Full Time Bus Operator

Salary: $32.56 Hourly Location : Charlestown (21 Arlington Ave, Boston) Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 26-11224 Department: MBTA - Bus Transportation Area: 441-Bus Transportation - Admin Opening Date: 03/06/2026 Closing Date: 3/20/2026 11:59 PM Eastern Max Number of Applicants: 550 Licenses / Certifications: A valid Driver's License is required. Union Affiliation: L589 Carmen's Misc On-Call or 24/7: No; this position is not classified as on-call or 24/7. Note: This job posting will close once it reaches 550 applications or after 2 weeks, whichever comes first. Safety Sensitive: Yes; this is a Safety Sensitive position. Employees in this role will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing. Essential Classification (Emergency Staff): Yes; this position is classified as essential. Employees in this role are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by supervisory personnel during declared States of Emergency. At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA's Core Values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, and culture. Each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed. Job Summary Recently, changes to CDL requirements took place, and effective September 29, 2025, only those applicants withlawful status in the United States in one of the following employment-based nonimmigrant categories will beeligible for a Non-Domiciled CLP or CDL: H-2A (Temporary Agricultural Workers); or H-2B (Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers); or E-2 (Treaty Investors) The Bus Operator operates an MBTA surface vehicle, assuming responsibility for the safety of passengers and equipment. They also perform routine vehicle inspections to ensure proper operation, collect fares from passengers assist in emergency situations, and work under occasional supervision, following MBTA guidelines and procedures. This is a 40-hour a week position that is also eligible for overtime. Candidates can expect to earn 100% of full-time hourly rate during training. Duties & Responsibilities Operate surface line vehicles along assigned routes, including picking up passengers, collecting fares, checking passes and ID cards for validity, protecting revenue collected according to defined procedures, sitting for extended periods of time, and some exposure to vibrations, noise, airborne particles, and fumes. Inspect and/or test vehicles (including, but not limited to, brakes, lights, signs, doors, mirrors, wipers, tires, andhorn) to ensure serviceable condition. Regularly climb onto side of bus and reach with hands and arms to adjust side view mirrors. Report and identify mechanical problems or defects to appropriate authorities. Operate vehicle while maintaining appropriate speed and following distance from other vehicles. Ensure proper signs are displayed and changed as needed during each trip. Clearly announce destination at service stops, connecting points, and at all intervals along route sufficient topermit individuals to orient themselves to their location. Notify Bus Control Center Dispatcher of any emergency, requesting additional assistance if needed. Evacuate passengers if an emergency warrants action and the Inspector is not available to make the decision. Operate onboard fire extinguisher. Maintain adequate knowledge of the MBTA system to provide routine information and directions to the public. Refer disputes over ID validity or fare collection to the official in charge of the station, producing a written report tothe Superintendent if the dispute is not resolved. Prepare accident reports as required. Respond to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor, or co-worker, in a courteous and professional mannerconsistent with the Authority's "Driven by Customer Service" quality standard. Report for duty on time and remain on duty for the duration of a scheduled work shift. Report to work during declared states of emergency as essential personnel. New Hires may be required to join an MBTA System Navigator program as part of their training, where they will be asked to provide customer information and assistance, as well as support other operational duties. Minimum Requirements & Qualifications Eighteen (18) years of age or older. High school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D). Valid driver's license for at least three (3) years. Ability to read, write, comprehend, speak / communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English. Ability to pass interview screening process & Workforce Assessment. Possession or ability to obtain a valid Class B Massachusetts Commercial Driver's License (CDL) permit with General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Passenger endorsements. Satisfactory driving record in accordance with the MBTA's Driving Record Policy. Satisfactory non-renew display for tickets report from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. Ability to pass the Department of Telecommunications and Energy (DTE) skill performance and road test. For applicants who have worked for employers regulated by the United States Department of Transportation within the previous two (2) years, the ability to pass additional drug and alcohol review based on information received from those employers. Ability to report to work on time and to work entire assigned work shift on regular and consistent basis. NOTE: Anyone hired in this position is required to successfully complete a required probationary period of 120working days. Continued employment is also subject to obtaining a Class B Massachusetts CDL Permit (with Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Passenger endorsements) and later obtaining a CDL. Individuals who are hired without the requisite CDL Permit will be provided training, for up to two weeks, and must pass the CDL Permit test within this two-week training period to continue their employment. There will be a maximum of two attempts in these two weeks to satisfy this requirement. To request an unattested driving record online, go to: Substitutions Include None. Job Conditions: Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English. Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program. Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role. Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences. Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required). Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers. Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies. Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection). Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings. Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service. Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting pre-employment screenings / pre-boarding, working in their positions, and throughout the duration of their program. Disclaimers and Definitions: General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position. Application Completion: It is each applicant's responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. The recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history. Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established. Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements. Work Eligibility: All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted basis. The MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program. However, if you have unrestricted work authorization, or are sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply. Further, all persons hired will require a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S. Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email. Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing. On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority. Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management. ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit Intern / Co-Op Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship or co-op at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern / co-op commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co-ops. Employment Benefits at theMBTAFull-Time Employees: The MBTA offers comprehensive benefits packages to full-time employees. Types of benefits offered at the MBTA are subject to the union affiliation / Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) of the position to which you apply. Benefits that may apply to your position include the following: Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Life (basic and supplemental), and Long-Term Disability Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation, Personal Days, Sick Leave, and Holidays Retirement: Pension or deferred compensation 401(a), plus MBTA contributions Complimentary pass for travel on the MBTA transit system (bus, train, ferry, and Commuter Rail) Tuition Reimbursement (up to $10,000 per year) Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for student loans Commuter Choice Parking Program: Pre-tax benefits for parking Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax benefits for healthcare-related expenses Discounted tickets for concerts, movies, travel / vacation, etc. via TicketsAtWork.com Shopping discounts via GovX.com Verizon and AT&T service discounts And more... Internships: Internship positions are not eligible for most MBTA Benefits. However, paid sick time may be incurred. Each intern also receives a complimentary pass for travel on the MBTA transit system (bus, train, ferry, and Commuter Rail) to use throughout the duration of their internship. Please contact the assigned Recruiter directly or email for more information. Disclaimer: The above information is meant to be a general overview of the benefit programs offered by the MBTA, which may or may not apply to a specific position. This summary is not a contract andis not meant to change the provisions of union contracts or Authority policies and does not establish a binding practice. Please contact the assigned Recruiter directly or email for more information. The MBTA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer 01 Are you 18 years of age or older? Yes No 02 What is the highest level of education you have completed? Did not obtain a High School diploma or GED High School diploma or GED Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree or higher Vocational or Technical School 03 Have you had a valid U.S. Driver's License for at least the last three (3) consecutive years? Yes No 04 The MBTA needs to review your driving record to process your application. Do you authorize the MBTA to obtain your driving records? If you have a Massachusetts license, you can have the MBTA pull your driving record on your behalf at no cost to you by responding "yes" to this question. If you do NOT have a Massachusetts license, or if you would prefer to provide your driving record to the MBTA, you should answer this question "no." Yes, I authorize the MBTA to access my driving records on my behalf. I understand that the MBTA is asking for my driver's license number on this application to make sure that it is accessing the correct driving records and that the MBTA will not use my driver's license number for any other purpose. No, I do not authorize the MBTA to obtain my records. I will obtain and provide a copy of my current (within past two weeks) "Unattested Public Driving Record" from the MA RMV, which I will upload as part of my application or email to . I understand that my application is not complete until / unless I attach my driving record. No, I do not want my driving record reviewed and understand that I cannot be further considered for this role without that review. I do not have a valid U.S. Driver's License 05 If you answered "Yes" to question #4, please provide your Driver's License number below. Otherwise enter "n/a" 06 If you answered "Yes" to question #4, please enter your full name as it appears on your Driver's license below. Otherwise enter "n/a". Required Question

Created: 2026-03-10