Bus Driver (Transit Operator)

We are currently recruiting for our 2026 Transit Operator October 2026! Apply by June 30, 2026 to be considered for the October 2026 class.

You do not need professional driving experience – we have a paid, comprehensive training program that will help you get your CDL! If you want to drive, and like working with community members, we can provide you with the tools to succeed as a Bus Driver with WTA. Right now, we are looking for Bus Drivers for our upcoming classes with the next one scheduled for October 2026.

We have information sessions and testing as needed throughout the year. You will be contacted via email if you meet the minimum qualifications with an invitation to attend an information session (RSVP required).

If you are interested in learning more about our Transit Operator Hiring Process, please take a look at our webpage: https://www.ridewta.com/hiring-process/

COMPENSATION: *2025 RATES* until Collective bargaining agreement finalized.

• Starting wage $30.39/ hour. This starts the first day of your full-time 10-11 week training period
• Annual step increases from $30.39 up to $37.99 after 5 years
• The compensation and benefits document will be attached to this job posting for reference

Please read this posting to understand the important roles and responsibilities of being a Bus Driver (Transit Operator) at WTA.

This position is responsible for the safe, reliable, efficient and friendly operation of passenger buses for the public transportation system. Operators provide paratransit demand-responsive service and fixed route passenger bus service with assigned schedules.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Either Service

1. Readies and inspects vehicles, including safety items, cleanliness and general appearance, at launch and throughout the day in order to insure safe and efficient operation of equipment. Reports any equipment defects as prescribed by WTA policy and procedures.
2. Operates two-way radio for professional routine communication with dispatch center and other vehicles as well as to report accidents, emergencies, or other unusual situations related to equipment and / or passengers.
3. Responsible for proper securement of passengers and mobility devices, and safe evacuation of passengers in any emergency situation.
4. Assures compliance with WTA's fare policy and collects ridership information.
5. Promotes good passenger relations through courteous treatment of passengers and providing information regarding system operations.
6. Completes and submits timecards, incident reports, and other information requested by the WTA.
7. Returns and secures vehicle at WTA yard in accordance with established procedures.
8. Must be willing to work day, evening, split shifts, and weekends.
9. Must maintain punctual and regular attendance to provide dependable service to the public.

Paratransit Service

1. Operates a paratransit vehicle providing demand-responsive service to persons with disabilities and the general public on assigned routes and schedules.
2. Assists passengers boarding and disembarking from vehicles, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and WTA policy as they apply to paratransit service.
3. Uses computer technology for passenger, route and schedule record-keeping and information.

Fixed-Route Service

1. Operates a passenger coach on prescribed routes and time schedules in accordance with established safety and operational policies and procedures while picking up and delivering passengers at regular stops.
2. Assists passengers boarding and disembarking from vehicles, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and WTA policy as they apply to fixed-route service.
3. Always interacts with other assigned persons when relieving or being relieved on shift.
4. Maintains continual attendance at coach, except for scheduled breaks, to ensure the security and safety of both the coach and passengers, the maintenance of radio contact with dispatch and other drivers, and to provide system information to inquiring passengers in the terminal.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Receives on-going organization training on issues related to the position (e.g., CPR / First Aid, Passenger Relations, etc.)
2. Participates in passenger counts and other related activities as required.
3. May assist in the training of new drivers as assigned.
4. Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to safely operate a transit vehicle under all conditions of weather, roadways, and traffic while successfully dealing with passengers, route and schedule requirements.
• Ability to use judgment to assess situations, take appropriate actions by evaluating individual circumstances and prioritize conflicting needs.
• Ability to perform multi-task functions in what can sometime be a high-stress environment.
• Ability to gain operational knowledge of the system and every coach assigned.
• Ability to read and comprehend maps, schedules and route information.
• Knowledge of traffic laws and safety rules applicable to the transportation of passengers.
• Ability and willingness to maintain a courteous, professional approach when handling the public and problems that arise.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with co-workers at all levels of the organization, people affiliated with other organizations, and with the general public.
• Ability to utilize computer equipment to input work time, farebox information, receive and interpret route and schedule information, and other basic computer functions.
• Ability to successfully complete WTA's Operator Training Program.
• Ability to understand and apply WTA and Operations policies and procedures.

License or Certificate:

• Applicants must have a high school degree or equivalent.
• Applicants must be at least 21 years of age at time of application with at least five years of driving experience.
• Valid Washington State driver's license at time of hire and ability to obtain a valid Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements within six weeks of hire and maintain licensing during length of employment.
• Applicants must have an acceptable driving record (in accordance with WTA personnel policy 3.03 "Employment Requirements") and must submit a five year driving abstract.
• Must pass a comprehensive background check (in accordance with RCW 43.43.830 through 43.43.840, Child / Adult Abuse Information Act.)
• Obtain and maintain a valid and current CPR card within 3 months of hire.

WORKING CONDITIONS, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

• Work is performed frequently to constantly while inside passenger bus. Seldom to occasional outdoor work is required to assist passengers as needed.
• Operators wear a WTA uniform and meet appearance standards as set in policy.
• Constant vibration while driving bus.
• Moderate, frequent noise while on bus.
• Exposed to dust occasionally.
• Exposed to vapors / fumes occasionally.
• Exposed to extreme weather seldom to occasionally.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Physical ability to perform essential job functions including, but not limited to, sitting for extended periods of time, standing, walking, stooping / bending, pushing / pulling (approximately 50 lbs.), lifting (approximately 30 lbs.), and climbing (stairs).
• Has distant vision acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellen) in each eye without corrective lenses or visual acuity separate corrected to 20/40 (Snellen) in both eyes with or without corrective lenses, field of vision of at least 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian in each eye, and the ability to recognize the colors of traffic signals and devices showing standard red, green, and amber.
• Hearing unimpaired or correctable to minimum requirements of Section 391.41 CDL Physical Standards.
• Full and complete use of all limbs to operate coach controls.
• No history of cardiovascular impairment or related disease.
• Meets all other minimum requirements of Section 391.41 CDL Physical Standards.
• Must be able to comfortably and safely board, sit in and maneuver throughout vehicle.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a medical evaluation and Department of Transportation (DOT) drug screen.
• As a safety-sensitive position, must participate in FTA regulated drug-testing program, including random drug testing as a condition of employment.

An Equal Opportunity Employer
Women and Minorities Encouraged to Apply
Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace including marijuana

To view the compensation and benefits document: Compensation and Benefits Document