Bus Operator; Trainee

Overview

Hampton Roads Transit seeks customer service oriented, energetic individuals to join a committed team providing excellent public transportation across the Hampton Roads region. This role involves operating transit vehicles, ensuring safety and efficient service, and delivering exceptional passenger support.

• Operate a transit vehicle to pick up, transport, and discharge passengers while adhering to route schedules and maintaining a courteous demeanor.
• Drive one of five bus models ranging from 29 to 40ft. in length.
• Perform pre‑trip inspections for mechanical issues and conduct the required internal and external visual checks.
• Conduct post‑run internal inspections, collect lost items, and turn them in at the end of service.
• Familiarize with system and safety features, route geography, traffic rules, transfer points, and fare structures.
• Follow time schedules and instructions for pull‑outs, line service, pull‑ins, and off‑route trips.
• Provide passengers with bus service information, schedules, routes, and fare details.
• Receive and transmit two‑way radio messages concerning accidents, incidents, emergencies, or other authorized HRT business, using judgment to ensure passenger and personal safety.
• Maintain radio contact with CENTRAL Communications to report vehicle breakdowns, accidents, service interruptions, or other vital information.
• Write reports and complete required forms, including detailed accident and mechanical defect reports at shift end.
• Adhere to safety rules, regulations, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to protect customers and employees.
• Operate a passenger bus safely in accordance with the Virginia Code and local traffic regulations, maintaining schedule timing across assigned routes.
• Ensure safe vehicle operation under adverse conditions and during varying hours of day and night, including cycles outside regular business hours.
• Collect proper fares from boarding passengers.
• Operate and secure the wheelchair lift, assist passengers with disabilities in boarding, riding, and alighting, and manage steep ramp situations.
• Maintain records in compliance with HRT Records Management Policies and Procedures.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

• Comprehend and navigate all streets in Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach.
• Drive vehicles under the safest possible conditions.
• Establish and maintain positive public relations and effective working relationships.
• Successfully complete the Bus Operator Training Program, achieving minimum scores on all written and driving tests.
• Read, write, and speak English.
• Maintain satisfactory attendance and punctuality.
• Read and understand maps, timetables, and directions to follow mapped routes.
• Use prudent judgment and common sense to make quick, safe decisions with minimal supervision, adapting to constantly changing operating environments.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with customers and HRT staff in a courteous, professional manner, providing excellent customer service to a diverse clientele.
• Maintain professional composure under stress and pressure.
• Possess a working knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote security operations.
• Apply defensive driving techniques, safety guidelines, and standard operating procedures.
• Exercise social perceptiveness and awareness of others' reactions.
• Recognize potential danger, respond quickly to jeopardizing situations, and listen to instructions from CENTRAL Dispatch or street supervisors.
• Exhibit a high degree of maturity, courtesy, memory, and concentration.

• Proficiency in using computer systems and the software applications needed for route operations.
• Basic problem‑solving skills relevant to software applications used in the role.

Perform all duties in a safe manner to protect oneself, fellow employees, and the public. Promote safety awareness, follow policies and procedures, and report unsafe conditions or hazards to the supervisor, manager, or safety department.

High‑…