Metro Transit Bus Operator

Metro Transit is an operating division of the Metropolitan Council, the regional policy‑making body, planning agency, and provider of essential services in the seven‑county Twin Cities metro area.

Metro Transit is a leading transportation resource for the Twin Cities, offering an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, microtransit, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike. In 2024, we provided more than 47 million rides across the Twin Cities region. The vision and mission of Metro Transit is to connect people, strengthen communities, and improve lives by delivering high‑quality public transportation.

Full‑Time Bus Operators are needed to carry out the mission, vision, and values of the organization. These individuals are human service oriented, enjoy interacting with and serving the public, have strong interpersonal and customer‑service skills, and are career oriented.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

NOTE: Candidates that hold a Commercial Driver’s License with the passenger endorsement and no restriction to airbrakes must have permanent residence in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

This position is eligible for benefits 30 days after starting. Learn more about benefits at Drive Benefits – Metro Transit.

There are pay rate increases until employees reach the top of the pay range per ATU contract.

We provide paid commercial learner permit in‑person classroom training, upon hire.

Starting hourly wage rate is $29.70/hour. After one year of employment, the hourly wage rate will increase per the ATU contract.

$5,000 Hiring Bonus for current CDL holders with Passenger endorsement and no Air Brakes restriction

• $2,500 after probation completion (approximately 6 months after training is completed)
• $2,500 after one year anniversary of hire

$3,000 Hiring Bonus for all other licensed drivers

• $1,500 after probation completion (approximately 6 months after training is completed)
• $1,500 after one year anniversary of hire

• Provide exceptional service to customers by greeting passengers, answering questions about fares, and responding to general inquiries and concerns.
• Perform pre‑trip bus inspections inside and outside the bus.
• Safely operate the bus according to pre‑determined routes and schedules.
• Ensure the safe boarding and timely transportation of riders, including unsupervised minors and vulnerable individuals.
< and paperwork such as operating and accident/incident reports.
• Call out street names while driving per ADA requirements.
• Perform other related duties as needed or assigned.

Full‑time Bus Operators can start any day of the week, working 5 days with 2 days off or 4 days with 3 days off.

Assigned shifts for 5‑day work:

• 8 hours per day for 5 days
• 9 hours per day for 4 days and 4 hours for 1 day

Assigned shifts for 4-day work:

• 10 hours per day

Full‑time Bus Operator schedules will require working weekends, late evenings, overnights, and holidays.

All new hires start at $29.70 per hour and all shifts and job information will be governed by ATU seniority and the union agreement. Overnight shifts are eligible for differential pay.

Shift differential.

• 5% for all hours worked in a shift scheduled between 8:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• 7% for all hours worked in a shift scheduled between 12:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Work History Requirement

Three (3) years of verifiable work experience within the past seven (7) years and you must have worked for one of these employers for at least one (1) full year.

License Requirement

Must have been actively driving with a valid driver’s license (Class A, B, C or

D) for the past five years.

• No more than two (2) moving violations within the past three (3) years.
• No suspensions within the past three (3) years.
• No revocations or withdrawals of license within the past three (3) years.

Candidates will be automatically disqualified if they have any of the following driving related convictions within the past ten (10) years:

• DWI/DUI
• Careless or Reckless Driving
• Inattentive Driving (talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle,…