Transit Driver - PT

Pay

Transit Drivers are eligible for a $1,000 hiring wage incentive payable in three installments: $250 on first paycheck, $250 at completion of training, $500 at 6 month mark
. Pay is figured on a step-based pay plan depending on hours of service. Starting wage is $22.89/hour as of July 1, 2026.

Minimum availability once a newly hired Transit Driver completes training will be at least 15 hours per week. Training hours are consistently open from 7am to 7pm, Monday through Friday.

We request all applicants be committed to employment with CyRide/City of Ames for no less than two semesters.

• Operate passenger bus on a fixed route or demand‑response basis; pick up and discharge passengers; collect fares and transfer slips; maintain communication with dispatcher using two‑way radio; maintain scheduled route and trips as directed by dispatcher; announce time and transfer points over bus intercom; ensure safety of bus and passengers while on route; may operate wheelchair lift and tie‑downs.
• Promote a positive image of Cy‑Ride and the City of Ames by fostering positive public relations; provide passengers with schedule and route information; assist passengers needing help boarding and departing the vehicle.
• Perform pre‑ and post‑trip vehicle inspections to identify damaged or defective equipment; perform minor maintenance to vehicle en route; report accidents and equipment malfunctions to proper authority; prepare end of route reports including route tallies and trip sheets.

• Operate passenger bus on special or group trips.
• Turn in lost articles.
• Report unusual, unsafe or emergency situations such as stranded motorists, drunk drivers, etc.
• Participate in informational and training meetings.
• Provide input to safety committee.
• Provide feedback concerning operating policies and procedures.
• Provide in‑service training and evaluate performance of new drivers.
• Perform general department duties as assigned.

• No record of more than two total moving violations and/or accidents in the last three years; no more than two serious accidents within the last five years.
• No record of operating a vehicle while under the influence (OWI); no record of revoked or suspended driver’s license in last five years; no record of hit and run accidents.

• Satisfactory background check.
• Obtaining a CDL Permit.
• Employment physical.
• Drug and alcohol test.
• Obtaining a CDL license.

• Ability to obtain a valid Iowa Driver’s License.
• Ability to obtain Commercial Driver's License Permit within 30 days of start date.
• Ability to obtain Commercial Driver's License (Class A or B with passenger and airbrake endorsements) within three attempts; must maintain CDL (Class A or B with passenger and airbrake endorsements).

• Extensive knowledge of traffic laws, rules and ordinances involved in operating a passenger bus.
• Knowledge of safety precautions in passenger bus operation.
• Knowledge of street names and locations in Ames.
• Knowledge of the principal causes of bus malfunctions and appropriate preventive measures.
• Ability to operate a commercial passenger bus safely and in accordance with traffic laws and regulations; ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner; ability to identify vehicle malfunctions; ability to maintain records of fares received and complete end‑of‑route reports; ability to follow written instructions.

• Climbing stairs, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, repetitive motions.

• Work requires exerting 10 pounds of force frequently and may require up to 50 pounds of force occasionally.
• Requires the use of arm and leg controls.

Standard for use with those who operate cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles.

Subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions, noise, vibration, and vehicle exhaust fumes.

• Transit bus, two‑way radio, fare box, tally counter, intercom, maps, schedules, wheelchair lift and…