Part-Time Bus Operator

Chicago Transit Authority; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 38,021; Part time

Job summary

A public transportation agency in Chicago is seeking a Part-Time Bus Operator to drive buses over established routes while providing excellent customer service. The ideal candidate will have a valid Illinois Commercial Driver's License and experience in delivering outstanding service. This role requires adherence to safety regulations and effective communication with passengers. Candidates must be at least 21 years old and capable of passing mandated drug testing. Competitive pay is offered at $27.60 per hour.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must pass drug and alcohol testing.
• Must have an acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Drive the bus and announce stops.
• Inspect passes and collect fares.
• Operate lift for disabled passengers.

Skills

Customer service experience

Knowledge of traffic laws

Ability to read bus schedules

Knowledge of arithmetic

Clear communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED preferred

Tools

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

Job description

Description - Internal

This position is classified as PART TIME. Candidates hired into Part-Time Bus Operator will remain part-time for the duration of their employment at CTA. In order to become Full-Time Bus Operators, part-time bus operators will be required to submit an application on CTA’s career page when the position is posted and complete any outstanding hiring processes.

Position Summary

Salary - $27.60 Operates a bus over an established route adhering to predetermined schedule in a safe, efficient and courteous manner to allow passengers to board, travel and alight at scheduled stops.

Part-Time Bus Operator - (2500005R)

Primary Responsibilities

• Drives bus and announces stops along routes.
• Announces cross streets and intersecting transit stops.
• Inspects passes; ascertains appropriate fares.
• Ensures that customers deposit only appropriate coins and bills into fare-box.
• Issues and receives transfer cards (collects invalid transfer cards) and receives and returns fare-cards.
• Contacts Control Center regarding all problems.
• Operates lift to board and discharge disabled passengers.
• Inspects vehicle for lost articles.
• Prepares daily trip sheets and bus for service.
• Removes refuse and prepares bus for pull-out.
• Tallies various categories of boarding passengers by manually operating a recording device.
• Enters tally numbers from recording device at beginning and end of run.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Required to submit to and pass drug and alcohol testing as mandated by the Federal Transportation Administration.
• Required to be at least 21 years of age.
• Required to have an acceptable driving record and a valid State of Illinois Class "B" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or a valid State of Illinois CDL permit with the following three endorsements: KNOWLEDGE, PASSENGER and AIR BRAKES.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Required to be standing changing destination and bus numbers, signs, helping people board bus, to walk to relief points, checking bus and sitting while driving bus.
• Required to lift, to carry and to push of brake pedal and accelerator, windows and to pull door control latch.
• Required to climb into vehicle and adjustment of mirrors, to balance, to stoop to adjust driver’s seat, to kneel, to crouch and to crawl.
• Required to reach accepting and validating transfer cards and fare cards, adjusting mirror, to handle transfer and fare cards; steering wheel, to finger operating fare box, horn, punching transfers, to feel distributing and receiving transfer and fare cards, to talk announcing streets and answering passenger inquiries, to hear listening to traffic sounds, signal requesting stops, emergency vehicles, passenger questions and radio monitor.
• Required to see near and far watching stopped vehicles, checking passes/cards and general traffic conditions viewing of traffic signals and riding passes.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Possess customer service experience or skills to provide outstanding customer service to passengers.
• Must possess a comprehensive knowledge of the rules, regulations and procedures relative to the operation of surface vehicles.
• Must possess a comprehensive knowledge of pertinent state and municipal traffic laws.
• Must possess the skills necessary to accurately read and interpret bus schedules. Must possess a thorough knowledge of the fare structure, transfer regulations and the rules and procedures governing Bus Operators.
• Required to possess a knowledge of arithmetic.
• Required to speak in a clear and accurate manner.
• Must possess a thorough knowledge of the preparation and usage of applicable transportation forms.

Additional Details

Employees and/or union members will be given priority consideration in the hiring process, per the applicable labor contracts.

Rate to be determined by applicant's entered service date and service date in union jurisdiction of this classification.

CTA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, unfavorable military discharge, disability or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws; except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for our workforce and supporting the communities we serve. CTA will make reasonable accommodations for the known disabilities of otherwise qualified applicants for employment as well as its employees, unless undue hardship would result. If you require an accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact [e-mail] prior to the submission of your application or upon notification of your actual test date. CTA will work with you to determine if an accommodation can be provided.

TO BE CONSIDERED APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED IN THEIR ENTIRETY INCLUDING:

• UPLOADED RESUME / WORK HISTORY
• QUALIFICATIONS
• JOB ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

INFORMATION PROVIDED MUST BE ACCURATE AND TRUTHFUL.

Failure to respond to correspondences during the hiring process in a timely fashion may result in your application being closed out for non-responsiveness.

CTA Benefits

https://www.transitchicago.com/hrbenefits/

Primary Location

USA-Illinois-Chicago

Job

Bus Operations

Job Posting

Feb 13, 2026, 6:00:00 AM

Position Type

Part-time Temporary (PTT)