Bus Operator

Salary: $30.23 - $40.29 Hourly
Location : Multiple Locations In Portland Metro Area, OR
Job Type: Union Full-Time
Job Number: 26-00026
Department: Transportation (Union)
Division: Bus Transportation Administration
Opening Date: 09/14/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Description


Please note:For faster consideration of your application please be sure to fill out ALL needed information on your application completely and accurately including:

• A complete 5-year (if applicable) work history with reasons you left previous employers
• Out of state DMV record if you have held a license outside of Oregon in the past 10 years
• Indication that you have the ability to work any shift out of any location (schedules are determined by seniority)

What You'll Do: Provide safe, reliable, courteous, and efficient bus transportation for people in the TriMet service area, and be committed to safety through consistent and professional work. Safety is a fundamental value that guides all aspects of our work!


Ensure a commitment to safety and regulatory compliance through effective leadership, training, role modeling and implementing practices that demonstrate safety is a fundamental value and a priority in all aspects of work.


Serve as a good steward of TriMet by regularly utilizing our transit system to maintain a strong and current understanding of customers' experiences and of TriMet's product and service offerings.

Essential Functions

1. Prepare bus for operation by performing pre-trip safety inspection. Monitor the ongoing condition of the vehicle during operation.
2. Operate a bus on specified route(s) according to established time schedules. Follow District rules and policies, obey traffic laws, and remain knowledgeable regarding any changes in same.
3. Develop and practice defensive driving skills to prevent vehicle or passenger accidents. In the event of an accident or emergency, assist passengers to assure their safety.
4. Monitor and initiate two-way radio calls, reporting any unusual conditions such as accidents, passenger incidents or traffic problems promptly.
5. Provide accurate information to customers regarding fares, routes, schedules and operating rules. Announce major streets, transfer points, and points of interest as required. Maintain courteous and professional demeanor with customers at all times.
6. Assist disabled passengers with boarding and exiting the bus. Secure wheelchair clamps or safety belts as may be required.
7. Provide verbal and written reports to District supervisors and management regarding route, safety, schedule, fare, and operational problems or concerns.
8. Assist in the instruction of student operators for route orientation and further development of the student's operating skills.
9. Prepare required paperwork, such as lost and found tags, accident/incident reports, and bus defect reports.

Position Requirements
A minimum of a High School Diploma (G.E.D.) or equivalent is required.

Possession of a valid and active driver's license for the past three (3) years is required.


Ability to secure Oregon or Washington Interstate CDL Class "B" license (available at age 21), with a passenger "P" endorsement and no air break restriction is required. (Please understand that non-domiciled individuals may not be able to obtain an Oregon or Washington CLP/CDL. For more information see the Oregon or Washington DMV.)


Ability to pass a driving record check meeting TriMet driving record standards. To review our driving record standards, click here:


A safe driving record meeting the established criteria is required:

Traffic Violations/Accidents
Serious violations, which appear on the driving record, will disqualify an applicant from consideration for a period of ten (10) years.

Less serious violations will disqualify an applicant from consideration if they occurred in the last three (3) years.

Suspensions
A suspended driver's license for longer than three months (90 days) in the past three (3) years will disqualify an applicant from consideration.

Selection Criteria

1. Ability to demonstrate/develop strong customer service/interpersonal skills to provide positive interactions with customers, problem-solving and customer assistance.
2. Ability to work with the public in a variety of situations while performing several tasks simultaneously.
3. Ability to use independent judgment and make decisions without direct supervision.
4. Ability to develop and maintain defensive driving skills and operate a transit bus in a safe and efficient manner, as demonstrated during training period.
5. Ability to read, write and communicate in English.
6. Willingness and ability to work various hours, including early morning and late night shifts split shifts weekends and holidays and split days off.
7. Ability to report to work regularly and on time.
8. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, management and the general public, including those from different backgrounds, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and/or other vulnerable populations.
9. Ability to pass the required post-offer job-related physical and drug screen for this position.

Type of Position / Grade / FLSA
Union, Exempt, Minimum starting wage: $30.23 to $40.29 per hour. Wage will be in accordance with the current Working and Wage Agreement, effective 12/01/2025. Regular full-time or part-time (minimum 25 hours per week).

Selection Process
Candidates will be selected based at a minimum on the result of:

1. Application Review/Work Record Review
2. Driving Record Review - Upon submitting your application, you are required to submit a Certified copy of your DMV report from every state (except Oregon) where you have held a driver's license in the past three (3) years. Refer to online instructions to download and attach documents to your application. Documents can be sent to:
3. Panel Interview
4. Criminal Background Check
5. Professional Reference Check
6. Drug Screenings
7. Medical Examination

Supplemental Information Make sure you describe in detail how your education, training and work experience fit with this role. You are encouraged to attach a resume, cover letter, training certificates and/or letters of recommendation with your application. You are permitted five attachments of less than 5MB each.

Internal applicants: Information in your personnel file will not be used in lieu of information requested on your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you are a qualified veteran and would like to apply for veterans' preference points, you will need to reflect your status on the application and attach supporting documentation at the time of application submission.

As applied to the workplace, applicants must be qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If you need accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act for any part of the application process, contact our Human Resources staff at View phone number on click.appcast.io, or the TTY line at 7-1-1. Note that we require a minimum of two workdays' notice prior to the need for accommodation.

TriMet is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to developing an organization that is reflective of and sensitive to the needs of the diverse community we serve, including veterans, the elderly and people with disabilities.

Have questions regarding our hiring process for bus operators? Please email us at !
Full-Time and Mini-Run Operator (MRO)
Union Employee Benefits

2026 Med ic a l Plan Options

• Regence Union PPO 80/20 - Deductible: $300 Individual/$900 Family; Office Visit: 20%, after deductible; Out-of-Pocket Max: $2,300 Individual/$6,900 Family; Prescription Drugs: $10 Generic/$25 or 20% Formulary/50% Non-formulary. Benefits listed are for in-network, preferred providers.
• Regence Union PPO 90/10 - Deductible: $150 Individual/$300 Family; Office Visit: 10%, after deductible; Out-of-Pocket Max: $1,650 Individual/$4,950 Family; Prescription Drugs: $5 Generic/$15 or 20% Formulary/50% Non-formulary. Benefits listed are for in-network, preferred providers.
• Regence Union Health Savings Account (HSA) - Deductible: $1,700 Individual/$3,400 Family; Office Visit: 20%, after deductible; Out-of-Pocket Max: $5,000 Individual/$10,000 Family; Prescription Drugs: 20%, after deductible. Benefits listed are for in-network, preferred providers.
• Kaiser Permanente EPO - No deductible; Office Visit: $10 copay; Out-of-Pocket Max: $600 Individual/$1,200 Family; Prescription Drugs: $10 copay.

All medical plans include prescription drug and vision coverage.


2026 Dental Plan Options

• Delta Dental of Oregon, provided by Moda - Preventive Services paid at: 100%; Basic Services paid at: 80%; Major Services paid at: 50%; $2,000 max benefit per person/year; Orthodontia paid at: 50% to $3,000 lifetime max/person.
• Kaiser Dental - $10 Copay; Preventive Services paid at: 100%; Basic Services paid at: 80%; Major Services paid at: 50%; $2,000 max benefit per person/year; Orthodontia paid at: 50% to $3,000 lifetime max/person.

Coverage Effective Date
Fu l l-time Employees - Medical, vision, prescription, and dental coverage is effective the first of the month following your date of employment.
Mini-run Operators - Medical, vision, prescription, and dental benefits are effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment.

Medical and Dental Rates - The rates below reflect the employee's portion of the monthly premium.

Effective January 1, 2026

Regence Union 90/10 PPO
Employee: $ 196.92
Employee & Spouse: $ 413.54
Employee & Child(ren): $ 344.62
Employee & Family: $ 551.42

Regence Union 80/20 PPO
Employee: $ 53.14
Employee & Spouse: $ 111.62
Employee & Child(ren): $ 93.02
Employee & Family: $ 148.82

Regence Union HSA
Employee: $ 0.00
Employee & Spouse: $ 0.00
Employee & Child(ren): $ 0.00
Employee & Family: $ 0.00

Regence Union HSA Employer Contribution
Employee: $ 85.70
Employee & Spouse: $ 179.90
Employee & Child(ren): $ 149.94
Employee & Family: $ 239.88

Kaiser Permanente EPO
Employee: $ 52.60
Employee & Spouse: $ 105.22
Employee & Child(ren): $ 94.70
Employee & Family: $ 157.82

Delta Dental of Oregon
Employee: $ 3.32
Employee & Spouse: $ 6.26
Employee & Child(ren): $ 6.30
Employee & Family: $ 9.46

Kaiser Dental
Employee: $ 3.00
Employee & Spouse: $ 5.46
Employee & Child(ren): $ 6.00
Employee & Family: $ 8.58

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
TriMet employees have access to the EAP through Canopy. The EAP is a free, confidential resource available to help employees (and their household members) with life's everyday issues. It also provides many other services including, but not limited to: counseling sessions, webinars, financial coaching, home ownership program, and online access to a wealth of information and resources.

Wellness Program
TriMet supports health and wellness through our Wellness Matters Program. Annual wellness offerings include Flu shot clinics. Omada Healthy Lifestyle Support Program focused on the prevention and management of diabetes and hypertension. Sword, a digital physical therapy program to treat back, joint, and muscle pain from the comfort of your home for employees and dependents who are enrolled in a TriMet medical plan.


Flexible Spending Accounts

• Health Care Spending Account - Allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for medical, vision, and dental expenses not covered by their health plan.
• Dependent Care Spending Account - Allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for dependent care expenses.
• Limited Flexible Spending Account - Allows employees enrolled in the Regence HSA plan to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for vision and dental expenses not covered by their health plan.

Childcare Reimbursement Account
TriMet will contribute up to $150 to a Childcare Reimbursement Account every month for employees who contribute a minimum of $25 per paycheck into a Dependent Care FSA and are employed with TriMet for six continuous months or more. This contribution is for qualified childcare expenses incurred in the month contributed.

Disability Insurance
Long-term Disability/Permanent Disability
Refer to the for information on permanent disability.

Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance - TriMet provides Basic Life and AD&D Insurance to assist employees and their families in the event of death or dismemberment. These benefits are fully paid by TriMet.
Union Mini-run Operators
Benefit Amount: $18,250
All Other Union Employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
Benefit Amount: $25,000

Employees may purchase one or more of the following VOLUNTARY coverages:

Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance - Employees may purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for themselves, spouse/domestic partner, and their child(ren). Employees pay the full cost for this insurance and must elect coverage for themselves in order to elect coverage for their dependents.

Hospital Indemnity insurance helps keep your finances on track when you are in the hospital. It pays you or a covered family member directly and you can use it to help cover costs such as copays, deductibles and living expenses.
Critical Illness insurance can help with costs from a serious illness that your medical insurance does not cover. It pays you or a covered family member a lump sum to use toward expenses like deductibles, groceries or childcare during recovery.

Accident insurance can help with costs that medical insurance does not cover if you are hurt in an accident. It pays you or a covered family member directly and you can use it toward your deductible, copay or daily expenses during recovery.
Pe n sion
Defined Contribution Plan 401(a)
TriMet provides a defined contribution pension plan to employees. TriMet deposits the equivalent of 9 percent of an employee's base pay into an investment account each pay period. After December 1, 2027, TriMet's contribution will increase to 10 percent of an employee's base pay.

The employee also has the option of contributing up to 15 percent of his/her base pay pre-tax to the account each pay period. The employee directs the investment of the employee's individual account. The employee is vested in the account after three years of service.


Deferred Compensation Plan 457(b)
A Deferred Compensation Plan Section 457 (a plan for public employees), allows the employee to build retirement savings with pre-tax dollars to supplement pension, Social Security and private investment.


Pa i d Leave
Refer to the for complete information on sick, vacation, holiday, and personal days.

F r e e Transit Pass
Al l full-time employees , their spouses/domestic partners, and eligible* dependents are eligible for a photo identification badge, which is honored as a bus/MAX pass on all lines of the District following their first 120 (one hundred twenty) calendar day probationary period.


M i n i-run operators their spouses/domestic partners, and eligible* dependents are eligible for a photo identification badge, which is honored as a bus/MAX pass on all lines of the District following their 6 (six) month probationary period.


*Child dependents are eligible for a free transit pass up to age 19, or age 24 if living at home and attending school full-time.

T EI Membership
TriMet's corporate fitness center (TEI) is available to employees, and their spouse or eligible domestic partner, at five locations. Membership dues are only $13.00 per month for TriMet employees and an additional $6.00 per month for a spouse or eligible domestic partner.


Please note: Full Time (FT) & Mini Run Operator (MRO) employees receive a security ID badge and are eligible to join TEI immediately upon hire. The spouse or domestic partner, however, does not receive a spouse ID badge until after the employee has successfully completed their probationary period. At the end of the probationary period, TriMet spouse identification badges will be issued to the employee's spouse or eligible domestic partner at the employee's request. Once the spouse/domestic partner receives their ID badge, they will be able to join TEI.
NOTICE: The information contained in this document is intended solely to provide general information regarding the benefits offered by TriMet. This information is subject to change at any time.
Revised: 12/10/2025
01


Have you had your license for at least 3 years? Applicants must have held a valid license in the last three years without any gaps longer than 90 days.

• Less than 3 years.
• 3 or more years.

02


In the past three (3) years have you received any traffic violations, other than parking violations?

• Yes
• No

03


TriMet is required to review a complete 3 year driving history for each applicant. Applicants are required to submit a CERTIFIED driving history from every state in which they have held a license in the past 3 years. Driving records should be faxed to View phone number on click.appcast.io. TriMet will order driving records for current Oregon residents. If you held an Oregon driver's license in the past 3 years and are NOT a current Oregon resident, you must provide your Oregon driver's license number to TriMet so your driving record can be ordered.

• I have held a license in another state.
• I have not held a license outside of Oregon before.

04


Please provide your current driver's license number and the state in which it was issued.
05


Please provide the date of expiration on your current driver's license.
06


This position requires a minimum education of a high school diploma or GED. Please indicate if you meet this requirement.

• I meet the minimum education requirement.
• I do not meet the minimum education requirement.

07


Operators interact with hundreds of customers every day. Please describe, in detail, your experience with high volume customer service and how your experience would enable you to be successful as a bus operator.
08


How has safety played a part in your driving?
09


Are you applying for full-time or part-time work?

• Full-time
• Part-time (minimum 25 hours per week)

10


TriMet schedules all Bus Operator shifts and locations based on seniority. Are you willing and able to work any shift out of any one of our three locations in the Portland area, including weekends and nights?

• Yes, I am willing and able to work any shift out of any garage in the Portland-Metro area.
• No, I am not willing or able to work any shift out of any garage in the Portland-Metro area.

Required Question