at www.slorta.org. Supplemental Information THIS RECRUITMENT AND THE POSITION FOR WHICH YOU ARE APPLYING IS WITH THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY (RTA), WHICH IS AN INDEPENDENT JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

RTA has contracted the services of the San Luis Obispo County Human Resources Department for administering and processing employment applications. RTA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

RTA does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. RTA is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through application of its equal employment opportunity plan in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. RTA's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Plan is available online at www.slorta.org

If you have a disability or special need that requires reasonable accommodation, please contact RTA directly at (805) 781-4472. Reasonable Accommodation Notice Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job.

Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us for more information. Veteran's Preference Points If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veteran's preference points as part of the recruitment process

Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points. Click here for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit. Please note that Veteran's credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement.

Equal Employment Opportunity The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors.

In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at (805)781-5959.


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