Bus Operator Trainee

About Us

We are IndyGo, a Municipal Corporation of Indianapolis – Marion County, and Indiana's largest public transportation provider. We operate 32 transit routes throughout the county, providing nearly 10 million passenger trips a year. IndyGo is committed to expanding mobility options to improve connectivity with the company’s mission, vision, and goals.

A key measure of any great city is the ease of getting from one place to another—mobility. It’s essential for access to opportunity and community, moving a city forward. At IndyGo, we connect riders to their hopes and dreams, education, careers, families, health, and daily life in Indianapolis and surrounding areas.

IndyGo Mission: As the region's largest transit authority, we set the bar for transparency, trust, and professionalism. Our mission is to connect our community to economic and cultural opportunities through safe, reliable, and accessible mobility experiences.

• Accountability: We are legally, ethically, and morally committed to utilizing all resources responsibly with integrity and transparency.
• Diversity: We promote, embrace, and value all individuals.
• Safety: We ensure safe and secure environments.
• Excellence: We strive for quality in everything we do.
• Teamwork: We actively promote effective communication, collaboration, and partnerships.
• Respect: We value and treat all with dignity.

About the Role

The Bus Operator Trainee position is a limited-duration training role where the incumbent learns the knowledge and skills necessary to become an IndyGo Professional Bus Operator. After successfully completing the IndyGo Training Academy, the trainee will transport passengers safely and expediently throughout the Indianapolis Metropolitan area.

Responsibilities

• Conduct yourself professionally as a representative of IndyGo, working effectively in a diverse environment and ensuring quality service to all customers.
• Learn to operate a transit bus in revenue and non-revenue service while strictly complying with IndyGo policies, directives, procedures, and all Federal and Indiana traffic laws, including defensive driving techniques.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of transit buses for mechanical issues, safety devices, and lost items.
• Maintain a working knowledge of streets, bus routes, stops, fare structures, and bus pass programs within the service area.
• Comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by assisting individuals with disabilities, securing wheelchairs, announcing stops, and testing accessibility equipment.
• Successfully pass the CDL Skills Exam, if applicable.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Valid Operator’s/Chauffeur’s/Commercial Driver’s License.
• Valid Commercial Driver’s Permit preferred.
• Valid Indiana CDL with Passenger and Airbrake Endorsements preferred (upload Testing History and DOT Physical if available).
• Strong documented experience in customer service.

Skills

• Knowledge of and ability to use standard defensive driving techniques.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, with a focus on courteous and professional customer service.
• Above-average decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Basic mathematical skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).
• Ability to read and understand maps, routes, and timetables.
• Ability to work under stress and maintain professional composure.
• Ability to work unusual hours, split shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.
• Ability to make quick, safe decisions with minimal supervision and adapt to changing environments.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Must pass a current Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination and maintain a DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
• Must pass all post-offer physical testing and DOT physical examination.
• Ability to work in environments with dust, fumes, exhaust, noise, temperature variations, and chemicals for extended periods, including outdoor weather conditions.
• Must be able to sit for long periods in a defined workspace.
• Must occasionally move and position yourself to conduct inspections and secure wheelchairs.
• Must be comfortable transporting individuals with service animals.

Benefits

• Full-time positions with guaranteed 40 hours/week.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage (effective on the 1st of the month, 30 days after the start date).
• Free on-site wellness clinic for employees and their families.
• Retirement plan (401A and 457B).
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Free IndyGo transportation for employees and their families.
• Federal Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.

Pay

$45,000–$60,000 per year.