Bus Operator; PT Trainee

Hampton Roads Transit is looking for dynamic, customer‑service oriented, energetic people to become part of a committed team providing excellent public transportation to the Hampton Roads region. We offer unmatched benefits and competitive wages in a stimulating and rewarding environment.

Hourly Wage: $22.00

• Operates a transit vehicle to pick up, transport, and discharge passengers while adhering to transit vehicle route schedule and maintaining a pleasant and courteous manner.
• Operates any one of the five models of buses varying in size from 29 to 40 ft.
• Performs HRT pre‑trip inspection of transit bus for mechanical problems prior to beginning scheduled run, including an external/internal visual inspection and pre‑testing all necessary equipment, operating/safety devices, and controls.
• Conducts an internal visual inspection at the end of revenue service to collect and turn in lost items.
• Completes familiarization with system and safety features, geography and roadways of an assigned route and of the entire service area, traffic rules, regulations and laws, transfer points and fare structures.
• Refers to time schedules and instructions for pull‑outs, line service, pull‑ins, and off‑route trips.
• Provides information on bus services to passengers, including bus schedules, routes and fare information.
• Receives and transmits two‑way radio messages involving accidents, incidents, emergencies, criminal activities or other authorized HRT business, utilizing judgment and discretion to ensure customer and individual safety.
• Maintains radio contact with Central Communication to report transit vehicle breakdown, accidents, interruptions in service or other vital information to maintain efficient transit operations.
• Writes reports and completes forms as required, and may prepare detailed written reports concerning accidents, incidents, breakdowns and mechanical defects at the end of shift.
• Adheres to safety rules, regulations, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to ensure the well‑being of Hampton Roads Transit customers and employees.
• Operates a passenger bus safely and effectively in accordance with the Virginia Code and local traffic regulations.
• Maintains scheduled timeliness over assigned route.
• Ensures safe operation of HRT vehicles under adverse conditions.
• Performs vehicle operations at varying hours of day and night.
• Works outside regular business hours as required by the Labor Agreement and by the selection of posted runs.
• Collects proper fares from boarding passengers.
• Operates a wheelchair lift, secures passenger wheelchair, and assists passengers with disabilities in boarding, riding and alighting in a safe manner which may include pushing a manual wheelchair up a particularly steep ramp.
• Completes all other duties as assigned.

• Comprehend and operate bus on all streets in Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach.
• Operate vehicle under safest possible conditions.
• Establish and maintain good public relations and effective working relationships with others.
• Successfully complete the Bus Operator Training Program with required minimum scores on all written and driving tests and evaluations.
• Read, write and speak English.
• Maintain a history of satisfactory attendance and punctuality.
• Read and understand maps and timetables, including determining directions and following a mapped‑out route.
• Use prudent judgment and common sense to make quick, safe decisions with minimal supervision and adapt to constantly changing operating environments.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with customers and HRT staff in a courteous, professional manner.
• Maintain professional composure while under stress and pressure.
• Have a working knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures and strategies to promote effective security operations for the protection of people, data, property and the organization.
• Have extensive knowledge of defensive driving techniques, safety guidelines, customer service procedures and SOPs relevant to your position.
• Have social perceptiveness skill to understand others’ reactions.
• See details from a distance…