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Transit Bus Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Government of the Virgin Islands

$39K/yr

The Mass Transit Bus Operator works consists of a wide range of duties involving the picking up and dropping-off of clients and the safe operation of a medium or heavy vehicle used to transport ...

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Transit Bus Operator information

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How much do transit bus operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for transit bus operator in the United States is $20.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $22.84 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 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 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.

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What cities are hiring for Transit Bus Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Transit Bus Operator job openings:

What states have the most Transit Bus Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Transit Bus Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Transit Bus Operator jobs?

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

Transit Bus Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Transit Bus Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,150 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Metro Transit Bus Operator-Full Time

Metropolitan Council

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$29.70/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago

Metropolitan Council rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

484th of 846 rated public administrative organizations

Job description


WHO WE ARE

Metro Transit is an operating division of the Metropolitan Council, the regional policy-making body, planning agency, and provider of essential services in the seven-county Twin Cities metro area.

Metro Transit is a leading transportation resource for the Twin Cities, offering an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, microtransit, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike. In 2024, we provided more than 47 million rides across the Twin Cities region. The vision and mission of Metro Transit is to connect people, strengthen communities, and improve lives by delivering high-quality public transportation.

Metro Transit is currently hiring Full-Time Bus Operators to carry out the mission, vision, and values of the organization. These individuals are human service oriented, enjoy interacting with and serving the public, have strong interpersonal and customer service skills, and are career oriented.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Non-citizen applicants (Except for lawful permanent residents), please note: As of December 2, 2025, the MN DVS has temporarily paused the issuing of non-domiciled Commercial Driver's Licenses as required by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Click on this link for more detailed information Commercial driver's license (CDL) | Minnesota Department of Public Safety

NOTE: The candidates that hold a Commercial Driver's License with the passenger endorsement and no restriction to airbrakes, their permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

This position is eligible for benefits 30 days after starting. To learn more about the benefits being offered click here Drive Benefits - Metro Transit.

There are pay rate increases until employees reach the top of the pay range per ATU contract.

Starting hourly wage rate is $29.70/hour. After one year of employment, the hourly wage rate will increase per the ATU contract.
$5000 Hiring Bonus for current CDL holders with Passenger endorsement and no Air Brakes restriction

  • $2500 after probation completion (approximately 6 months after training is completed)
  • $2500 after one year anniversary of hire

$3000 Hiring Bonus for all other licensed drivers

  • $1500 after probation completion (approximately 6 months after training is completed)
  • $1500 after one year anniversary of hire
What you would do in this job
  • Provide exceptional service to customers by greeting passengers, answering questions about fares, and responding to general inquiries and concerns.
  • Perform pre-trip bus inspections inside and outside the bus.
  • Safely operate the bus according to pre-determined routes and schedules.
  • Ensure the safe boarding and timely transportation of riders, including unsupervised minors and vulnerable individuals.
  • Complete forms and paperwork such as operating and accident/incident reports.
  • Call out street names while driving per ADA requirements.
  • Perform other related duties as needed or assigned.

For those not fully licensed for the Bus Operator position:

Candidates who do not have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or who need to add one or more of the following three endorsements (General Knowledge, Air Brakes and Passenger) to their current Commercial Driver's License, may be hired into the training class called "Week Zero" where they study for and take the Commercial Learner's permit test during their first week of employment.

Work Schedule - The work schedule for full-time Bus Operators can start any day of the week, working 5 days with 2 days off or 4 days with 3 days off.

Assigned shifts for 5-day work can be:

  • 8 hours per day for 5 days or
  • 9 hours per day for 4 days and 4 hours for 1 day

Assigned shifts for 4-day work can be:

  • 10 hours per day

Full-time Bus Operator schedules will require working weekends, late evenings, overnights, and holidays.

All new hires start at $29.70 per hour and all shifts and job information will be governed by ATU seniority and the union agreement. Overnight shifts are eligible for differential pay.

Shift differential.
5% for all hours worked in a shift scheduled between 8:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
7% for all hours worked in a shift scheduled between 12:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

Work History Requirement:

18 months of verifiable work experience within the past seven (7) years.

Desired Work History:

Three (3) years of verifiable work experience within the past seven (7) years and you must have worked for one of these employers for at least one (1) full year.

License Requirement:

  • Must have been actively driving with a valid driver's license (class A, B, C or D) for the past five years.

Type of License:

  • Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with the Passenger Endorsement and no restriction to Air Brakes; or
  • Class C or D Driver's License with an unexpired Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) to include each of the following three endorsements - General Knowledge, Air Brakes and Passenger; or
  • Week Zero Candidates: the ability to obtain a week after being hired a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) to include each of the following three endorsements - General Knowledge, Air Brakes and Passenger.

Driving Record Requirement:

  • No more than two (2) moving violations within the past three (3) years.
  • No suspensions within the past three (3) years.
  • No revocations or withdrawals of license within the past three (3) years.

Candidates will be automatically disqualified if they have any of the following driving related convictions within the past ten (10) years:

  • DWI/DUI
  • Careless or Reckless Driving
  • Inattentive Driving (talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system - anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.)
  • Open Bottle
  • Leaving the scene of an accident
  • Committing a felony while operating a motor vehicle
  • Refusing to comply with implied consent
  • Violating state or local law (other than parking violations) arising in connection with a fatal accident

Language Literacy Requirement:

Ability to understand, write and speak English to communicate with customers, write reports, and understand training materials.

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

  • Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a Passenger endorsement, and no restriction to Air Brakes.
  • Valid Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) with a Passenger endorsement, and no restriction to Air Brakes.
  • Experience reading paper maps and routes.
  • Experience utilizing a transit or transportation system as a rider or driver or operator.
  • Experience working with challenging customers with the skill of maintaining a calm demeanor in stressful situations.
  • Desire to serve the public with compassion and empathy by providing resources.

What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have after training:

  • Knowledge of transit operating policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of de-escalation strategies to help maintain a calm and safe environment on the bus.
  • Ability to operate a bus according to safety rules and regulations.
  • Ability to read and follow paper maps and routes.
  • Ability to serve customers by providing exceptional service with compassion and empathy.

What you can expect from us:

  • Employee safety is a priority at Metro Transit, and we ensure that all bus drivers/operators are properly equipped with the necessary safety and protective equipment.
  • We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
  • We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training opportunities.
  • We offer opportunities for career advancement.
  • We provide a competitive salary, and excellent medical, dental and retirement benefits. Bus Operators are eligible for benefits 30 days after their hire date. To learn more about benefits please click here Drive Benefits - Metro Transit.

More about why you should join us!

Additional information

Union/Grade: Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005 (ATU) / Grade 45
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: Yes. Subject to random DOT drug tests.
What your work environment would be:
Employees work both inside and outside in varied weather and environmental conditions. One-third to two-thirds of the time work is done near moving parts or equipment, vibrations and around toxic or caustic chemicals, fumes or airborne particles. The typical noise level for this position is loud.

Physical Requirements:
Employees will be regularly required to sit for long periods, stand/walk occasionally, clearly communicate in-person and using a two-way radio, hear normal conversations in-person and over a two-way radio, reach with hands/arms frequently below chest height, bend, stretch and secure wheelchairs with a 4-point lap/shoulder belt. Occasionally needing to reach overhead and lift/carry/push/pull up to 25 pounds. Employees must have adequate close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

  1. We will review your application for minimum qualifications.
  2. We request your Work Record Evaluation (internal ATU employees only).
  3. We conduct a structured panel interview.

Training Schedule - Full-time Bus Operators - Training is fully paid and averages 7.5 hours each day Monday through Friday from approximately 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Training will take approximately 6 weeks. Once bus operators have successfully completed training, they will be assigned to a bus garage. Work locations and schedules are assigned based upon full-time bus driver/operator seniority and the needs of each garage.

Candidates who are new to the Metropolitan Council, must pass a background check which verifies work history, DOT transportation related employment, criminal history, and a pre-employment drug test and physical.

Individuals with a criminal conviction do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.
If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, a driving record check and a physical.

IMPORTANT: Candidates who make a false statement or withhold information, may be barred from job consideration. The Council does not provide VISA sponsorship. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. If you have a disability that requires an accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us

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