Full Time Bus Operator

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is seeking a Bus Operator to operate MBTA surface vehicles, ensuring passenger safety and fare collection on assigned routes. You will perform vehicle inspections, announce destinations, and provide information to riders while following MBTA procedures.

The role requires at least an 18-year-old applicant with a high school diploma or GED and a valid Class B MA CDL permit with required endorsements, or the ability to obtain them.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Valid MA Class B CDL permit with General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Passenger endorsements or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Operates MBTA surface line vehicle along assigned routes, collecting fares and announcing destinations.
• Inspects and tests vehicle components to ensure safe operation.
• Respects procedures to protect revenue and maintains proper documentation.
• Maintains knowledge of MBTA system to provide routine information and directions.
• Reports emergencies and prepares required accident reports.

Skills

Customer service

Safety conscious

English proficiency

Punctuality

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Recently, changes to CDL requirements took place, and effective September 29, 2025, only those applicants with lawful status in the United States in one of the following employment-based non-immigrant categories will be eligible for a Non-Domiciled CLP or CDL:

H-2A (Temporary Agricultural Workers); or
H-2B (Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers); or
E-2 (Treaty Investors)

The Bus Operator operates an MBTA surface vehicle, assuming responsibility for the safety of passengers and equipment; performs routine vehicle inspections to ensure proper operation; collects fares from passengers and assists in emergency situations; and works under occasional supervision, following MBTA guidelines and procedure.

This is a 40-hour a week position that is also eligible for overtime. Candidates can expect to earn 100% of full-time hourly rate during training.

• Operates surface line vehicle along assigned routes. Operation of the surface line vehicle includes picking up passengers, collecting fares, checking passes and ID cards for validity, protecting revenue collected according to defined procedures, sitting for extended periods of time, and some exposure to vibrations, noise, airborne particles, and fumes.
• Inspects and/or tests the vehicle (including, but not limited to, brakes, lights, signs, doors, mirrors, wipers, tires and horn) to ensure serviceable condition.
• Regularly climb onto side of bus and reach with hands and arms to adjust side view mirrors.
• Reports and identifies mechanical problems or defects to the appropriate authority.
• Operates surface line vehicle maintaining appropriate speed and following distance from vehicles.
• Ensures that proper signs are displayed and changed as needed during each trip. Clearly announces destination at service stops, connecting points, and at all intervals along a route sufficient to permit individuals to orient themselves to their location.
• Notifies the Bus Control Center Dispatcher of any emergency, requesting additional assistance if needed. Evacuates passengers if the emergency situation warrants action and the Inspector is not available to make the decision. Operates onboard fire extinguisher.
• Maintains adequate knowledge of the MBTA system in order to provide routine information and directions to the public.
• Refers disputes over ID validity or fare collection to the official in charge of the station. Produces a written report to the Superintendent if the dispute is not resolved.
• Prepares accident reports as required.
• Responds to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor or co-worker, in a courteous and professional manner consistent with the Authority's "Driven by Customer Service" quality standard.
• Reports for duty on time and remains on duty for the duration of a scheduled work shift.
• Reports to work during declared states of emergency as essential personnel.
• Upholds the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
• Assists in the management of a workforce by ensuring the fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the Authority including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment and Anti Retaliation policies.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Additional responsibilities may include focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location specific functions.

Supervision

• None

• Possession of a high school diploma or its equivalent (G.E.D).
• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
• Possession of a valid driver's license for at least three (3) years.
• Possession or ability to obtain a valid Class B Massachusetts Commercial Driver's License (CDL) permit with General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Passenger endorsements.
• A satisfactory driving record for at least three (3) years prior to the date of hire.
• Ability to report to work on time and to work entire assigned work shift on regular and consistent basis.
• A satisfactory non-renew display for tickets report from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.
• Ability to pass selection Interview & Workforce Assessment
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, background screening, and the MBTA's medical requirements, including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screening.
• For applicants who have worked for employers regulated by the United States Department of Transportation within the previous two (2) years, the ability to pass additional drug and alcohol review based on information received from those employers.
• Ability to pass the Department of Telecommunications and Energy (DTE) skill performance and road test.
• Ability to read, write, comprehend, speak and respond to instructions, posted signs, and inquiries in English.
• Ability to effectively communicate with customers, employees and vendors.
• Successful completion of the required probationary period of 120 working days.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting, including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).

Substitutions

• None