General Description

Metro Transit is now hiring for permanent part-time AND full-time transit operators.

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! We will train you how to drive a bus.

"Providing good customer service came naturally, but driving the bus did not at first. Due to the outstanding training I received, and the support of co-workers and supervisors, I am very comfortable and confident driving the bus." - Regina S., Metro Transit Operator for 3+ years

This is responsible work to transport passengers in the City of Madison and surrounding areas. Employees must exercise skill and judgment in operating transit vehicles in a safe, reliable and courteous manner. Work is performed under the direction of one or more Transit Operations Supervisors.

You do not have to have a CDL permit to start!

Metro Transit will train successful candidates to get their Commercial Driver's License (CDL) permit and license during the training period. Candidates are required to pass the both the written and road tests after hire to continue employment with Metro Transit.

Employees will serve a one (1) year probation period that starts after training. During the initial training period of thirteen (13) to fifteen (15) weeks, Transit Operators will be scheduled for approximately 40 hours per week. Following the training period, part-time Transit Operators will work 15-20 hours per week working split shifts to cover the open and closing hours of the Public Schools. Full-time Transit Operators will work 40 hours per week in a variety of shifts, and must be available to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.

Applications will be accepted until the closing date, however the selections process will begin prior to the extended closing date.

The City of Madison is an equal opportunity employer functioning under an affirmative action plan. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply!

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate a transit motorcoach vehicle to safely, reliably and courteously transport passengers in the city of Madison and surrounding areas. Adhere to adopted routes, schedules, and operating policies and procedures.
• Assist passengers in getting on and off the bus. Safely operate ramp and assist in placement of wheelchairs or other similar mobility assistance devices for individuals with disabilities, including repositioning passenger seats, and secure wheelchairs/mobility assistance devices.
• Identify safety or vehicle operations problems and report to supervisor or dispatcher for action. Report accidents, following applicable policies and procedures. Complete accident report forms.
• Maintain effective passenger/customer relations. Answer questions and assist passengers as appropriate. Respond to a wide variety of operations and customer relations issues such as: medical emergencies, passengers who are lost or disoriented, emergency road conditions and other situations by taking action and/or notifying a supervisor or dispatcher. Inform passengers of ridership rules and regulations.
• Program and operate a fare box, as taught during training. Issue transfers and honor passes in accordance with established procedures. Operate the numeric key pad on a mobile data terminal (MDT). Prepare reports and maintain records as requested.
• Perform related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants will be evaluated against the driving record standards listed below. Depending on the number of candidates who pass the driving criteria, random selection may be used to determined who will move forward to interview. There is no written exam for this recruitment.

Applicant's Driving Record

An applicant's driving record will be evaluated. If an applicant has held a driver's license in another state in the past five (5) years, the applicant is required provide a copy of his/her driving record abstract from that state.

IF AN APPLICANT HAS ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ON THEIR DRIVING RECORD, THEY WILL BE DISQUALIFIED FROM THE PROCESS:

• Six (6) or more points against an applicant's Wisconsin driving license, or
• Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) conviction in the past five (5) years, or
• One (1) Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) conviction against a driver's CDL, or
• One (1) revocation in the last year, or
• Four (4) or more moving violations within the last five (5) years; including at least one (1) moving violation in the last two (2) years.

The successful candidate will possess the following:

• Ability to apply the rules of the road and applicable laws. Ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe and responsible manner.
• Ability to maintain prescribed safety standards. Ability to exercise judgment in emergency situations. Ability to identify and report vehicle mechanical defects.
• Ability to interact appropriately and courteously with patrons and maintain effective passenger and public relations. Ability to work effectively with multicultural communities.
• Ability to understand and communicate effectively in English. Ability to understand and follow written instructions, policies and procedures; including highway traffic signs/signals, and other official inquiries. Ability to read maps/schedules and complete routine written reports/records.
• Ability to maintain adequate attendance.

Click here for a complete list of the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.

Special Requirements

At the start of employment a Transit Operator must be at least 18 years of age, as required by U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, have a safe driving record and have passed all job-related tests, including a pre-employment physical exam.

It is fine to already have a Commercial Driver's License or permit and endorsements upon hire, but not required. Candidates without a permit/license will be required to pass the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Permit Test. All candidates will be required to pass the CDL Skills Test administered by Metro Transit after initial paid training as a condition of continued employment. Employees are responsible for maintaining a CDL with proper endorsements.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain seated for four (4) hours at a time, and up to eight (8) hours with limited breaks to stretch.
• Ability to exert strong pressure with legs and feet on heavy foot pedals almost continuously for acceleration and with great frequency for braking.
• Ability to apply up to fifty (50) pounds of effort frequently for required tasks; including constantly pushing and pulling a heavy steering wheel.
• Ability to reach high above their heads to change destination signs on assigned buses.
• Ability to stoop, kneel, bend, lift, and pull heavy objects in order to perform routine and emergency tasks, including to secure straps for wheelchairs on the bus.