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 non-immigrant 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 Bus Operator operates an MBTA surface vehicle, assuming responsibility for the safety of passengers and equipment; performs routine vehicle inspections to ensure proper operation; collects fares from passengers and assists in emergency situations; and works under occasional supervision, following MBTA guidelines and procedure. 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

• Operates surface line vehicle 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.
• Inspects and/or tests 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.
• Reports and identifies mechanical problems or defects to the appropriate authority.
• Operates surface line vehicle maintaining appropriate speed and following distance from vehicles.
• Ensures that proper signs are displayed and changed as needed during each trip.
• Clearly announces destination at service stops, connecting points, and at all intervals along a route sufficient to permit individuals to orient themselves to their location.
• Notifies the Bus Control Center Dispatcher of any emergency, requesting additional assistance if needed.
• Evacuates passengers if the emergency situation warrants action and the Inspector is not available to make the decision.
• Operates onboard fire extinguisher.
• Maintains adequate knowledge of the MBTA system in order to provide routine information and directions to the public.
• Refers disputes over ID validity or fare collection to the official in charge of the station. Produces a written report to the Superintendent if the dispute is not resolved.
• Prepares accident reports as required.
• Responds 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.
• Reports for duty on time and remains on duty for the duration of a scheduled work shift.
• Reports to work during declared states of emergency as essential personnel.
• Upholds the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
• Assists 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 all other duties and projects that may be 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

• Possession of a high school diploma or its equivalent (G.E.D).
• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
• Possession of a valid driver's license for at least three (3) years.
• Possession 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 read, write, comprehend, speak and respond to instructions, posted signs, and inquiries in English.
• 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).
• Continued employment is subject to obtaining a Class B Massachusetts CDL Permit (with General 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 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 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

1. General Disclaimer: The