FULL TIME BUS OPERATOR

Primary Responsibilities:

• Drive Bus & Announce Stops: Safely operate the bus along designated routes and announce upcoming stops, cross streets, and intersecting transit stops.
• Fare Collection: Inspect and validate passenger passes, collect appropriate fares, and ensure only valid payment methods are deposited into the fare box.
• Transfer Cards: Issue and collect transfer cards, ensuring invalid cards are returned.
• Lift Operation: Operate the lift to assist disabled passengers with boarding and disembarking.
• Vehicle Inspections: Inspect the bus for lost articles and ensure it is prepared for the next trip, including removing refuse and performing pre-service checks.
• Tally Passengers: Manually record boarding passengers using a tally device and enter data at the start and end of each route.
• Communication & Reporting: Contact the Control Center regarding any issues, mechanical malfunctions, or emergencies.
• Other Duties: Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisors or as needed.

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Age Requirement: Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Driver’s License: Valid Illinois State Class "B" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or CDL permit with Passenger and Air Brakes endorsements.
• Drug & Alcohol Testing: Must submit to and pass drug and alcohol testing as mandated by the Federal Transportation Administration.

Physical Requirements:

• Physical Activity: Must be able to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods; change bus destination signs and help passengers board.
• Manual Dexterity: Required to operate bus controls such as pedals, steering wheel, fare box, and door latch.
• Lifting & Reaching: Must lift, carry, push, pull, and adjust various controls within the bus.
• Vision & Hearing: Must have good vision for reading signs, checking passes, and monitoring traffic; must also have the ability to hear traffic sounds, signals, and passenger inquiries.
• Posture: Must be able to climb into the bus, adjust mirrors, and adjust the driver’s seat; ability to kneel, crouch, and balance is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Customer Service: Previous customer service experience is essential to provide exceptional service to passengers.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Knowledge of state and municipal traffic laws, as well as rules, regulations, and procedures governing bus operations.
• Fare Structure & Scheduling: Must be knowledgeable about the bus schedule, fare structure, and transfer regulations.
• Arithmetic: Basic math skills to handle fare transactions accurately.
• Communication: Must be able to speak clearly and accurately, particularly in announcing stops and responding to passenger inquiries.
• Documentation: Knowledge of relevant transportation forms and how to complete them accurately.

Working Conditions:

• Inside Bus: Majority of work is performed inside the bus.
• Exposure to Weather: Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, or humidity, especially if temperature controls malfunction.
• Mechanical Issues: Exposure to possible mechanical malfunctions and breakdowns, as well as safety risks from traffic accidents.
• Atmospheric Conditions: Exposure to fumes, diesel exhaust, and other environmental factors such as dust and mist.

Additional Details:

• Union Consideration: Employees and union members will be given priority consideration during the hiring process, per labor contracts.
• Salary: Compensation is determined by service date and union classification.

CTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This position provides a rewarding opportunity to serve the community while ensuring safe and efficient bus operations for passengers.