Bus Operator (Full-Time)

San Mateo County Transit District; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

San Mateo County Transit District is seeking a Bus Operator Trainee to safely operate District transit vehicles in fixed-route service. You will interact with the public, follow schedules, collect fares, and perform inspections as required.

Training will cover DOT regulations and district procedures. Qualified applicants have a high school diploma or GED, and at least one year of customer service experience.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED certificate.
• One (1) year of full-time customer service or public interaction experience. No prior commercial driving or Bus Operator experience is required.
• Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license at the time of application including at least two (2) years of maintaining a satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid California Class B Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), Commercial Driver License (CDL), and required endorsements (Passenger & Air Brake) as a condition of employment.
• Eligibility to obtain CLP and CDL is determined by the California DMV; applicants must meet licensing requirements before paid training.

Responsibilities

• Operate District buses in revenue service in compliance with applicable laws and District policies.
• Transport passengers along assigned routes while maintaining schedules and making stops.
• Collect fares and ensure proper fare handling procedures are followed.
• Conduct required pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspections of assigned vehicles.
• Assist passengers, including those with disabilities, by properly positioning and securing wheelchairs and mobility devices.
• Announce stops and provide route, fare, and service information to the public.
• Communicate with Dispatch and other District personnel using two-way radio systems.
• Complete required forms and reports related to passenger counts, accidents, incidents, vehicle defects, and service changes.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions, equipment defects, and service disruptions.
• Promote safe work practices and comply with all safety procedures.

Skills

Traffic laws

Customer service

Public interaction

Vehicle safety

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Posting number: 2025-00287

Department: Bus Operations

Division: Bus Operations

Job classification: Bus Operator Trainee

Posting type: Open

Categories: Transportation, Transit

Summary

This is a bus driver role responsible for the safe and efficient operation of District transit vehicles in fixed-route service. Operators perform duties requiring direct public contact and are expected to exercise independent judgment within established policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Bus Operators report to the Bus Transportation Management, which may include Managers, Assistant Managers, and Supervisors.

WORK SCHEDULE: Varies – days, nights, weekends, and holidays (per CBA)
WORK LOCATION: Varies – San Carlos, CA and/or South San Francisco, CA

Examples of duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Operate District buses in revenue service in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and District policies.
• Transport passengers along assigned routes while maintaining schedules and making designated stops.
• Collect fares and ensure proper fare handling procedures are followed.
• Conduct required pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspections of assigned vehicles.
• Assist passengers, including those with disabilities, by properly positioning and securing wheelchairs and mobility devices.
• Announce stops and provide route, fare, and service information to the public.
• Communicate with Dispatch and other District personnel using two-way radio systems.
• Complete required forms and reports related to passenger counts, accidents, incidents, vehicle defects, and service changes.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions, equipment defects, and service disruptions.
• Promote safe work practices and comply with all safety procedures.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Traffic laws and safe driving practices
• Customer service and public interaction
• Basic vehicle safety

Ability to:

• Safely operate transit vehicles under varying traffic and weather conditions
• Communicate clearly and courteously with the public and co-workers
• Read and interpret maps, schedules, timetables, and written instructions
• Accurately complete reports and documentation
• Follow oral and written instructions
• Maintain attention and composure in stressful or emergency situations

Qualifications

Education

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED certificate.

Experience

• One (1) year of full-time customer service or public interaction experience.
  No prior commercial driving or Bus Operator experience is required.

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license at the time of application including at least two (2) years of maintaining a satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid California Class B Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), Commercial Driver License (CDL), and required endorsements (Passenger & Air Brake) as a condition of employment.

Note: Eligibility to obtain a California Class B Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) and Commercial Driver License (CDL) is determined by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Applicants are responsible for ensuring they meet all DMV licensing requirements before participating in the District's paid training program.

Supplemental information

Special Requirements

• Must meet the District’s Good Driving Record standards at the time of application and throughout employment.
• Must be able to work varying shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Must successfully complete all required training and probationary requirements.
• Must comply with all applicable District policies, Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, and safety requirements.
• Must maintain a valid DOT medical certificate, as required for the position, throughout employment.
• Must maintain a valid Commercial Driver’s License, as required for the position, throughout employment.

Physical Requirements

Position requires the ability to:

• Sit for extended periods while operating a vehicle
• Bend, twist, kneel, and reach to operate vehicle controls and secure wheelchairs
• Use hands and feet to operate manual and foot controls
• Lift and maneuver wheelchair securement devices
• Respond verbally to radio communications and passenger inquiries

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a transit vehicle and in a yard environment with exposure to traffic, varying weather conditions, noise, and vibration.
• Regular contact with the public, including handling difficult or disruptive situations.

Selection Process

Applicants will be evaluated based on education, experience, and job-related criteria. The selection process may include:

• Application screening
• DMV Driving Record Review consistent with District standards
• In-person panel interview
• Job-related fit test to assess the ability to perform the essential physical functions of the Bus Operator position

Pre-Employment Conditions

Final candidates must successfully complete:

• Pre-employment DOT drug screening (5-panel)
• Background investigation
• Maintain a driving record that meets District standards
• Possess or obtain a valid California Class B Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) as before the start of paid training program

Equal Employment Opportunity

The District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws.