Bus Driver (Transit Operator)

Whatcom Transportation Authority; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 42,705 - 45,460; Full time

Job summary

Whatcom Transportation Authority is seeking operators for its January 2027 class. The role involves safe operation of buses for fixed routes and paratransit services, with training and compliance requirements described in the posting.

Compensation starts at $31.30 per hour during full‑time training with annual step increases. Applicants must meet minimum qualifications and be prepared for informational sessions and interviews in late 2026.

Qualifications

• Ability to safely operate a transit vehicle under varied conditions.
• Ability to communicate clearly with dispatch, passengers, and co‑workers.
• Commitment to safety policies and ADA requirements.

Responsibilities

• Readies and inspects vehicles for safe operation.
• Operates two‑way radio for dispatch and safety communications.
• Ensures passenger safety, including securement and evacuations as needed.
• Adheres to fare policy and collects ridership data.
• Provides courteous customer service and system information to passengers.
• Completes timecards and reports as required.
• Maintains vehicle readiness and punctual attendance.
• Supports paratransit and fixed‑route service on assigned routes.

Skills

Vehicle operation

Safety compliance

Customer interaction

Communication

Route navigation

Problem solving

Multi-tasking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

We are currently recruiting for our January 2027 Transit Operator class. We will have Info Sessions in October 2026 and Interviews in November 2026. Apply before September 30 to be considered for our January 2027 class.

This position is responsible for the safe, reliable, efficient and friendly operation of passenger buses for the public transportation system. Operators provide paratransit demand‑responsive service and fixed‑route passenger bus service with assigned schedules.

Essential Job Functions

Either Service

• Readies and inspects vehicles, including safety items, cleanliness and general appearance, at launch and throughout the day in order to insure safe and efficient operation of equipment. Reports any equipment defects as prescribed by WTA policy and procedures.
• Operates two‑way radio for professional routine communication with dispatch center and other vehicles as well as to report accidents, emergencies, or other unusual situations related to equipment and / or passengers.
• Responsible for proper securement of passengers and mobility devices, and safe evacuation of passengers in any emergency situation.
• Assures compliance with WTA's fare policy and collects ridership information.
• Promotes good passenger relations through courteous treatment of passengers and providing information regarding system operations.
• Completes and submits timecards, incident reports, and other information requested by the WTA.
• Returns and secures vehicle at WTA yard in accordance with established procedures.
• Must be willing to work day, evening, split shifts, and weekends.
• Must maintain punctual and regular attendance to provide dependable service to the public.

Paratransit Service

• Operates a paratransit vehicle providing demand‑responsive service to persons with disabilities and the general public on assigned routes and schedules.
• Assists passengers boarding and disembarking from vehicles, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and WTA policy as they apply to paratransit service.
• Uses computer technology for passenger, route and schedule record‑keeping and information.

Fixed‑Route Service

• Operates a passenger coach on prescribed routes and time schedules in accordance with established safety and operational policies and procedures while picking up and delivering passengers at regular stops.
• Assists passengers boarding and disembarking from vehicles, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and WTA policy as they apply to fixed‑route service.
• Always interacts with other assigned persons when relieving or being relieved on shift.
• Maintains continual attendance at coach, except for scheduled breaks, to ensure the security and safety of both the coach and passengers, the maintenance of radio contact with dispatch and other drivers, and to provide system information to inquiring passengers in the terminal.

Other Job Functions

• Receives on‑going organization training on issues related to the position (e.g., CPR / First Aid, Passenger Relations, etc.)
• Participates in passenger counts and other related activities as required.
• May assist in the training of new drivers as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to safely operate a transit vehicle under all conditions of weather, roadways, and traffic while successfully dealing with passengers, route and schedule requirements.
• Ability to use judgment to assess situations, take appropriate actions by evaluating individual circumstances and prioritize conflicting needs.
• Ability to perform multi‑task functions in what can sometimes be a high‑stress environment.
• Ability to gain operational knowledge of the system and every coach assigned.
• Ability to read and comprehend maps, schedules and route information.
• Knowledge of traffic laws and safety rules applicable to the transportation of passengers.
• Ability and willingness to maintain a courteous, professional approach when handling the public and problems that arise.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with co‑workers at all levels of the organization, people affiliated with other organizations, and with the general public.
• Ability to utilize computer equipment to input work time, farebox information, receive and interpret route and schedule information, and other basic computer functions.
• Ability to successfully complete WTA's Operator Training Program.
• Ability to understand and apply WTA and Operations policies and procedures.

License or Certificate

• Applicants must have a high school degree or equivalent.
• Applicants must be at least 21 years of age at time of application with at least five years of driving experience.
• Valid Washington State driver's license at time of hire and ability to obtain a valid Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements within six weeks of hire and maintain licensing during length of employment.
• Applicants must have an acceptable driving record (in accordance with WTA personnel policy 3.03 "Employment Requirements") and must submit a five year driving abstract.
• Must pass a comprehensive background check (in accordance with RCW 43.43.830 through 43.43.840, Child / Adult Abuse Information Act.)
• Obtain and maintain a valid and current CPR card within 3 months of hire.

Working Conditions, Tools And Equipment

• Work is performed frequently to constantly while inside passenger bus. Seldom to occasional outdoor work is required to assist passengers as needed.
• Operators wear a WTA uniform and meet appearance standards as set in policy.
• Constant vibration while driving bus.
• Moderate, frequent noise while on bus.
• Exposed to dust occasionally.
• Exposed to vapors / fumes occasionally.
• Exposed to extreme weather seldom to occasionally.

Physical Requirements

• Physical ability to perform essential job functions including, but not limited to, sitting for extended periods of time, standing, walking, stooping / bending, pushing / pulling (approximately 50 lbs.), lifting (approximately 30 lbs.), and climbing (stairs).
• Has distant vision acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellen) in each eye without corrective lenses or visual acuity separate corrected to 20/40 (Snellen) in both eyes with or without corrective lenses, field of vision of at least 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian in each eye, and the ability to recognize the colors of traffic signals and devices showing standard red, green, and amber.
• Hearing unimpaired or correctable to minimum requirements of Section 391.41 CDL Physical Standards.
• Full and complete use of all limbs to operate coach controls.
• No history of cardiovascular impairment or related disease.
• Meets all other minimum requirements of Section 391.41 CDL Physical Standards.
• Must be able to comfortably and safely board, sit in and maneuver throughout vehicle.

Special Requirements

• All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a medical evaluation and Department of Transportation (DOT) drug screen.
• As a safety‑sensitive position, must participate in FTA regulated drug‑testing program, including random drug testing as a condition of employment.

Selection Process

• Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to take a video based test. Evaluation of experience, qualifications, and video test scores will determine which candidates will be invited for an interview.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Women and Minorities Encouraged to Apply

Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace including marijuana

COMPENSATION: 2026 Rates

• $31.30 / hour, during full‑time 10‑11 week training period
• Annual step increases