Half-Time Bus Operator

Job Summary

Recently, changes to CDL requirements took place, and effective September 29, 2025, only those applicants with lawful status in the United States in one of the following employment-based nonimmigrant categories will be eligible 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 MBTA Half-Time Bus Operator is responsible for safely operating MBTA buses along designated routes, providing reliable and efficient transportation services to passengers. The operator performs routine vehicle inspections to ensure proper operation; collects fares from passengers; and assists in emergency situations. This position works under occasional supervision, following MBTA guidelines and procedures. This position requires completion of a full-time (weekday) intensive training program, after which the operator's work shifts will be limited to weekday mornings.

Training Requirements:

• Completion of a comprehensive 10–12 week, full-time training program, covering all aspects of bus operation, safety procedures, customer service, and MBTA policies and regulations.
• Successful attainment of a commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger & air brakes endorsements.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check.

Schedule: Once fully trained, the MBTA Half-Time Bus Operator will work a maximum of 20 hours per week, primarily during weekday mornings (from start of business until 12:00pm). Location: This position will report to Cabot Bus Garage, 275 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA 02127, once training is completed. PLEASE NOTE: Half-Time Operators may elect to transfer in to the Full-Time Operator classification after working as a Half-Time Operator for a minimum of four (4) full ratings, following their completion of training.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Safely operate surface line vehicle in adherence to established routes and schedules. Operation of the surface line vehicle includes 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 the vehicle (including, but not limited to, brakes, lights, signs, doors, mirrors, wipers, tires and horn) 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 the appropriate authority.
• Operate surface line vehicle maintaining appropriate speed and following distance from vehicles.
• Ensure that proper signs are displayed and changed as needed during each trip. Clearly announce destination at service stops, connecting points, and at all intervals along a route sufficient to permit individuals to orient themselves to their location.
• Notify the Bus Control Center Dispatcher of any emergency, requesting additional assistance if needed.
• Evacuate passengers if the emergency situation warrants action and the Inspector is not available to make the decision. Operate onboard fire extinguisher.
• Maintain adequate knowledge of the MBTA system in order 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. Produce a written report to the 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 manner consistent 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.
• Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
• Assist in the management of a workforce by ensuring the fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the Authority including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment and Anti Retaliation policies.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Additional responsibilities may include focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location specific functions.

Supervision:

• None

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• A high school diploma or its equivalent (G.E.D).
• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
• Ability to comprehend, communicate and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• A valid driver's license for at least three (3) years.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Class B Massachusetts Commercial Driver's License (CDL) permit with General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Passenger endorsements.
• A satisfactory driving record for at least three (3) years prior to the date of hire.
• Ability to report to work on time and to work entire assigned work shift on regular and consistent basis.
• A satisfactory non-renew display for tickets report from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.
• Ability to pass selection Interview & Workforce Assessment
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, background screening, and the MBTA's medical requirements, including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screening.
• 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 pass the Department of Telecommunications and Energy (DTE) skill performance and road test.
• Ability to effectively communicate with customers, employees and vendors.
• Successful completion of the required probationary period of 120 working days.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting, 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).
• Have the ability to work any assigned/picked shifts from start of business until 12:00pm.

*NOTE: Anyone hired in this position is required to successfully complete a required probationary period of 120 working 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.

Out of State License Holders: Please note the authorization question is valid only for Massachusetts Driver's License holders. If you possess an out of state driver's license, please reach out to the corresponding agency that handles driving records in your state to obtain a copy of your driving record and email that record to View email address on click.appcast.io.

Substitutions

• None

Preferred Experience & Skills

• 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