Bus Operator

AC Transit; California (MO); On-site; USD 54,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free AC Transit Bus Pass

Vacation and Sick Leave

Holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

AC Transit is actively seeking courteous, customer service oriented bus operators to safely operate our buses and provide the highest quality of service to our customers and community.

AC Transit offers a union position with a comprehensive benefits package. Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, 21 years of age, and several years of driving and customer service experience. Candidates must pass safety standards and DOT requirements to join our team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3 years driving experience and 1 year public contact experience.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow safety rules and company policies.

Responsibilities

• Operate a variety of District vehicles to transport passengers on a fixed route.
• Perform customer service activities and assist passengers with directions.
• Conduct pre-trip inspections and report safety concerns.
• Collect fares, distribute transfers, and ensure accurate fares.
• Prepare written reports and communicate about incidents or emergencies.

Skills

Customer service

Verbal communication

Safety awareness

Dependable

Education

High school diploma

Job description

AC Transit is actively seeking courteous, customer service-oriented and dependable individuals to safely operate our buses and provide the highest quality of service to our customers and community.

Responsibilities

• Operate a variety of District vehicles to transport passengers in a safe and courteous manner along a fixed route; transport buses between divisions and to other District locations as required.
• Perform customer service activities; assist passengers with directions; answer questions regarding District operations, rules, and regulations; respond to conflicts and disruptive/hostile/abusive passengers consistent with AC Transit training.
• Perform pre‑trip transit vehicle inspections; identify and report safety concerns, defects, and malfunctions that require repair.
• Operate equipment including computerized fare‑box, electronic head sign, doors, tailgate, windows, emergency escape hatch, rear lift (vans only), mirrors, seats, emergency brake system, and rear start.
• Collect passenger fares consistent with District fare collection policy; operate and monitor fare box; distribute, collect, and inspect transfers and passes; ensure accurate fares for seniors, adults, youth, and persons with disabilities.
• Prepare a variety of written reports and forms completely and legibly, including accident/incident reports; defect cards regarding equipment malfunction/failure; and reports of medical emergencies.
• Communicate with Operations Central Control (OCC) to provide information regarding 911 emergency situations, traffic problems, road hazards, accidents, and unusual activities or occurrences.
• Assist passengers requiring special assistance in a professional manner to ensure access to public transportation for all and promote passenger safety; assist all passengers in compliance with applicable civil rights statutes, regulations, and policies.
• In compliance with AC Transit training regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), operate passenger lift and kneeler to provide access to disabled passengers in boarding and de‑boarding, and safely secure disabled passengers.
• Perform related duties as required.

Education

Graduation from high school or attainment of a General Education Diploma (GED), California High School Proficiency Certificate, or equivalent.

Experience

A minimum of three (3) years operating a motor vehicle and one (1) year of public contact or customer service experience; must be at least 21 years of age.

Desired Qualifications

Exceptional verbal communication skills; professional interaction with customers; ability to courteously diffuse conflict. Motivated, dependable, punctual, and takes pride in representing AC Transit. Ability to work independently, follow safety rules, and company policies at all times.

Applicant Requirements

Must meet District safe driving standards including: 21 years of age; 3 years of driving with a regular license; no more than one moving violation in the past 3 years; no at‑fault accidents in the past 3 years; no failures to appear or pay in the last 3 years; no suspensions in the last 3 years; no reckless driving or DUI in the last 7 years.

Physical and Medical Requirements

Applicants must complete a DOT Physical to establish physical qualifications to perform the essential functions of the position. Must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination, including drug and alcohol screening tests. For wheelchair tie‑downs, ability to balance while simultaneously working low to the ground to manipulate and fasten tie‑down straps is required.

Licensing

A regular Class C license is required. Commercial driver’s license/permits are not required to apply.

Criminal History

All eligible candidates will be fingerprinted and screened for criminal history. Conviction of a crime is not necessarily a bar to employment; each case will be considered individually.

Union Representation

This position is a union position, represented by ATU.

Benefits

• Medical – Choice of two Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs): Kaiser Permanente and Health Net; $10 office visit copays; $5‑$35 prescription copays.
• Dental – MetLife Preferred Provider Organization (PPO); $50 annual deductible per person/$150 per family; $3,000 per person annual maximum; preventative care 100%; basic and major care 90%; orthodontia 50% of $4,000 lifetime maximum.
• Vision – Vision Service Plan; $10 copay; eligible for exam, lenses, frames or contact lenses every 12 months; $200 frame allowance or $120 contact lens allowance.
• Employer paid Basic Life Insurance.
• Employee paid Voluntary Term Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Medical premium reimbursement for eligible retirees.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Health Care, Dependent Care, Parking, Transit.
• AC Transit contributes up to $50 per month toward an employee’s FSA Transit costs.
• Free AC Transit Bus Pass.
• Federal Credit Union.
• Vacation and Sick Leave or Personal Time Off.
• Ten paid holidays; 2 paid floating holidays; 1 paid birthday holiday.
• Five bereavement days.
• Tuition Reimbursement – up to $2,500 per fiscal year on approved courses.
• Wellness Program.

Equal Opportunity Employer

AC Transit is an equal opportunity employer honoring religion, ethnic background, national origin, gender, gender expression, genetic information, disabilities, age, and veteran status. We are not only an inclusive employer but also offer a comprehensive benefits package rooted in choice, flexibility, and affordability. Most benefits are effective the first of the month following the hire date.

ADA Compliant and Drug‑Free Workplace

AC Transit provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. The District maintains a 100% drug and alcohol‑free workplace; applicants for safety‑sensitive positions will undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to employment and throughout employment.