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Transit Bus Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bus Driver We are currently on the lookout for an experienced Bus Driver to join our elite team in ... As an operator and global integrator of mobility, we are driven by our purpose. Transdev - the ...

Bus Driver We are currently on the lookout for an experienced Bus Driver to join our elite team in ... As an operator and global integrator of mobility, we are driven by our purpose. Transdev - the ...

Bus Driver Trainee/I/II

Yreka, CA · On-site

$35K - $55K/yr

A Valid Class A or B Motor Vehicle Operator's license with passenger transportation, "S", and air brake endorsements, A California Special Driver Certificate valid for public transit bus driving (CVC ...

Bus Driver Trainee/I/II

Yreka, CA · On-site

$35K - $55K/yr

A Valid Class A or B Motor Vehicle Operator's license with passenger transportation, "S", and air brake endorsements, * A California Special Driver Certificate valid for public transit bus driving ...

Profile Union Position | Paid Training | Start Your Career in Transit RATP Dev USA , operating Visalia Transit , is now hiring Part-Time Bus Drivers . This is a great opportunity to begin a stable ...

Torrance Transit is accepting applications for Transit Supervisor. Come join the Torrance Transit ... Experience with in-service training of bus operators; and Strong written and oral communication ...

Bus Dispatcher

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $24.85/hr

Hollywood Bowl Transit FLSA Grade: Non-Exempt Pay Range : $18.50 - $24.85 / Hour Position Summary ... Act as the Bowl liaison to bus operators at your Park & Ride/Shuttle location * Maintain ridership ...

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Transit Bus Operator information

See California salary details

$14

$19

$26

How much do transit bus operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for transit bus operator in California is $20.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $22.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Transit Bus Operator, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), a clean driving record, and thorough knowledge of traffic laws and safety procedures. Familiarity with fare collection systems, GPS navigation, and basic vehicle maintenance tools is typically required. Exceptional customer service, patience, and strong communication skills help operators handle diverse passengers and unexpected situations. These competencies are vital for ensuring passenger safety, schedule reliability, and positive public interactions on daily routes.

What Does a Transit Bus Operator Do?

The primary responsibilities of a transit bus operator or driver are to transport passengers along a pre-assigned route. They have designated stops where they collect the fare from each passenger. It is important to make these stops on schedule. A transit bus operator also performs basic maintenance duties, such as checking the oil, tires, lights, and cleanliness of the vehicle. Qualifications to become a transit bus operator or driver include a commercial driver's license with a passenger endorsement,

What are some common challenges Transit Bus Operators face during their shifts, and how are they supported in handling them?

Transit Bus Operators often encounter challenges such as traffic congestion, schedule adherence, and managing interactions with a diverse range of passengers. They may also face unexpected route changes or inclement weather conditions. Transit agencies typically provide training in customer service and defensive driving, as well as real-time communication with dispatchers to offer support during difficult situations. Many employers also offer wellness programs and peer support networks to help operators manage the physical and emotional demands of the job.

What are Transit Bus Operators?

Transit Bus Operators are professionals responsible for driving buses along designated routes to transport passengers safely and efficiently. They pick up and drop off riders at scheduled stops, collect fares, and provide information or assistance to passengers as needed. In addition to driving, they ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers, adhere to traffic laws, and may assist people with disabilities. Transit Bus Operators often work for city or regional transportation agencies and play a vital role in public transportation systems.

What is the difference between Transit Bus Operator vs School Bus Driver?

AspectTransit Bus OperatorSchool Bus Driver
Required CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsementCDL with passenger endorsement, often a school bus endorsement
Work EnvironmentUrban or suburban public transit systems, city streetsSchool campuses, residential areas, school routes
Employer & IndustryPublic transit agencies, governmentSchool districts, private or public schools
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Transit Bus Operators and School Bus Drivers require a CDL with passenger endorsements and work in vehicle operation within their respective environments. Transit Bus Operators typically serve public transit systems in urban areas, while School Bus Drivers focus on transporting students to and from school. Despite differences in routes and settings, the skills and certifications needed are quite similar, making them comparable roles in the transportation industry.

What cities in California are hiring for Transit Bus Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Transit Bus Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Transit Bus Operator jobs in CA? For Transit Bus Operator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

$4K - $73K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Position Summary Under general supervision, operates a variety of transit vehicles to transport passengers along specific, assigned routes according to the District's requirements. Provide service in a safe, courteous and reliable manner. Responsible for written reports and other information as required.

Upon completion of the Golden Gate Transit Training Program, the employee operates regularly scheduled assignments. All runs will originate in either Santa Rosa, Novato or San Rafael. Hourly Pay: $32.46/hour to $38.19/hour NEXT APPLICATION REVIEW DATE:January 26, 2026 If selected for the position, new hires will need to complete Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District's Bus Operator Apprenticeship Program ($32.46/hr benefits not included) which is approximately six (6) to eleven (11) weeks

Upon successful completion of training, pay increase granted to$34.37/hrplus benefits. All new hires will be required to complete a 120 probationary period upon completion of training. SIGN ON BONUS

$1000 UPON COMPLETING TRAINING. ADDITIONAL $1000 ON 1 YEAR EMPLOYMENT ANNIVERSARY. THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENT(S)MUST BE SUBMITTED AT TIME OFAPPLICATION: GGBHT Online Employment Application DMV Report K4 printout (Scan and attach as PDF to your Online Employment Application) NOTE: ONLY DMV K4 reports will be accepted.

A DMV K4 printout report (3 year driving record) MUST come from any DMV kiosk. A complete DMV K4 report has the word ***END*** in capital letters at the end of the report. INTERNET PRINTOUTS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.

Applicants with DMV printouts older than 30 days will be eliminated (NOTE: You will be required to provide your original DMV K4 print-out if you are invited to the next step of the process). The printout should reflect a pattern of safe, responsible vehicle operation, and demonstrate a clean driving record which would include the following: NO Reckless Driving CVC 23103 through 23109 (reckless driving), or Driving Under the Influence CVC 23152 - 23153 (driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs). Any DUI or Reckless Driving violation on your DMV printout within the last seven (7) years is an automatic disqualification.

NO more than 2 moving violations and no "at fault" accidents within the last 3 years NO license suspension, revocation or probation for a period of 3 years prior to the date of this posting. NO convictions of California State Vehicle Code 20001 (leaving the scene of an accident involving bodily injury or death). NO Failures to Appear or Failures to Pay on DMV printout at the time of submission.

Any accidents on DMV printout must be accompanied by an insurance or police report verifying that you were not at-fault. If accident occurred while driving for an employer a company report is also required. Other violations, citations, and/or accidents will be reviewed on a case by case basis and may be cause for non-selection.

Selection Process: There are six steps in the selection process. You must pass each step to move on to the next step. The steps consist of the following: 1.

Successful completion of the application screening process 2. Video Examination and Written Examination 3. Panel Interview 4.

edical Examination, post offer of "conditional employment" (includes DOT medical and physical guideline requirements, a drug screen and physical abilities examination) 5. Criminal Investigation 6. Ten (10) year history conducted on Employment Background Verification Essential Responsibilities Transports passengers along assigned routes, making designated stops as required or requested Uses the fare box to accurately collect fares, issues transfers and gives general information Completes reports on patron count, non-scheduled mileage, vehicular deficiencies, fare box, accidents and other reports as required Operates automatic lift on buses and assists passengers in wheelchairs, those using crutches or walkers, or who have speech or mental difficulty Ensures that Driver's license and all other documents required of a commercial licensee are maintained and are current and valid Knows and follows the safety and health rules and safe working practices applicable to his or her job Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with District employees, customers, vendors and all others contacted during the course of work using principles of excellent customer service Performs additional related duties as assigned Regular and reliable attendance and performance are required Minimum Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: Education and/or Experience: No experience is necessary.

Must be a licensed driver for at least seven (7) years prior to the date of this posting. Satisfactory Driving Record o NO Reckless Driving CVC 23103 through 23109 (reckless driving), or Driving Under the Influence CVC 23152 - 23153 (driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs). Any DUI or Reckless Driving violation on your DMV printout within the last seven (7) years is an automatic disqualification.

o NO more than 1 moving violation and no "at fault" accidents within the last 3 years. NO license suspension, revocation or probation for a period of 3 years prior to the date of this posting. o NO convictions of California State Vehicle Code 20001 (leaving the scene of an accident involving bodily injury or death).

o NO Failures to Appear or Failures to Pay on DMV printout at the time of submission. o Any accidents on DMV printout must be accompanied by an insurance or police report verifying that you were not at-fault. If accident occurred while driving for an employer a company report is also required.

o Other violations, citations, and/or accidents will be reviewed on a case by case basis and may be cause for non-selection. Must pass the Student Bus Driver Training program and Probationary period. Required License(s): Must possess and maintain a current, valid California driver's license and satisfactory driving record.

Must be a licensed driver for at least 7 years prior to the date of posting. No more than 1 moving violation and no "at fault" accidents within the last 3 years. No reckless driving and DUI within the last 7 years.

No license suspension, revocation or probation for a period of 3 years prior to the date of this posting. No Failures to Appear or Failures to Pay on DMV printout at the time of submission. Other violations, citations, and/or accidents will be reviewed on a case by case basis and may be cause for non-selection.

Ability to obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL) is part of the completion of the Student Bus Driver Training program "Please be advised that, at this time, we are only accepting applicants with a valid California CDL that meets permanent (non-limited-term) legal presence requirements. Licenses issued as limited-term are not accepted for this position." Physical Requirements: A. For Driving by Federal Regulations: Have a vision at or correctable to 20/40 (Snellen), a field of vision of at least 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian in both eyes, and recognize the colors red, green and amber

Possess hearing in at least one ear allowing the perception of a whispered voice at five (5) feet; Has no loss of a foot, a leg, a hand, or an arm, or has been granted a skill performance evaluation certificate . Has no impairment of: o A hand or finger which interferes with prehension or power grasping; or o An arm, foot, or leg which interferes with the ability to perform normal tasks associated with operating a commercial motor vehicle; or any other significant limb defect or limitation which interferes with the ability to perform normal tasks associated with operating a commercial motor vehicle; or has been granted a skill performance evaluation certificate. Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus currently treated with insulin for control, unless the person meets the requirements in 49 CFR 391.46

Has no current clinical diagnosis of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, coronary insufficiency, thrombosis, or any other cardiovascular disease of a variety known to be accompanied by syncope, dyspnea, collapse, or congestive cardiac failure; Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of a respiratory dysfunction likely to interfere with his/her ability to control and drive a commercial motor vehicle safely; Has no current clinical diagnosis of high blood pressure likely to interfere with his/her ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely; Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of rheumatic, arthritic, orthopedic, muscular, neuromuscular, or vascular disease which interferes with his/her ability to control and operate a commercial motor vehicle safely; Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a commercial motor vehicle; Has no mental, nervous, organic, or functional disease or psychiatric disorder likely to interfere with his/her ability to drive a commercial motor vehicle safely B. By District Standards: Must be able to successfully pass the District's pre-employment drug and physical tests and acquire at least a six (6) month medical clearance. The District's pre-employment tests include the DMV physical, functional performance physical and FTA DOT drug screen.

Ability to sit without discomfort for prolonged periods of time on a variety of driver's seats in different models of buses, and fit behind the steering wheel with clearance between abdomen and wheel. Turn head up to 180 degrees in either direction on a regular and frequent basis. For wheel chair tie-downs: ability to bend, crouch, kneel, and/or balance while simultaneously manipulating and fastening tie-down straps.

Requires maintaining physical condition necessary for walking to enter and exit the vehicle, standing, lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds, pushing/pulling, and holding/gripping the steering wheel with both hands. Ability to communicate in person and over the dispatch radio. Constant mental alertness while driving in heavy traffic, diverting traffic and traffic hazards.

Work in varied shifts and/or hours. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of: District policies and labor agreement (MOU) provisions. Occupational health and safety rules and working practices applicable to this position.

Skills or Ability to:Read, write and speak English and perform basic mathematical procedures. Safely and smoothly operate coaches. Follow instructions and work independently.

Effectively communicate and be able to work with a diverse public in a courteous, calm and professional manner under all circumstances. Respond quickly, accurately and pleasantly to customer needs. Speak distinctly, clearly, and professionally.

Work during the week and evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. JOB INFO Details ADVERTISED Continuous HOURLY $32.46 - $38.19 ANNUALLY $67,516.80 - $79,435.20 JOB TYPE Regular, Full-Time LOCATION 1011 Andersen Drive, San Rafael, California Division Bus Division JOB HEALTH Application HealthOver Limit Diversity HealthN/A