Metro Transit Bus Operator-Part Time Weekday

Metro Transit Bus Operator-Part Time Weekday

Salary: $61,776.00 - $77,230.40 Annually Location: Various locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN Job Type: Part-Time Job Number: 2026-00107 Division: Metro Transit Department: Oper Instr & Dev Ctr-Bus Trans Opening Date: 02/26/2026 Closing Date: Continuous

About Metro Transit

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.

Job Description

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.

Benefits

This position is eligible for benefits 30 days after starting. To learn more about the benefits being offered click here Drive Benefits - Metro Transit. 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.

Hiring Bonus

$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

Job Responsibilities

• 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.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Work History Requirement: 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 drivers license (class A, B, C or D) for the past five years. Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) with a Passenger endorsement, and no restriction to Air Brakes.
• 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

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.
• Open Bottle
• Desire to serve the public with compassion and empathy by providing resources.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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. To learn more about benefits please click here Drive Benefits - Metro Transit.

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.

Work Environment

• 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.

Recruitment Process

• We will review your application for minimum qualifications.
• We request your Work Record Evaluation (internal ATU employees only).
• We conduct a structured panel interview.
• Week Zero Option for those not fully licensed for the Bus Operator position:
• Candidates who do not have a Commercial Driver's License 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 "Week Zero" program where they study for and take the Commercial Learner's permit test.
• Newly hired bus operators who choose to participate in the "Week Zero" program will receive study materials to prepare for the test and will be brought to the MN Department of Vehicle Services to take the test on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of their first week.
• Those who successfully obtain their Commercial Learner's Permit will move on to Bus Operator Training.
• Anyone who is unable to obtain their Commercial Learner's Permit will have their employment terminated with Metro Transit.

Training Schedule

• Training 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.

Application Instructions

1. The supplemental questions listed below are to determine your eligibility for this position. Answer each question completely. Resumes will not be accepted for this recruitment.
2. I have read and understand the above instructions regarding supplemental questions. Yes No
3. How did you first hear about this job opening?
   • CareerForce Center
   • Community Event/Organization
   • Employee Referral
   • Facebook
   • Glassdoor
   • Indeed
   • Job Fair
   • LinkedIn
   • Metro Transit Bus Advertisement
   • Twitter
   • Website: governmentjobs.com
   • Website: metrocouncil.org
   • Website: metrotransit.org
   • Website: minnesotajobnetwork.com
   • Other
   • <
   • If you selected Employee Referral please enter the employees first and last name, ID number (if known), and job title. Type N/A if not applicable.
   • Were you a previously hired as a bus or train operator with Metro Transit? Yes No
   • Have you been an active driver with a valid drivers license for the past five (5) years? Yes No
   • Drivers License: What class drivers license do you have?
     • Class A
     • Class B
     • Class C
     • Class D
     • Another class from a state other than Minnesota
     • None of the
     • <