Metro Transit Bus Operator-Part Time Weekday

Metropolitan Council; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 38,572 - 46,838; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits after 30 days

Pay raises under ATU contract

Sign-on bonuses

Job summary

Metro Transit is hiring part-time Weekday Bus Operators to serve the Twin Cities with reliable, customer-focused urban transit. Start wage is $29.70/hour with scheduled raises under the ATU contract as you gain seniority.

Successful candidates will complete training, meet license requirements, and work shifts that fit the weekday schedule, with benefits available 30 days after starting. A strong commitment to safety and service is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 18 months of verifiable work experience in the past 7 years.
• Desired 3 years of verifiable work experience with at least 1 year at one employer.
• Must have been actively driving with a valid license (class A, B, C or D) for past five years.
• Week Zero training option for CDL acquisition and endorsements.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional service to customers by greeting passengers and answering questions about fares.
• Perform pre-trip bus inspections inside and outside the bus.
• Safely operate the bus according to routes and schedules.
• Ensure safe boarding and timely transportation of riders including vulnerable individuals.
• Complete forms and paperwork such as incident reports.
• Call out street names while driving per ADA requirements.

Skills

Customer service

Safety awareness

English proficiency

Education

No degree required

Job description

WHO WE ARE

Metro Transit is an operating division of the Metropolitan Council, the regional policy‑making body, planning agency, and provider of essential services in the seven‑county Twin Cities metro area.

Metro Transit is a leading transportation resource for the Twin Cities, offering an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, microtransit, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike. In 2024, we provided more than 47 million rides across the Twin Cities region. The vision and mission of Metro Transit is to connect people, strengthen communities, and improve lives by delivering high‑quality public transportation.

Metro Transit is currently hiring Part‑time Weekday Bus Operators to carry out the mission, vision, and values of the organization. These individuals are human service oriented; enjoy interacting with and serving the public; have strong interpersonal and customer service skills; and are career oriented.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Non‑citizen applicants (Except for lawful permanent residents), please note: As of December 2, 2025, the MN DVS has temporarily paused the issuing of non‑domiciled Commercial Driver's Licenses as required by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

NOTE: The candidates that hold a Commercial Driver's License with the passenger endorsement and no restriction to airbrakes, their permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

This position is eligible for benefits 30 days after starting. There are pay rate increases until employees reach the top of the pay range per ATU contract.

Starting hourly wage rate is $29.70/hour. After one year of employment, the hourly wage rate will increase per the ATU contract.

$5000 Hiring Bonus for current CDL holders with Passenger endorsement and no Air Brakes restriction.

• $2500 after probation completion (approximately 6 months after training is completed)
• $2500 after one year anniversary of hire

$3000 Hiring Bonus for all other licensed drivers.

• $1500 after probation completion (approximately 6 months after training is completed)
• $1500 after one year anniversary of hire

What you would do in this job

• Provide exceptional service to customers by greeting passengers, answering questions about fares, and responding to general inquiries and concerns.
• Perform pre‑trip bus inspections inside and outside the bus.
• Safely operate the bus according to pre‑determined routes and schedules.
• Ensure the safe boarding and timely transportation of riders, including unsupervised minors and vulnerable individuals.
• Complete forms and paperwork such as operating and accident/incident reports.
• Call out street names while driving per ADA requirements.
• Perform other related duties as needed or assigned.

For those not fully licensed for the Bus Operator position:

Candidates who do not have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or who need to add one or more of the following three endorsements (General Knowledge, Air Brakes and Passenger) to their current Commercial Driver's License, may be hired into the training class called 'Week Zero' where they study for and take the Commercial Learner's Permit test during their first week of employment.

Work Schedule

The work week is Monday through Friday. Part‑time weekday bus operators work 2.5 to 3 hours on average during both of the following time periods: '5:00 AM to 9:30 AM' and '2:30 PM to 8:00 PM'. 30 hours per week guaranteed after successfully completing 6 weeks of training.

All new hires start at $29.70 per hour and all shifts and job information will be governed by ATU seniority and the union agreement.

Shift differential.

5% for all hours worked in a shift scheduled between 8:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. 7% for all hours worked in a shift scheduled between 12:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

Work History Requirement: 18 months of verifiable work experience within the past seven (7) years.

Desired Work History: Three (3) years of verifiable work experience within the past seven (7) years and you must have worked for one of these employers for at least one (1) full year.

License Requirement:

• Must have been actively driving with a valid driver's license (class A, B, C or D) for the past five years.

Type of License:

• Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with the Passenger Endorsement and no restriction to Air Brakes; or
• Class C or D Driver's License with an unexpired Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) to include each of the following three endorsements - General Knowledge, Air Brakes and Passenger; or
• Week Zero Candidates: the ability to obtain a week after being hired a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) to include each of the following three endorsements - General Knowledge, Air Brakes and Passenger.

Driving Record Requirement:

• No more than two (2) moving violations within the past three (3) years.
• No suspensions within the past three (3) years.
• No revocations or withdrawals of license within the past three (3) years.

Candidates will be automatically disqualified if they have any of the following driving related convictions within the past ten (10) years:

• DWI/DUI
• Careless or Reckless Driving
• Inattentive Driving (talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system - anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.)
• Open Bottle
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Committing a felony while operating a motor vehicle
• Refusing to comply with implied consent
• Violating state or local law (other than parking violations) arising in connection with a fatal accident

Language Literacy Requirement: Ability to understand, write and speak English to communicate with customers, write reports, and understand training materials.

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Experience reading paper maps and routes.
• Experience utilizing a transit or transportation system as a rider or driver or operator.
• Experience working with challenging customers with the skill of maintaining a calm demeanor in stressful situations.
• Desire to serve the public with compassion and empathy by providing resources.

What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have after training:

• Knowledge of transit operating policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of de‑escalation strategies to help maintain a calm and safe environment on the bus.
• Ability to operate a bus according to safety rules and regulations.
• Ability to read and follow paper maps and routes.
• Ability to serve customers by providing exceptional service with compassion and empathy.

What you can expect from us

• Employee safety is a priority at Metro Transit, and we ensure that all bus drivers/operators are properly equipped with the necessary safety and protective equipment.
• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on‑site training opportunities.
• We offer opportunities for career advancement.
• We provide a competitive salary, and excellent medical, dental and retirement benefits. Bus Operators are eligible for benefits 30 days after their hire date.

Additional information

Union/Grade: Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005 (ATU) / Grade 45

FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt

Safety Sensitive: Yes. Subject to random DOT drug tests.

What your work environment would be: Employees work both inside and outside in varied weather and environmental conditions. One‑third to two‑thirds of the time work is done near moving parts or equipment, vibrations and around toxic or caustic chemicals, fumes or airborne particles. The typical noise level for this position is loud.

Physical Requirements: Employees will be regularly required to sit for long periods, stand/walk occasionally, clearly communicate in‑person and using a two‑way radio, hear normal conversations in‑person and over a two‑way radio, reach with hands/arms frequently below chest height, bend, stretch and secure wheelchairs with a 4‑point lap/shoulder belt. Occasionally needing to reach overhead and lift/carry/push/pull up to 25 pounds. Employees must have adequate close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We will review your application for minimum qualifications.
2. We request your Work Record Evaluation (internal ATU employees only).
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.

Training Schedule – Part‑time Weekday Bus Operators

Training is on a full‑time work schedule, is fully paid and averages 7.5 hours each day. Monday through Friday from approximately 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Training will take approximately 6 weeks. Once bus operators have successfully completed training, they will be assigned to a bus garage. Work locations and schedules are assigned based upon part‑time bus driver/operator seniority and the needs of each garage. Upon completion of training, you will be assigned to a part‑time work schedule.

Background and Physical Screening

Individuals with a criminal conviction do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case‑by‑case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

IMPORTANT: Candidates who make a false statement or withhold information, may be barred from job consideration. The Council does not provide VISA sponsorship. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affictive Action, and veteran‑friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. If you have a disability that requires an accommodation during the selection process, please email HR‑[e-mail].