Bus Operators

Be a Part of Our FUTURE. Be a Bus Operator.

RTA is committed to providing safe, reliable, accessible and professional services while providing a work environment in which employees are highly valued and committed to providing the best in customer service.  We are committed to creating a diverse workforce that is driven by our Core Values of Respect, Our People, Integrity, Stewardship, Safety and Quality Service.

Bus Operator Positions

We are hiring bus operator positions in both full and part-time capacities.  Applicants may choose to apply for either the Fixed Route Bus Operator openings or the Paratransit Bus Operator openings.  These positions are described below.  We encourage all interested individuals to apply.  You do not need prior commercial driving experience.  Our training program will provide all trainees with the essential skills needed to succeed on the job.

Interested applicants may complete an application online https://www.rtacareerhub.org

Minimum Hiring Standard

Minimum Hiring Standards Acknowledgment

Safety Sensitive Position*

Thank you for your interest in employment with Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority (RTA).  We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome your application.

*Safety Sensitive Positions include, but may not be limited to Bus Operators - Fixed Foute and Paratransit, Dispatchers or Dispatch Coordinators, Transit Ambassadors, all non-administrative Maintenance positions, as well as Transportation and Transportation Training Supervisors.

Please note that any falsification or omissions in the information provided on any pre-employment document may result in disqualification from the hiring process

The following requirements must be met to be employed with RTA in a Safety Sensitive role.

What follows is general employment criteria considered by RTA for all Safety Sensitive Position

General

• Must be available to work any shift in a 24/7/365 workplace.

Education

• High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED), unless otherwise indicated on the job posting.

Motor Vehicle License and Records Requirements

• A valid driver's license, and/or;
• A valid Commerical Driver's License (CDL), if required by job description.
    • A valid CDL permit can be used to meet this requirement but MUST be obtained before you may start employment
• A good driving history as indicated on your motor vehicle record, including no more than 1 moving violation.

Criminal History

• Criminal conviction(s) may potentially disqualify you from employment opportunities with RTA.

DOT Drug Testing

• Applicants must pass a pre-employment DOT drug test.
• Must comply with FTA/DOT substance abuse regulations and testing requirements outlined in CFR 665 and CFR Part 40.

FTA/DOT and Medical Requirements

• Must pass a DOT mandated physical examination as required for all positions requiring a CDL.
    • Must obtain a minimum of a one year DOT Medical Card
• Must pass a pre-employment physical for non-DOT positions.
• Must pass functional abilities physical, if required by job description.

Fixed Route Bus Operator

Fixed Route Bus Operators require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). If you don't have your Commercial License now, that's OK. You can still apply. After you are hired, you must obtain a CDL temporary permit before the first day of employment in a commercial licensed required vehicle.

Obtaining a CDL Permit

You can get the permit by taking a three-part written test given by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. To study for the test, you can get a free copy of the Commercial Driver's License manual from any BMV office. There are three parts to the test: General Knowledge, Passenger Endorsement, CDL Training course, and Air Brake Endorsement.

Job Duties:

  • Operate a large motor vehicle safely and courteously, transporting customers throughout the Miami Valley Region.
  • Provide the highest levels of customer service and professionalism to RTA customers.
  • Provide reliable on-time service.
  • Perform work in accordance with RTAs Core Values, operating rules and regulations.

Qualifications:

  • High School diploma or GED Equivalent.
  • Must have a valid Ohio Driver's License.
  • Applicants do not have to possess a CDL with a passenger endorsement to apply but MUST obtain a CDL permit with passenger endorsement by the first day of employment.
  • Must have a steady work history.
  • Must have experience working and communicating with the public.
  • Must be able to work but not limited to, early mornings, late evenings, weekends and holidays.
  • Must be able to meet the requirements which include a Driver's License and Criminal Background Check, Department of Transportation (DOT) Drug Test, DOT Physical, Physical Assessment and Pre-Employment assessment.
  • One Year DOT Clearance

Interested applicants may complete an application online at https://www.rtacareerhub.org.

Clean driving history, including no more than 2 points on Motor Vehicle Record.

To download Fixed Route Bus Operator information click here.

Paratransit Bus Operator

Paratransit Bus Operators provide passengers with disabilities with safe, reliable, accessible and friendly transportation in vehicles designed for wheelchair lifts, seats, and other special access.   Paratransit Bus Operators are NOT required to have a CDL. 

Job Duties:

Operate a large motor vehicle safely and courteously, transporting customers with disabilities, the elderly or others who meet service qualifications.
Provide the highest levels of customer service and professionalism to RTA customers.
Provide reliable on-time service.
Perform work in accordance with RTA’s Core Values, operating rules and regulations.

Qualifications:

  • High School diploma or GED Equivalent.
  • Must have a valid Ohio Driver's License.
  • Must have a steady work history.
  • Must have experience working and communicating with the public.
  • Must be able to work but not limited to, early mornings, late evenings, weekends and holidays.
  • Must be able to meet the requirements which include a Driver’s License and Criminal Background Check, Department of Transportation (DOT) Drug Test, DOT Physical, Physical Assessment and Pre-employment Assessment.
  • Clean driving history including no more than 2 points on Motor Vehicle Record.

Interested applicants may complete an application online at https://www.rtacareerhub.org

To download Paratransit Bus Operator information click here. 

Bus Operator Training

On your first day, new student operators are scheduled for RTA’s On Boarding Program. The orientation includes presentations on agency benefits, meeting the CEO and lunch with the Senior Staff while learning about each departmental responsibilities.

Fixed Route Operator

Fixed Route Bus Operator training takes place over eight weeks.  If you already have a CDL with passenger endorsement, you may graduate training sooner than eight weeks.  If you do not have a CDL with passenger endorsement, RTA training staff will teach you all aspects of the CDL driving test before you take the Ohio State driving test. You will drive a RTA bus when you take the test.

Paratransit Operator

Paratransit Bus Operator training takes place over four weeks.  However, if you bring relevant prior experience you may graduate training sooner than four weeks.  RTA Training supervisors will teach you all aspects of the service, provide coaching and teach you the many unique aspects of this service.

By the end of training for both programs, you will have logged many hours driving, be very comfortable behind the wheel and be ready to begin your career as a RTA Bus Operator.

Interested applicants may complete an application online at https://www.rtacareerhub.org