Bus Operator (PT) Trainee

Transit Management Company; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 25,003 - 35,610; Full time

Job summary

Transit Management Company is seeking a Bus Operator in Chesapeake, Virginia. The successful candidate will operate transit vehicles, adhere to schedules, and provide excellent service to passengers.

This role requires a CDL along with driving experience and a strong commitment to safety. Competitive wages of $22.00 per hour are offered alongside a rewarding work environment.

Qualifications

• Two years of public driving experience or five years of related work experience.
• One year of customer service experience.
• Must have a CDL Class A or B license with air brake and passenger endorsement.

Responsibilities

• Operate a transit vehicle to transport passengers safely.
• Conduct pre-trip inspections and report any issues.
• Provide information regarding schedules and routes to passengers.
• Maintain communication with Central Communication for transit operations.

Skills

Customer Service

Driving Safety

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

High School diploma or equivalent GED

Tools

Computer software for bus operations

Job description

Hampton Roads Transit is looking for dynamic, customer‑service oriented, energetic people to become part of a committed team providing excellent public transportation to the Hampton Roads region. We offer unmatched benefits and competitive wages in a stimulating and rewarding environment.

Hourly Wage: $22.00

Key Responsibilities

• Operates a transit vehicle to pick up, transport, and discharge passengers while adhering to transit vehicle route schedule and maintaining a pleasant and courteous manner.
• Operates any one of the five models of buses varying in size from 29 to 40 ft.
• Performs HRT pre‑trip inspection of transit bus for mechanical problems prior to beginning scheduled run, including an external/internal visual inspection and pre‑testing all necessary equipment, operating/safety devices, and controls.
• Conducts an internal visual inspection at the end of revenue service to collect and turn in lost items.
• Completes familiarization with system and safety features, geography and roadways of an assigned route and of the entire service area, traffic rules, regulations and laws, transfer points and fare structures.
• Refers to time schedules and instructions for pull‑outs, line service, pull‑ins, and off‑route trips.
• Provides information on bus services to passengers, including bus schedules, routes and fare information.
• Receives and transmits two‑way radio messages involving accidents, incidents, emergencies, criminal activities or other authorized HRT business, utilizing judgment and discretion to ensure customer and individual safety.
• Maintains radio contact with Central Communication to report transit vehicle breakdown, accidents, interruptions in service or other vital information to maintain efficient transit operations.
• Writes reports and completes forms as required, and may prepare detailed written reports concerning accidents, incidents, breakdowns and mechanical defects at the end of shift.
• Adheres to safety rules, regulations, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to ensure the well‑being of Hampton Roads Transit customers and employees.
• Operates a passenger bus safely and effectively in accordance with the Virginia Code and local traffic regulations.
• Maintains scheduled timeliness over assigned route.
• Ensures safe operation of HRT vehicles under adverse conditions.
• Performs vehicle operations at varying hours of day and night.
• Works outside regular business hours as required by the Labor Agreement and by the selection of posted runs.
• Collects proper fares from boarding passengers.
• Operates a wheelchair lift, secures passenger wheelchair, and assists passengers with disabilities in boarding, riding and alighting in a safe manner which may include pushing a manual wheelchair up a particularly steep ramp.
• Completes all other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Abilities & Skills

• Comprehend and operate bus on all streets in Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach.
• Operate vehicle under safest possible conditions.
• Establish and maintain good public relations and effective working relationships with others.
• Successfully complete the Bus Operator Training Program with required minimum scores on all written and driving tests and evaluations.
• Read, write and speak English.
• Maintain a history of satisfactory attendance and punctuality.
• Read and understand maps and timetables, including determining directions and following a mapped‑out route.
• Use prudent judgment and common sense to make quick, safe decisions with minimal supervision and adapt to constantly changing operating environments.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with customers and HRT staff in a courteous, professional manner.
• Maintain professional composure while under stress and pressure.
• Have a working knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures and strategies to promote effective security operations for the protection of people, data, property and the organization.
• Have extensive knowledge of defensive driving techniques, safety guidelines, customer service procedures and SOPs relevant to your position.
• Have social perceptiveness skill to understand others’ reactions.
• See details from a distance and make sound judgment on objects that are closer or farther away from the vehicle to maintain the proper distance.
• Recognize when something is going wrong and respond quickly to situations that may jeopardize the safety of customers.
• Listen, understand and carry out information, ideas and direction presented verbally or electronically by Central Dispatch or a street supervisor.
• Display a high degree of maturity, courtesy, memory and concentration to perform duties.

Required Software Knowledge & Skills

• Proficiency in using computer systems and the software applications associated with the performance of assigned work.
• Basic problem‑solving skills related to software applications expected.
• Ability to use software for acquisition of forms, reports and operation of scheduled routes.

Safety Responsibility

Perform all job duties in a safe manner to protect oneself, fellow employees and the public from injury or harm; promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures and policies; actively report unsafe conditions and hazards to the Supervisor, Manager and/or Safety Department.

Training & Education

High School graduate and/or equivalent GED.

Required Experience

Two years of public driving experience or five years of related work experience; one year of customer service experience.

Licenses & Certificates

Must have a CDL Class A or B license with air brake and passenger endorsement.

Special Requirements

• Position classified as essential personnel.
• Ability to pass DOT physical examination.
• Successfully complete Hampton Roads Transit’s bus operations training program.
• Pass a job‑related agility assessment.
• Pass federal government background screening for local military installation access.

Physical Demands

• Climb and descend bus steps.
• Climb up and down the stairwell.
• Walk approximately ¼ mile in all weather.
• Bend at the knees or squat for various pre‑trip requirements.
• Lift up to 50 lbs.
• Kneel, bend and squat at wheelchair securement positions.
• Have excellent night vision.

Unusual Demands

• Work flexible hours on various days of the week, including weekends, evenings and holidays, and be available on short notice.
• Meet multiple demands on a timely basis.

Equal Opportunity Statement

HRT is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need reasonable accommodations to complete the HRT employment application and/or interview, contact HRT Human Resources at (757) 222‑6000 or email [e-mail].