Bus Operator

TriMet; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

TriMet is seeking qualified bus operators to provide safe, reliable and courteous service within the service area. You will perform pre-trip inspections, operate on scheduled routes, and maintain safety as a core value.

You will interact with customers, assist disabled passengers, and report issues to supervisors. A valid license, clean driving record, and ability to obtain a CDL with passenger endorsement are required. Union employment with wage range applies.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma (G.E.D.) or equivalent required.
• Valid driver’s license for past three years required.
• Ability to obtain Oregon/WA CDL Class B with Passenger endorsement and no air break restriction.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-trip safety inspection and monitor vehicle condition.
• Operate bus on assigned routes following schedules and policies.
• Develop defensive driving skills and assist passengers in emergencies.
• Monitor two-way radio and report incidents promptly.
• Provide accurate route, fare, and schedule information to customers.
• Assist disabled passengers with boarding and securing seating.
• Complete reports on route, safety, or operational issues.

Skills

Customer service

Defensive driving

English communication

Problem solving

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

What You’ll Do

Provide safe, reliable, courteous, and efficient bus transportation for people in the TriMet service area, and be committed to safety through consistent and professional work. Safety is a fundamental value that guides all aspects of our work!

Ensure a commitment to safety and regulatory compliance through effective leadership, training, role modeling and implementing practices that demonstrate safety is a fundamental value and a priority in all aspects of work.

Serve as a good steward of TriMet by regularly utilizing our transit system to maintain a strong and current understanding of customers’ experiences and of TriMet’s product and service offerings.

1. Prepare bus for operation by performing pre-trip safety inspection. Monitor the ongoing condition of the vehicle during operation.
2. Operate a bus on specified route(s) according to established time schedules. Follow District rules and policies, obey traffic laws, and remain knowledgeable regarding any changes in same.
3. Develop and practice defensive driving skills to prevent vehicle or passenger accidents. In the event of an accident or emergency, assist passengers to assure their safety.
4. Monitor and initiate two-way radio calls, reporting any unusual conditions such as accidents, passenger incidents or traffic problems promptly.
5. Provide accurate information to customers regarding fares, routes, schedules and operating rules. Announce major streets, transfer points, and points of interest as required. Maintain courteous and professional demeanor with customers at all times.
6. Assist disabled passengers with boarding and exiting the bus. Secure wheelchair clamps or safety belts as may be required.
7. Provide verbal and written reports to District supervisors and management regarding route, safety, schedule, fare, and operational problems or concerns.
8. Assist in the instruction of student operators for route orientation and further development of the student’s operating skills.
9. Prepare required paperwork, such as lost and found tags, accident/incident reports, and bus defect reports.

Requirements

A minimum of a High School Diploma (G.E.D.) or equivalent is required.

Possession of a valid and active driver’s license for the past three (3) years is required.

Ability to secure Oregon or Washington Interstate CDL Class "B" license (available at age 21), with a passenger "P" endorsement and no air break restriction is required. (Please understand that non-domiciled individuals may not be able to obtain an Oregon or Washington CLP/CDL. For more information see the Oregon or Washington DMV.)

Ability to pass a driving record check meeting TriMet driving record standards. To review our driving record standards, TriMet-Driving-Requirements.pdf (Download PDF reader)

A safe driving record meeting the established criteria is required:

• Traffic Violations/Accidents
  • Serious violations, which appear on the driving record, will disqualify an applicant from consideration for a period of ten (10) years.
  • Less serious violations will disqualify an applicant from consideration if they occurred in the last three (3) years.
• Suspensions
  • A suspended driver's license for longer than three months (90 days) in the past three (3) years will disqualify an applicant from consideration.

1. Ability to demonstrate/develop strong customer service/interpersonal skills to provide positive interactions with customers, problem-solving and customer assistance.
2. Ability to work with the public in a variety of situations while performing several tasks simultaneously.
3. Ability to use independent judgment and make decisions without direct supervision.
4. Ability to develop and maintain defensive driving skills and operate a transit bus in a safe and efficient manner, as demonstrated during training period.
5. Ability to read, write and communicate in English.
6. Willingness and ability to work various hours, including early morning and late night shifts split shifts weekends and holidays and split days off.
7. Ability to report to work regularly and on time.
8. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, management and the general public, including those from different backgrounds, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and/or other vulnerable populations.
9. Ability to pass the required post-offer job-related physical and drug screen for this position.

Type of Position / Grade / FLSA

Union, Exempt, Minimum starting wage: $30.23 to $40.29 per hour. Wage will be in accordance with the current Working and Wage Agreement, effective 12/01/2025. Regular full-time or part-time (minimum 25 hours per week).

Selection Process

Candidates will be selected based at a minimum on the result of:

1. Application Review/Work Record Review
2. Driving Record Review - Upon submitting your application, you are required to submit a Certified copy of your DMV report from every state (except Oregon) where you have held a driver's license in the past three (3) years. Refer to online instructions to download and attach documents to your application. Documents can be sent to: [e-mail].
3. Panel Interview
4. Criminal Background Check
5. Professional Reference Check
6. Drug Screenings
7. Medical Examination

Supplemental Information

Make sure you describe in detail how your education, training and work experience fit with this role. You are encouraged to attach a resume, cover letter, training certificates and/or letters of recommendation with your application. You are permitted five attachments of less than 5MB each.

Internal applicants: Information in your personnel file will not be used in lieu of information requested on your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you are a qualified veteran and would like to apply for veterans’ preference points, you will need to reflect your status on the application and attach supporting documentation at the time of application submission.

As applied to the workplace, applicants must be qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If you need accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act for any part of the application process, contact our Human Resources staff at 503-962-7505, or the TTY line at 7-1-1. Note that we require a minimum of two workdays’ notice prior to the need for accommodation.

TriMet is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to developing an organization that is reflective of and sensitive to the needs of the diverse community we serve, including veterans, the elderly and people with disabilities.

Have questions regarding our hiring process for bus operators? Please email us at [e-mail]!