Student Bus Operator

Join to apply for the Student Bus Operator role at San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS).

Join San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) as one of our newest Bus Drivers! We’re excited to announce that we’re now accepting applications for our upcoming Bus Driver training class starting Monday, September 8, 2025
! Apply today and you will receive additional information on next steps. We interview monthly at our Downtown administrative office (1255 Imperial Avenue, Suite 900 San Diego, CA 92101).

Upcoming Hiring Event Dates & Times:

• Thursday, 9/4/2025 - 10am – 11am
• Tuesday, 9/9/2025 – 1pm – 2pm

This is an integral position serving the community of San Diego. No experience? Quite alright! We will pay YOU to become a trained Class B Licensed Bus Driver. Bus Drivers are represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Local 1309. This is a full-time position starting at $27.13 per hour with competitive benefits including, but not limited to, healthcare, dental, and vision for you and your family, vacation and sick time, retirement plans, and wellness programs.

Here are some additional perks & benefits!

• Full-time - open availability required. 40 hours per week guaranteed with 2 consecutive days off
• Employer paid holidays (up to 12 per year)
• Employer paid DMV licensing
• FREE transit pass for you and your family
• Employer paid bereavement leave and jury duty
• Employer paid uniforms
• and much more!

What is a Bus Driver responsible for?

Bus Drivers are responsible for the safe operation of a public transit bus over an assigned route according to schedule. It is necessary for the operator to maintain a pleasant, courteous and helpful attitude toward the public at all times. Other duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: drives with due regard to the safety and comfort of passengers and to the maintenance of time schedules;

collects fares and issues transfers; answers questions regarding route and time schedules; must write reports concerning daily duties; be willing to work flexible hours; and other related duties as assigned.

Essential job functions include, but are not limited to, following:

• Arrives at the main bus lot or designated location (on route) ready and able to drive assigned bus over specified route to transport passengers according to pre-set time schedule.
• Receives all paperwork from dispatcher including route and schedule information
• Performs bus inspection: exterior, checks for leaks, damage, tires, lights, doors, wipers, etc.; checks back engine compartment; notes weight requirements for opening/closing engine hatch.
• Assists dependent passengers (wheelchair bound) by operating the wheelchair lift and securing restraints as needed
• Ensures bikes are properly stowed on bus racks
• Uses public address system to announce stops and schedule information
• Returns bus to bus yard and hands over pertinent information to the next driver; performs pre-departure inspection; cleans up debris
• Performs other duties as assigned

What we re looking for in a candidate:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of or ability to learn MTS policies and regulations; ability to read, understand and apply policies, regulations and union labor contracts; ability to write clear and concise letters, memoranda and reports; ability to communicate effectively; ability to coordinate actions and delegate responsibilities; ability to establish and maintain priorities to meet deadlines; strong organizational skills; ability to multi-task and follow a schedule;
  
  ability to exercise prudent judgment in normal and emergency situations; ability to sit for long periods; excellent customer service skills; ability to get along with others; solid work ethic and punctuality; knowledge of safety procedures; flexible schedule including days, nights, weekends and holidays

• The successful candidate must be 21 years of age or older and able to fulfill the physical demands of the job such as walking, stooping, sitting, bending, reaching for overhead files and occasional lifting (up to 50 pounds)
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and perform tasks involving manual dexterity, such…