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Transit Bus Cleaner Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Bus Driver PT

Janesville, WI · On-site

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

Transit Bus Operator Under direction of Transit Operations Supervisor or designee, this position ... Performs seasonal work assignments (e.g. snow removal, clean-up/painting of building and grounds ...

New

Bus Driver PT

Janesville, WI · On-site

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

Transit Bus Operator CITY OF JANESVILLE DIVERSITY STATEMENT: The residents of Janesville choose ... Performs seasonal work assignments (e.g. snow removal, clean- up/ painting of building and grounds ...

Transit Bus Cleaner information

See Madison, WI salary details

$8

$16

$20

How much do transit bus cleaner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for transit bus cleaner in Madison, WI is $16.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $17.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a transit bus cleaner?

Transit Bus Cleaners are responsible for cleaning and maintaining the interior and exterior of public transportation buses. Their duties typically include sweeping, mopping, disinfecting surfaces, emptying trash, and sometimes performing minor maintenance. This role ensures that buses are safe, hygienic, and presentable for passengers and operators. Transit Bus Cleaners often work outside of regular service hours to prepare vehicles for the next day’s routes. Attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently are important qualities for this job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a transit bus cleaner?

To thrive as a Transit Bus Cleaner, you need attention to detail, reliability, and a basic understanding of cleaning procedures, usually supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial cleaning equipment, cleaning chemicals, and adherence to safety protocols is typical in this role. Strong work ethic, time management, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team help individuals stand out. These skills ensure that buses are cleaned efficiently and safely, supporting public health and maintaining a positive experience for transit riders.

What are some common challenges faced by transit bus cleaners, and how can they be managed effectively?

Transit Bus Cleaners often work under tight schedules to ensure buses are cleaned and ready for service, which can be challenging during peak periods or inclement weather. Additionally, they may encounter hazardous materials or difficult messes requiring specialized cleaning procedures. To manage these challenges, it's important to follow safety protocols, use proper protective equipment, and maintain good communication with supervisors and team members. Many transit agencies also provide training and support to help cleaners work efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Transit Bus Cleaner vs Bus Washer?

AspectTransit Bus CleanerBus Washer
CredentialsNone required, sometimes training providedTypically no formal credentials, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentInside and outside of buses, maintenance facilitiesCar washes, bus depots, outdoor settings
Employer & IndustryPublic transit agencies, private transportation companiesBus companies, transit agencies, vehicle service providers

Both roles involve cleaning buses, but Transit Bus Cleaners often work inside buses and may handle additional maintenance tasks, while Bus Washers focus on exterior cleaning at designated facilities. The roles share similar credentials and work environments, making them closely related but distinct in scope.

What are popular job titles related to Transit Bus Cleaner jobs in Madison, WI? For Transit Bus Cleaner jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Transit Bus Cleaner jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Transit Bus Cleaner job openings:
Infographic showing various Transit Bus Cleaner job openings in Madison, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Full Time, 76% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $34,245 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Transit Bus Operator

Under direction of Transit Operations Supervisor or designee, this position operates a transit bus on designated routes in a safe, courteous, and efficient manner. Reports to Transit Operations Supervisor or designee. Has no regular supervisory duties. Has regular contact with Assistant Transit Director, Transit Maintenance Supervisor, Transit Director, division employees, and general public.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Essential duties are not necessarily listed in priority order.

  1. Daily bus driving on designated routes throughout the JT system, as assigned.
  2. Conducts all operations in accordance with established rules and standards, keeping safety as the first priority.
  3. Provides excellent customer service to the public.
  4. Fare handling, providing route and scheduling information, conducts daily pre-trip inspections, necessary paperwork, sweeping of buses, and maintaining a timely schedule.
  5. Provides occasional assistance with fuel line and custodial duties.
  6. Performs seasonal work assignments (e.g. snow removal, clean-up/painting of building and grounds, "top-to-bottom" bus cleaning, installing bus stop signs.
  7. Secures mobility devices safely on buses.
  8. Performs other special projects and other job duties as assigned or required during regular and non-business hours.
  9. All employees may be assigned by the City Manager or their designee to perform duties and assume responsibilities that are outside the scope of their work duties when the City Manager has declared a City disaster or the City Emergency Operations Center has been initiated.

The requirements listed below are necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

  1. Must be 21 years of age or older.
  2. High school diploma or equivalent is required.
  3. Minimum three years' driving experience is required.
  4. Must have a valid state-issued driver's license.
  5. If not already fully licensed for commercial driving with passenger endorsement and no air brake restrictions, must possess a valid Commercial Driver Learning Permit, issued from the State Motor Vehicle Department, and present to Human Resources upon date of hire with the City of Janesville. Applicant will not be allowed to begin employment without proof of a valid Commercial Driver Learning Permit.
  6. Possession or ability to obtain and maintain a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with passenger endorsement and no air brake restrictions within 60 calendar days of date of hire.
  7. Excellent driving record, as reported by State Motor Vehicle Department.
  8. Excellent prior work record.
  9. Experience transporting passengers (coach/school bus, transit bus, paratransit, shuttle van, minibus/cutaway, taxi, rideshare, etc.) desired.
  10. Customer service experience desired.

For successful performance in this position, the incumbent must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors.

Skills:

  1. Excellent communication skills, paired with a strong customer service background, and effective interpersonal skills.

Ability to:

  1. Pass pre-employment physical examination including drug screen. This position will be required to participate in random drug and alcohol testing, as per federal transit requirements.
  2. Identify and report vehicle defects.
  3. Comply with all safety policies, practices, and procedures, and report all unsafe activities or conditions to supervisor.
  4. Keep daily record of completed tasks.
  5. Effectively learn and use Information Technology processes aboard the bus, such as tablets for inspections and fare collection.

Behaviors:

  1. Establish and maintain effective work relationships with Transit Director, Assistant Transit Director, Transit Operations Supervisor, division supervisors and employees and general public.
  2. Interact positively with a diverse group of individuals, and work effectively both as part of a team and independently.
  3. Embrace and actively promote an inclusive and equitable work environment.
  4. Reliable, timely, and proactive in the completion of duties,
  5. Strong ethics base built upon integrity, honesty, initiative, and respect

Heavy duty transit buses, trucks, cars, and vans; specialized bus technology and software. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by any an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in both indoor and outdoor environments and may, on occasion, be exposed to adverse weather conditions, including extreme heat and extreme cold, high winds, and wet/humid conditions. This position spends the majority of their work day sitting and driving a municipal transit bus. This position occasionally walks, stands, stoops, kneels, crouches, crawls, and exerts up to 50 pounds of force by lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling objects. The employee is frequently required to see/observe, talk/speak, and listen/hear; use their hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects and equipment; repetitive arm, wrist, hand, and eye movements are included. There is frequent twisting, reaching, wrist turning, and grasping. The employee may be required to climb or balance Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of equipment. Employee is required to use cognitive ability to reason, analyze, and verbalize thoughts and ideas. Requires the ability to recognize and identify similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, shapes, and sounds associated with job-related objects, materials or tasks. Noise exposure is moderate--passenger conversation, diesel engine noise, automobile traffic noise, two-way radio conversation.