Understanding Trimet Bus Employee Work Hours And Schedules

TriMet is hiring bus drivers, and the process of becoming one is straightforward. The role offers an attractive salary, with bus operators earning $28.22 per hour, and guaranteed pay increases after the first 18 months. After three years, full-time bus operators can expect to make more than $78,000 annually. TriMet also offers a range of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement plan, and paid vacation time. To apply, you will need a safe driving history, a high school diploma or GED, and preferably a background in customer service. If your application is successful, you will undergo seven weeks of paid training and testing for a Commercial Driver's License.

Training and testing

The process of becoming a TriMet bus operator begins with an online application. A consistent work history is important, but what makes an application stand out is a professional driving history and a background in customer service. If your application passes the initial review, TriMet will order your driving records and ask for verification of your high school diploma or GED.

If your education and driving history check out, you'll be invited to an orientation and testing session offered twice a week. The orientation will walk you through the role, after which you'll take three pre-employment tests. Two of these are video tests featuring scenarios that could happen on a bus, and the third is a personality assessment.

If you pass the tests, you'll be invited to a group panel interview. Those who pass the group interview will be invited to complete paperwork and get fingerprinted for a background check. You'll also need to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) learner's permit and undergo a medical evaluation to ensure you're fit for the job. TriMet will also conduct drug screenings and check your references.

If you pass all these stages, congratulations! You've been offered a position as a TriMet bus driver. You'll now join a class of new hires for paid training. For the next six weeks, you'll be in the classroom, a simulator, and on the road learning how to be a bus operator. You'll be paid $15.16 an hour during this training period.

After the training, you'll need to pass the CDL test with the DMV. TriMet will pay for your test, and you'll have two chances to pass. Once you've completed your training and obtained your license, you'll become a part-time bus operator working 30 hours per week, with the opportunity to go full-time after a month or two.

Pay and benefits

TriMet bus drivers start at $15.16 per hour during their paid training period, which lasts for six weeks. After training, this increases to $17.16 per hour, with guaranteed pay increases every four months for the next three years. After the first 18 months, drivers make $28.22 per hour, and after three years, full-time bus operators earn more than $78,000 annually.

Even while working part-time, TriMet bus drivers receive full-time medical, dental, and vision benefits after 30 days of employment. Other benefits include a retirement plan with an 8% company match and no employee contribution required, life insurance at no cost, and access to TriMet's network of fitness facilities. After the probationary period, employees also gain access to TriMet's employee assistance program, free transit passes for eligible dependents, paid sick time, and paid holidays.

Work schedule

TriMet bus operators work part-time and full-time positions, with shifts varying from day to night, including split shifts, weekends and holidays. Schedules are created based on seniority, and TriMet is unable to accommodate school or other work schedules.

The training period is seven weeks of full-time (40 hours/week) training, during which you'll be paid $28.22 an hour. After training, you'll become a part-time bus operator working 30 hours per week, with an immediate raise to $17.16 an hour. You should have the opportunity to go full-time after a month or two.

During the first 18 months, you'll receive regular, guaranteed pay increases every four months. After this period, you'll continue to receive pay increases every four months until you reach the top rate of pay ($37.62) at 35 months. After three years, full-time bus operators make more than $78,000 annually.

Application process

The first step to becoming a TriMet bus operator is to submit an online application. A consistent work history is important, but what makes an application stand out is a professional driving history and a background in customer service. Operations Recruiter Chartisha Roberts reviews online applications several times a week.

If your application passes the initial review, TriMet will order your driving records and ask for verification of your high school diploma or GED. About half of TriMet's operators have a college degree, although it is not required for the role.

If your education and driving history check out, you will be invited to an orientation and testing session that is offered twice a week. The orientation will walk you through the role, after which you will have three pre-employment tests to complete. Two of them are video tests featuring scenarios that could happen on a bus, and the third is a personality assessment.

If you pass the tests, you will be invited to a group panel interview. Those who pass the group interview will be invited to complete paperwork and get fingerprinted for a background check. You will also need to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) learner's permit and visit a doctor to ensure you are medically fit for the job. TriMet will also check your references and conduct drug screenings.

If you pass all these stages, congratulations! You will now join a class of new hires for paid training. For the next six weeks, you will be in the classroom, a simulator, and on the road learning how to be a bus operator. After the training, you will need to pass the CDL test. Once you have completed your training and obtained your license, you will become a part-time bus operator working 30 hours per week.

Job requirements

To become a TriMet bus operator, you must undergo a rigorous hiring process that ensures you meet the job's requirements and can provide excellent service to riders. Here are the key steps and qualifications needed to become a TriMet bus driver:

Application and Initial Review

The first step is to submit an online application. A consistent work history is important, but what makes an application stand out is a professional driving history and a background in customer service. While driving history is valued, it is not a requirement, as TriMet provides training for applicants without prior experience.

Education and Driving History Verification

If your application passes the initial review, your education and driving history will be verified. You will need to provide verification of a high school diploma or GED. Although not mandatory, it is estimated that about half of the operators have a college degree. A safe driving history is a must, and your driving records will be requested at this stage.

Orientation and Testing

If your education and driving history meet the requirements, you will be invited to an orientation and testing session. During the orientation, you will learn more about the role of a bus operator. This is followed by three pre-employment tests: two video tests with bus-related scenarios and a personality assessment to identify safety-minded individuals with the right disposition for operating a bus in a busy city.

Group Panel Interview

Those who successfully pass the tests will be invited to a group panel interview. This interview is conducted every Thursday and typically lasts about 90 minutes. Applicants who demonstrate motivation and strong social skills can expect to move forward in the process within a week of applying.

Background Check, CDL Permit, and Medical Clearance

After passing the group interview, you will complete paperwork and undergo fingerprinting for a background check. Additionally, you will need to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) learner's permit from the DMV if you don't already have one. A medical examination is also required to ensure you are fit for the job.

Reference Checks and Drug Screening

As part of the hiring process, TriMet will check your references, including three references from supervisors and two from co-workers. Drug screenings are also mandatory, and you must be able to pass the test to be considered for the position, regardless of Oregon's tolerant laws and attitudes toward certain substances.

Paid Training

Congratulations if you've made it this far! You will now join a class of new hires for paid training. The training lasts for six weeks, during which you will learn how to be a bus operator through a combination of classroom instruction, simulator training, and on-the-road experience. You will be paid $15.16 per hour during this training period.

CDL Test and Part-Time Employment

After completing the training, you will need to pass the CDL test with the DMV. TriMet will pay for your test, and you will have two attempts to pass. Once you obtain your license, you will become a part-time bus operator, working 30 hours per week. Your pay will increase to $17.16 per hour, with guaranteed raises every four months for the next three years.

Full-Time Opportunities

All operators start on a part-time basis, but the opportunity to transition to full-time employment is typically available after a month or two.

By following these steps and meeting the requirements, you can embark on a rewarding career as a TriMet bus operator, providing essential transportation services to the community.

Frequently asked questions