Bus Operator

About the role

AC Transit is seeking courteous, customer service-oriented, and dependable individuals to safely operate buses and provide the highest quality of service to customers and the community. Previous bus operator experience is not required. Selected candidates will complete a full-time, comprehensive paid training program.

Under supervision, this position operates District vehicles to transport passengers safely and courteously along fixed routes, performs customer service activities, inspects transit vehicles, operates fareboxes, completes reports, and assists passengers requiring special assistance.

Responsibilities

• Operates a variety of District vehicles to transport passengers safely and courteously along fixed routes; transports buses between divisions and other District locations as required.
• Performs customer service activities, including assisting passengers with directions, answering questions about District operations, rules, and regulations, and responding to conflicts or disruptive passengers using AC Transit-provided training.
• Performs pre-trip transit vehicle inspections; identifies and reports safety concerns, defects, malfunctions, and needed repairs.
• Operates equipment such as computerized fareboxes, electronic head signs, doors, tailgates, windows, emergency escape hatches, rear lifts (vans only), mirrors, seats, emergency brake systems, and rear start.
• Collects passenger fares consistent with District fare collection policy; ensures accurate fares for seniors, adults, youth, and persons with disabilities.
• Prepares written reports and forms, including accident/incident reports, defect cards for equipment malfunctions, and reports of medical emergencies.
• Communicates with Operations Central Control (OCC) regarding 911 emergencies, traffic problems, road hazards, accidents, and unusual activities.
• Assists passengers requiring special assistance, including operating passenger lifts and kneelers for disabled passengers and securing them safely in compliance with ADA training.
• Performs related duties as required.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED, California High School Proficiency Certificate, or equivalent.
• Minimum of three (3) years operating a motor vehicle and one (1) year of public contact or customer service experience.
• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
• Must meet the District’s safe driving standards:
  • No more than one (1) moving violation in the past three (3) years.
  • No at-fault accidents in the past three (3) years.
  • No "Failures to Appear" or "Failures to Pay" in the last three (3) years.
  • No suspensions in the last three (3) years.
  • No reckless driving or DUI (driving under the influence) in the last seven (7) years.
• Must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination, including drug and alcohol screening tests.
• Must possess a regular Class C driver’s license at the time of application (commercial driver’s license/permits are not required).
• All eligible candidates will be fingerprinted and screened for criminal history; conviction of a crime is not necessarily a bar to employment.
• Ability to balance while simultaneously working low to the ground to manipulate and fasten wheelchair tie-down straps.

Desirable Qualifications

• Exceptional verbal communication skills and professional interaction with customers.
• Ability to courteously diffuse conflict.
• Motivated, dependable, punctual, and takes pride in representing AC Transit.
• Ability to work independently, follow safety rules, and adhere to company policies at all times.

Benefits

• Medical: Choice of two Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) – Kaiser Permanente and Health Net, with $10.00 office visit co-pays and $5.00 - $35.00 prescription co-pays.
• Dental: MetLife Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) with a $50 annual deductible per person/$150 per family, $3,000 per person annual maximum, and $4,000 lifetime maximum for orthodontia.
• Vision: Vision Service Plan with a $10.00 copay, including an exam, lenses, frames, or contact lenses every 12 months; $200 frame allowance or $120 allowance for contact lenses.
• Employer-paid basic life insurance; employee-paid voluntary term life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Medical premium reimbursement for eligible retirees.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health care, dependent care, parking, and transit (AC Transit contributes up to $50.00/month toward transit costs).
• Free AC Transit bus pass.
• Federal Credit Union access.
• Vacation, sick leave, or personal time off; ten (10) paid holidays, two (2) paid floating holidays, and one (1) paid birthday holiday.
• Five (5) bereavement days.
• Tuition reimbursement up to $2,500 per fiscal year for approved courses.
• Wellness program.
• Lifetime defined benefit pension plan (employees hired on or after January 1, 2020, may contribute a portion of annual income toward pension costs).

This is a union position represented by ATU.