Motor Coach Operator (Bus Driver)

Sunline; Thousand Palms, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 31,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

SunLine Transit Agency in Thousand Palms, CA is seeking motivated Motor Coach Operators to safely operate transit buses, assist passengers, and provide reliable transportation across our service area.

The role requires flexible scheduling, strong customer service, and strict adherence to safety regulations. Candidates must hold a valid CA Class B license and be able to pass background checks and drug testing.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English and maintain positive relationships with passengers and the public.
• Professional appearance and conduct consistent with agency standards.
• Ability to work flexible schedules as operational needs require.
• Possession of a valid California Class B Commercial Learner's Permit at hire.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a California Class B CDL with Passenger and Air Brake endorsements.
• Ability to pass drug and alcohol tests, medical certifications, background checks, and agency requirements.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate transit buses on assigned routes and schedules.
• Perform pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspections and report safety concerns.
• Provide courteous customer service and assist passengers with inquiries.
• Assist passengers, including seniors and individuals with disabilities, with boarding and mobility devices.
• Collect fares, issue transfers, and maintain schedule adherence.
• Comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and agency policies.
• Communicate delays, road conditions, and incidents to dispatch and supervision.
• Follow route modifications and detours as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

California Class B CDL with Passenger and Air Brake endorsements

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time Thousand Palms, CA, US

6 days ago Requisition ID: 1043

Salary Range: $22.45 To $30.24 Hourly

Join Our Team!

Are you passionate about providing excellent customer service and making a difference in your community? We are seeking safety-minded, customer-focused individuals to join our team as Motor Coach Operators. In this role, you will safely operate transit vehicles, assist passengers, and help provide reliable transportation services throughout our service area.

Position Summary

Under general supervision, the Motor Coach Operator safely operates transit buses on assigned routes and schedules, transports passengers efficiently and courteously, and ensures compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies. Operators serve as frontline ambassadors of the organization by providing exceptional customer service while maintaining a strong commitment to safety.

Schedule Availability: This position requires a high degree of scheduling flexibility. Motor Coach Operators may be assigned shifts that include weekdays, weekends, holidays, early mornings, late evenings, split shifts, and overtime. Candidates should have an open, flexible schedule and be prepared to work the hours needed to support continuous transit operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely operate transit vehicles on assigned routes and schedules in accordance with agency policies, traffic laws, and established safety procedures.
• Conduct required pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip vehicle inspections to ensure the safe and efficient operation of transit vehicles and related equipment. Identify, document, and report safety concerns, mechanical issues, or operational deficiencies in a timely manner.
• Provide courteous and professional customer service by assisting passengers with transit-related inquiries, communicating route and transfer information, and supporting a safe, positive rider experience.
• Assist passengers, including seniors and individuals with disabilities, with boarding, exiting, and the securement of mobility devices in accordance with applicable regulations and agency procedures.
• Collect fares, issue transfers, and maintain schedule adherence in accordance with agency policies and operational requirements.
• Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and agency policies governing the operation of commercial passenger vehicles.
• Respond appropriately to accidents, emergencies, service disruptions, and unusual situations, and complete required reports and documentation accurately and within established timelines.
• Communicate effectively with dispatch and supervisory staff regarding delays, road closures, detours, accidents, emergencies, and other service-related matters.
• Follow assigned route modifications and service detours as directed to maintain safe and reliable transit operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned in accordance with operational needs and applicable labor agreements.

Qualifications

Knowledge of

• Applicable California motor vehicle laws, regulations, and safe driving practices.
• Principles and practices of customer service and public interaction.
• Effective communication and interpersonal techniques, including the use of tact, patience, and professionalism when working with diverse populations.
• Basic vehicle safety inspection procedures and reporting requirements.

Ability to

Ability to report to work on time and maintain reliable attendance is an essential function of the position.

• Understand, interpret, and follow written and verbal instructions, policies, and procedures.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with passengers, coworkers, supervisors, and the public.
• Provide professional customer service in a variety of situations while exercising sound judgment and maintaining composure.
• Work varying shifts, schedules, days, locations, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.
• Read, interpret, and respond to route information, gauges, vehicle indicators, and other operational equipment.
• Complete required reports, forms, logs, and documentation accurately and timely.
• Perform basic mathematical calculations related to fare collection and job duties.
• Speak, read, and write effectively in English.
• Safely and appropriately respond to a variety of passenger, traffic, and operational situations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English and maintain positive working relationships with passengers and the public.
• Professional appearance and conduct consistent with agency standards.
• Ability to work flexible schedules as required by operational needs.
• Possession of a valid California Class B Commercial Learner's Permit at the time of hire.
• Ability to successfully complete all required training programs, including behind-the-wheel instruction, and obtain a California Class B Commercial Driver License with required endorsements within the established training period.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid California Class B Commercial Driver License with Passenger and Air Brake endorsements.
• Ability to pass and maintain compliance with all required drug and alcohol testing, medical certifications, background checks, and agency employment requirements.

Supplemental Information

Periodic Pay Adjustments:Periodic adjustments to the hourly rate over a new driver’s first 18 months of employment are contingent upon that employee meeting certain milestones pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the contract between Sunline Transit Agency and the Amalgamated Transit Union. The amount of those pay adjustments are also contingent upon which position is chosen after training, with the rate for the Paratransit Operator position being different than the rate for the Fixed Route Operator.

Application Deadline & Interview Process

Applications will be accepted through October 12, 2026. Qualified candidates selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted to schedule interviews, which are anticipated to take place during the week of October 12.

To ensure you receive important recruitment updates, interview invitations, and other employment-related communications, please monitor your email regularly, including your spam, junk, and clutter folders. Due to previous filtering issues, emails from the Agency have occasionally been directed to these folders. Candidates are responsible for ensuring they receive and respond to all communications in a timely manner.

Disclaimer: This job specification is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

All applicants are subject to SunLine Transit agency employment requirements, including our Physical. Drug and Alcohol testing program and Background check.

Nepotism Policy:Recruitment shall be conducted consistent with the Agency's nepotism policy, which is available upon request by contacting Human Resources at 760-343-3456, ext. 1609.

SunLine Transit Agency reserves the right to select the best-qualified person applying for vacant positions.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER