Bus Operator

Join Vta As A Bus Operator

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority is in search of customer service-focused drivers who have an interest in public transportation. Joining the VTA team opens a wealth of opportunities. We offer career advancement opportunities, along with generous benefits and pension plans.

If you are a people-person who is friendly, punctual, prioritizes safety above all else, and is ready to start a rewarding career in public service, we invite you to apply. Don't have a commercial license? No problem! - We provide the training!

The Bus Operator career at VTA begins as a Bus Operator Trainee. Upon successfully completing the paid 10-week training program, you will be promoted to the Bus Operator classification. This recruitment is for the 2027 eligibility list.

Bus Transportation is responsible for the operation and delivery of VTA's transit service to 74 bus routes, covering approximately 346 square miles in both urbanized and rural areas of Santa Clara County.

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County's authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning.

VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services, as well as participates as a funding partner in regional rail service including Caltrain, Capitol Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express. As the county's congestion management agency, VTA is responsible for countywide transportation planning, including congestion management, design and construction of specific highway, pedestrian, and bicycle improvement projects, as well as promotion of transit-oriented development.

VTA provides these services throughout the county, including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale. VTA continually builds partnerships to deliver transportation solutions that meet the evolving mobility needs of Santa Clara County.

As we continue to implement our VTA Forward Plan, we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services.

Essential Job Functions

Typical Tasks

• Operates a motor coach safely and in accordance with a designated schedule;
• Picks up and drops off passengers at designated bus stops;
• Collects fares and sells day passes;
• Aids passengers in boarding or departing the motor coach as needed;
• Operates the wheelchair lift when necessary and secures passengers' wheelchairs;
• Calls out stops and provides information to passengers;
• Maintains order on the motor coach;
• Operates a two-way radio;
• Prepares accident and incident reports;
• Keeps records;
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Employment Standards Training and experience equivalent to a High School Diploma and possession of a valid California Class C driver's license at the time of appointment, and the ability to obtain and maintain a valid California Class B license. Driving record may not have more than three (3) moving violations within the last three (3) years. Must be eighteen (18) years of age at the time of application. Must have a good attendance record at school and/or previous job. Must be available to work weekends, holidays, and odd and unusual hours.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of :

• Safe driving practices.

Ability to:

• Learn to operate a motor coach in a safe manner;
• Learn to operate a two-way radio;
• Read maps;
• Follow a schedule;
• Follow oral and written instructions which are given in English;
• Prepare accident, incident, and other reports in English;
• Maintain simple records;
• Deal courteously and effectively with the public;
• Perform simple arithmetic.

Benefits

VTA offers a generous benefit package including: a defined benefit pension plan, vision care, a choice of health plans, dental coverage, an employee assistance program, life insurance, transit passes, and liberal holiday, vacation, and sick leave. A credit union and deferred compensation plan are also available to employees at their option.