Q. What is the hourly rate for Bus Operator Trainee?
A. The training rate is $27.00 per hour; up to 10-weeks. You receive your first step increase upon successful completion of training. Step increases are scheduled every six months.
Q. How can I apply for the Bus Operator job?
A. You can apply online at www.samtrans.com/jobs.
Q. Who can I contact if I have problems when I am applying?
A. Please contact (855) 524-5627 for application support.
Q. What can I expect of the process?
A. Attend an information session to understand the process and the requirements to be a Bus Operator.
Review of your driving record from the DMV to determine if you meet the Good Driving record standard set by SamTrans. You may be disqualified or rejected for one of several reasons:
Your DMV record may not meet District driving standards:
- If you have more than 3 moving violations in the last 5 years.
- If you have an at-fault accident in the last 5 years
- If you have violations such as reckless driving or DUI within the last 7 years
- If your DMV record shows a pattern of irresponsible driving or repeat offenses, even if violations do not fall within the automatically disqualifying time limit.
Panel Interview
Attend a 20 minute oral interview with a panel consisting of three individuals who will be assessing your oral communication skills and other required competencies deemed critical to be a successful Bus Operator for SamTrans.
Seat Test
Assessment of physical condition in the bus to determine your ability to operate the vehicles and equipment.
Q. Are benefits offered with this position?
A. Yes. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, CalPers pension plan, long-term disability, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, employee assistant program, credit union, flexible benefits plan and free bus transportation for you and your family.
Q. Does SamTrans require drug testing for bus operators?
A. Yes. All applicants for positions defined as Safety Sensitive are required to pass a drug test prior to employment and after starting employment will be subject to random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing.
Q. Do you provide special arrangements for persons with disabilities?
A. SamTrans Human Resources Department provides reasonable accommodation when applying for a position and/or for the testing process to eligible individuals requesting assistance under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Please contact Human Resources at recruitment@samtrans.com if you require assistance.
Q. What kind of shifts will I be required to work?
A. You may have to work at any time during the day or night, on weekends, and on major holidays. Our first shift starts as early as 0400 hours. Most shift ends at Midnight.
Q. Which Location will I be assigned to?
A. You will be assigned to the either the North Base (South San Francisco) or South Base (San Carlos), wherever the need is greater. As you gain seniority, however, it is possible to be reassigned to the location that you request.
Q. How long is the Bus Operator Training Class?
A. Bus Operator training is 10 weeks, 40 hours per week. The schedule varies (for example there is 1 week of night driving training) but is generally 7:30am-4:30pm Mon-Fri or Sun-Thurs.