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Transit Bus Operator Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

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Transit Bus Operator information

See Georgia salary details

$12

$17

$22

How much do transit bus operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for transit bus operator in Georgia is $17.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $19.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a transit bus operator?

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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Transit Bus Operator jobs in GA?

For Transit Bus Operator jobs in GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Transit Bus Operator job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,591 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Bus Operator G121 Metra Transit

Columbus Consolidated Government

Columbus, GA • On-site

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 hours ago


Job description

Major Duties and Responsibilities This position is responsible for operating a METRA transit bus. Prepares the bus for safe operation: conducts pre-trip inspection and checks off daily safety prevention checklist for both interior and exterior of the bus. Boards and inspects passengers.

Drives bus and maintains route schedule; monitors fare box, passes, and identifications for the purpose of assuring accurate fare amounts. Operates essential equipment. Assists passengers with disabilities; operates a wheelchair lift; secures wheelchairs and passengers; assists passengers in distress; notifies dispatcher of bus location and symptoms of passengers in distress.

Perform duties required by the Office of Homeland Security, assisting customers in safe evacuation from the bus; observing, determining, and reporting activities, packages and substances that are suspicious or out-of-place; ability to use a common sense approach when faced with various emergency situations to ensure public/passenger safety and proper bus operation. Provides information and directional assistance. Accesses revenue readings for surveys; provides input on route adjustments.

Operates a radio; reports accidents and emergency situations when en route; assists 911 by reporting inoperative traffic lights. Participates in random and mandatory drug and alcohol testing. Attends annual driver refresher training; attends courses in defensive driving as needed.

Notifies dispatcher and obtains necessary repairs and maintenance work at each turn-around point; secures bus in case of accident or engine malfunction; directs traffic around bus as needed. Opens the Transfer Center daily; checks employees as they come in; issues buses; handles incoming calls; provides information about routes; manages bus schedules; prepares mileage reports and surveys; maintains a log of daily activities; prepares requests for charters; sells swipe cards; drives charters for special tours. Performs the duties of the supervisor in his or her absence and needed.

Performs other related duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of the principles and practices involved in operating assigned automotive equipment. Knowledge of first aid techniques and procedures.

Knowledge of city streets and bus routes. Knowledge of traffic rules, regulations, and statutes. Skill in the safe operation of assigned automotive and other equipment.

Skill in the operation of standard office equipment. Skill in oral and written communication. Ability to assist customers using patience and understanding.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Minimum Educational and Training Requirements Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of specialized training in the occupational field, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education. Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.

Must possess a valid Commercial; Driver's License. Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years. Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

Physical Requirements The work is typically performed while sitting for prolonged periods of time in a driver's seat and/or at a keyboard. The employee must have the ability to: lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds; push an occupied standard wheelchair with weight capacity per ADA standards (600 pounds); open emergency hatch on top of bus; manually lift bus ramp if needed; open emergency exit windows; walk around and inspect vehicle. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: Balancing - maintain equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching.

Crawling - moving about on hands, knees, or hands, feet. Crouching - bending body forward by bending leg, spine. Feeling - perceiving attributes of objects by touch with skin, fingertips.

Grasping - applying pressure to object with fingers, palm. Handling - picking, holding, or working with whole hand. Hearing 1 - perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, receive information.

Hearing 2 - receive detailed information, make discrimination in sound. Kneeling - bending legs at knee to come to rest at knees. Lifting - raising objects from lower to higher position, moving objects side to side, using upper extremities, back.

Manual Dexterity - picking, pinching, typing, working with fingers rather than hand. Mental Acuity - ability to make rational decisions through sound logic, deductive reasoning. Pulling - use upper extremities to exert force, haul or tug.

Pushing - use upper extremities to press against objects with force, or thrust forward, downward, outward. Reaching - extending hands or arms in any direction. Repetitive Motion - substantial movements of wrists, hands, fingers.

Speaking - expressing ideas with spoken word, convey detailed, important instructions accurately, concisely. Stooping - bending body downward, forward at waist, with full motion of lower extremities and back. Talking 1- expressing ideas by spoken word.

Talking 2 - shouting to be heard above ambient noise. Visual Acuity 1 - prepare, analyze data, transcribing, computer terminal, extensive reading. Visual Acuity 2 - color, depth perception, field of vision.

Visual Acuity 3 - determine accuracy, neatness, observe facilities/structures. Visual Acuity 4 - operate motor vehicles/heavy equipment. Visual Acuity 5 -close acuity for inspection of small defects, machines, use measurement devices, or fabricate parts.

Walking - on foot to accomplish tasks, long distances, or site to site. The work is typically performed in an office, library, computer room, or outdoors where the employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, fumes, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, irritating chemicals, hot, cold or inclement weather.