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Trolley Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Skill in operating all vehicle types from 15-passenger van buses to 50 passenger trolley buses used ... in transporting passengers. Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate using a two-way ...

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Trolley Operator information

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$14

$23

$33

How much do trolley operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for trolley operator in the United States is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Trolley Operator vs Bus Driver?

AspectTrolley OperatorBus Driver
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL), sometimes specific trolley certificationsCDL required, often with passenger endorsement
Work EnvironmentOperate trolley cars on fixed tracks, often in urban areasOperate buses on routes, both urban and suburban
Industry UsagePublic transit agencies, tourist attractionsPublic transit, private transportation companies
Job FunctionsOperate trolley cars, ensure passenger safety, collect faresDrive buses, assist passengers, ensure safety and fare collection

Both roles involve operating vehicles for public transportation, requiring CDL licenses and safety protocols. Trolley Operators focus on fixed-track trolley systems, often in city centers, while Bus Drivers operate on flexible routes. The choice depends on the work environment and specific vehicle operation.

What is a trolley operator?

Trolley Operators are trained professionals responsible for operating electric streetcars or trolleys, primarily used for public transportation in cities. Their duties include driving the trolley along designated routes, ensuring the safety of passengers, collecting fares, and adhering to schedules. Trolley Operators must maintain focus and communicate effectively with passengers, sometimes assisting with boarding or providing route information. They also perform basic inspections of their vehicles to ensure they are in good working order before and during shifts.

What are some common challenges faced by trolley operators, and how can they be managed effectively?

Trolley operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining focus during long shifts, handling unpredictable traffic or weather conditions, and managing interactions with a diverse group of passengers. Effective communication skills, attention to safety protocols, and adaptability are key to overcoming these challenges. Many employers provide ongoing training and support, and operators usually work within a team structure that includes dispatchers and maintenance staff to help address any issues that arise during a shift.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trolley operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trolley Operator, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), a clean driving record, and a good understanding of transit safety regulations. Familiarity with vehicle controls, fare collection systems, and basic maintenance procedures is typically required. Strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help operators manage passengers and unexpected situations. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure safe, timely, and pleasant transportation for all riders.
More about Trolley Operator jobs

What cities are hiring for Trolley Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Trolley Operator job openings:

What states have the most Trolley Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Trolley Operator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Trolley Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 42% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

RELIEF TROLLEY OPERATOR (PART-TIME, AS NEEDED) - Ongoing

City of Greenville (SC)

Greenville, SC โ€ข On-site

$19.60 - $24.99/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Brief Description Job Summary Under regular direction and in compliance with standard operating procedures and policies, serves as a relief driver operating trolley bus to cover shifts or provide assistance as needed. Operates a trolley bus on a scheduled route through light to heavy City traffic, for the purpose of carrying passengers in a safe manner and in accordance with City, county, state, and federal laws, as well as City rules and policies. Assists passengers with disabilities as needed while safely performing operation procedures.

Monitors trolley, weather conditions, and safety of passengers. Job Duties Essential Functions % of Time Serve as Relief Driver: Fill in when when necessary to cover shifts or provide assistance. Operate trolley bus in a safe, proficient manner by applying brakes, starting and stopping engine.

Comply with all City, county, state, and federal traffic rules, regulations, laws, and procedures. Assist passengers with disabilities onto and off the wheelchair lift, operate lift/ramp, and secure wheelchairs as required. Adhere to the Greenlink Operations Handbook.

Ensure Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) system is logged in. Ensure driver area is clean at the end of each shift. Evacuate passengers in need during emergency situations.

Assist in the training of new drivers as assigned. Actively participate in the reporting of safety issues and concerns that are observed during the course of essential job functions. Perform Customer Service: Provide information in a courteous manner to passengers regarding routes, schedules, and transfers.

Make public address announcements in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. Act as a front-line point of contact to ensure delivery of quality customer service. Ensure an adequate supply of transfers for the customers.

Maintain Schedule and Count Passengers: Operate the trolley bus on a scheduled route in a manner that provides for the maximum possible safety to passengers while maintaining the scheduled time points. Effectively utilize paddles, manifests and other information, to follow routes and meet time points. Coordinate detour, accident and incident information to radio dispatch, and respond to instructions given.

Count passengers on a trip-by-trip basis. Monitor Physical Condition of Vehicle Perform Inspections, and File Reports: Observe all conditions of vehicle while driving including lights, mirrors, door, fare box, brake pressure, tire condition, heater, and/or air conditioner. Report any mechanical problem immediately.

Comply with all state and local laws pertaining to the operation of the vehicle. Safely and efficiently operate equipment on trolley bus, including fare boxes, wheelchair lifts, radio, and emergency equipment. Assure the cleanliness of the interior and seating area.

Conduct and document a thorough pre-trip inspection of the vehicle prior to operation on a daily basis as per Greenlink and state regulations. Comply with all company safety rules and operate assigned vehicles. Complete post-trip inspection at the end of each shift.

File necessary reports in case of an accident or incident with assigned vehicle or an injury to passengers and operators. Submit verbal and written reports on accidents or incidents required. Serve as a subject matter expert on Greenlink's Safety Committee as required.

Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Job Requirements High school diploma or equivalent. Over one (1) year of bus or trolley driving experience or completion of the City of Greenville Bus Operator in Training Program.

Driver's License Requirements Valid South Carolina Class B CDL with air brake provision and passenger endorsement. Performance Requirements Knowledge of: The safe operation of a public transit/trolley bus, including complete familiarization with its systems and safety features. Traffic rules, regulations and laws and procedures for the safe operation of a transit/trolley bus.

Geography and roadways of an assigned route and of the entire service area. Ability to: Operate a motor vehicle safely in heavy traffic and under various environmental conditions (such as rain, nightfall, and fog). Use mirrors to view objects behind and to the sides of the driver.

Operate wheelchair lift systems/ramps and assist passengers with disabilities. Conduct and document pre- and post-trip inspections and identify and communicate mechanical deficiencies for vehicles. Identify and report safety issues or concerns that are observed during the course of essential job functions.

Speak in public on a PA system. Prepare accident and incident reports, as well as, maintain basic records. Work without immediate supervision in the field after completion of the initial training period.

Maintain effective working relationships and deal courteously and effectively with the public, fellow employees, and supervisors. Handle confrontational passengers effectively. Be punctual and maintain regular, predictable attendance.

Work a flexible schedule that includes nights, weekends, holidays, working split shifts, and a reasonable amount of overtime. Make basic math calculations. Read and understand maps and schedules, rules and regulations, vehicle operating procedures, vehicle laws, and written and oral instructions.

Operate electronic scheduling and payroll software to monitor weekly schedules and hours worked. Operate vehicle radio, Mobile Data Terminal (MDT), and Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) system. Operate and/or utilize all standard safety equipment installed in transit vehicles, including; safety harnesses, restraints, and any other equipment required by federal, state, or local regulations.

Other Information Working Conditions Primary Work Location: Terminal, shop, vehicle, and outdoors (roadways). Protective Equipment Required: Seatbelt and safety vest. Environmental/Health and Safety Factors: Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards.

Occasional outside work. Daily exposure to extreme temperature, wetness and/or humidity, respiratory hazards, noise and vibration, and physical hazards. Constant exposure to fire hazards, communicable diseases, and physical danger or abuse.

Frequent exposure to mechanical hazards. Occasional exposure to chemical hazards and electrical hazards. Physical Demands: Continuously requires sitting, handling, vision, foot controls, balancing, hearing, and talking.

Frequently requires kneeling and bending. Occasionally requires standing, walking, reaching, crouching, twisting, pushing/pulling, and lifting. Light strength demands include exerting up to 20 pounds occasionally, 10 pounds frequently, or negligible amounts constantly AND/OR walking or standing to a significant degree.

Mental Demands: Frequently requires time pressures, frequent change of tasks, irregular schedule/overtime, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, working closely with others as part of a team, tedious or exacting work, and noisy/distracting environment. Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance The City of Greenville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Prospective and current employees should contact Human Resources to request an ADA accommodation. Disclaimer The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.

It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.