Bus Operator

Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART); Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 47,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) in Florida is seeking a Bus Operator to provide safe, timely transportation and assist passengers while adhering to schedules, traffic laws, and safety requirements.

This full-time position offers a union-backed pay of $22.72 per hour, with the next class beginning December 7, 2026. You will operate transit vehicles, communicate with the public, and support accessibility equipment for riders.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least two years of driving experience.
• Must be 18+ with US driver's license and clean record.
• Knowledge of defensive driving techniques and traffic rules.

Responsibilities

• Operate transit vehicles and follow schedules safely.
• Assist passengers and provide information on routes and fares.
• Collect fares and use accessibility equipment as needed.
• Report defects or safety concerns promptly.
• Attend required training and maintain professional conduct.

Skills

Commercial driving

Passenger service

Defensive driving

Verbal/written communication

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Wheelchair lifts

Two-way radios

Job description

Public Transportation Career Opportunity

Pay

$22.72 per hour under the union contract

Location

Employment

Full time

Next class

December 7, 2026

Requisition

26-075

Area of interest

Transit

Help Your Community Get Where It Needs to Go

Join HART as a Bus Operator and provide safe, timely transportation for the people who depend on us. You will operate transit vehicles, assist passengers and represent HART with courtesy and professionalism while following traffic laws, safety requirements and assigned schedules.

Why Choose HART

• Make a direct difference by connecting people with work, school, appointments and their community.
• Put your driving and customer service skills to work in public transportation.
• Earn $22.72 per hour under the union contract. The next class begins December 7, 2026.

What You Will Do

• Complete required pre-trip inspections and operate HART transit vehicles using defensive driving techniques and established safety procedures.
• Follow assigned routes and schedules, observe designated time points and safely pick up and discharge passengers.
• Answer questions about routes, connections, destinations, schedules and fares using public address systems, face-to-face communication, signage and route materials.
• Collect and account for fares and obtain assigned route materials from dispatch.
• Operate wheelchair lifts, securement systems and other accessibility equipment as requested or required under ADA and FTA requirements.
• Report mechanical defects, road hazards, vehicle or equipment malfunctions and other service concerns promptly.
• Prepare factual, concise accident and incident reports for dispatch as required.
• Conduct special surveys and passenger counts and distribute HART information as assigned.
• Attend required training, maintain courteous interactions with the public and perform other related duties as assigned.

What Success Looks Like

• Safe service. You follow traffic laws, use defensive driving techniques and report hazards promptly.
• Reliable operations. You meet attendance requirements and maintain assigned schedules while prioritizing safety.
• Respectful customer care. You provide clear information and assist passengers professionally, including those who use accessibility equipment.
• Accurate communication. You account for fares and prepare clear, factual records and reports.

What You Bring

Required

• A high school diploma or GED certificate.
• At least two years of commercial and/or noncommercial driving experience.
• At least 18 years of age and at least two years holding a United States driver’s license.
• A Florida driver’s license and a clean driving record with no more than seven points in the last three years.
• Knowledge of defensive driving techniques and the ability to operate HART vehicles and routes safely in daylight and darkness.
• Ability to understand local geography, HART schedules and routes, and Authority rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to communicate face-to-face and through public address systems.
• Ability to work under stress and interruptions, interact positively with diverse personalities and contribute as a flexible team member.
• Ability to follow written instructions, maintain records, prepare reports and perform calculations accurately.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality, appropriate dress and personal hygiene, and conduct that protects your safety and the safety of others.

Preferred

• A Florida Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License with a Passenger (P) endorsement.
• At least two years of customer service experience.

Tools and Equipment

Operate transit vehicles, two-way radios, telephones, wheelchair lifts and securement systems.

Work Schedule

Work schedules and assignments are based on the collective bargaining agreement and seniority.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Spend extended periods sitting and driving transit vehicles, with occasional bending, kneeling and stretching. Duties may also involve standing, walking, reaching and stooping.
• Lift objects weighing up to 25 pounds and occasionally push or pull objects exceeding 100 pounds while assisting a passenger using a wheelchair.
• Use hearing, sight and speech, along with perception of color, depth and texture, to perform assigned duties.
• Work in all weather conditions, with occasional exposure to extreme heat and cold and regular exposure to vehicle noise and fumes.
• Work may take place in office, outdoor, street, community or shop environments.
• May encounter potentially intimidating or unreceptive members of the public and occasional exposure to extreme noise, physical harm, fumes or airborne particles.

Safety and Security Responsibilities

All HART employees are responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for customers, contractors, visitors and coworkers. Employees must follow health, safety, security and quality-management procedures; recognize and report accidents and hazardous conditions; help develop and promote workplace safety procedures; and properly use and care for assigned equipment and materials.

HART promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training as required.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Accommodations

HART is committed to equal employment opportunity for all persons, regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other status protected by federal or state law. Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and interview process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of every responsibility, duty, qualification or working condition associated with the position. Employees may perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

It is the responsibility of all HART employees to provide a safe and secure environment for HART customers, contractors, visitors and fellow co-workers. HART employees are also responsible for:

• Adhering to stated policies and procedures relating to health and safety, security, and quality management.
• Recognizing and reporting all accidents and hazardous conditions.
• Assisting in the development of workplace safety procdures for their respective departments.
• Promoting workplace safety procedures within their department.
• Adhering to procedures relating to the proper use and care of equipment and materials for which the role has responsibility.

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may perform other duties as assigned.

The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

EEO Compliance: HART is committed to equal employment opportunity for all persons, regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or other status protected by Federal or State law.

ADA Compliance: Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application process and/or interview process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.