Transit Operator Hiring Process

Bus Driver Hiring Process - Take the Wheel of your Transit Career!


What can we offer you? A professional career with excellent benefits, a competitive salary and opportunities for promotion and professional development. We are dedicated to our mission: to provide safe, reliable, and friendly service to our community.


Who can become a Bus Driver at WTA?


You do not need professional driving experience – we have a paid, comprehensive training program that will help you get your CDL! If you want to drive, and help your fellow community members, we can give you the tools to succeed as a Bus Driver with WTA. Candidates with different professional backgrounds have been successful. Like those in customer service and retail, military service, warehouse, hospitality, commercial and non-commercial driving (school bus, limo, taxi, and delivery drivers), and in accounting, administration, and sales.


Why Become a Bus Driver at WTA?
  • Starting hourly wage of $30.39 (that means - day 1 you start at this rate, so your training period is paid!), with annual increases up to $37.99 after 5 years
  • Excellent insurance plans for you and your family (medical, dental, vision)
  • Retirement and pension plan
  • Paid Commercial Driver's License training and onsite 11-week training
  • Career path for advancement at WTA, with professional development and mentoring
  • Generous paid vacation (starting at 21 days per year), 6 paid holidays and 8 hours of accrued sick time per month
  • Free transit passes for you and your dependents
  • Tuition reimbursements
  • Public Service Loan forgiveness eligible.
  • Wellness incentives that include reimbursements for exercise equipment and activities
  • Licensed physical therapist onsite for our employees
  • Uniform allowances
  • A Quiet Room (To read, relax during your split shift or when you need it!)
  • Bidding for Work: As you gain seniority, you will be able to bid for work four times per year when service schedules change.


Hiring process

We have several training classes a year. The application is open now! Our hiring process is outlined below. We look forward to seeing your application.

  • Apply online at ridewta.com, in the drop-down menu under Employment, click job openings. Select the open position, and you will create a profile and answer a few questions.
  • If you meet our qualifications, you will be invited to attend an information session and mini interview where we will talk to you more about what the job is like and give you an opportunity to ask questions.
  • If you move forward, you will be invited to take an in-person or Online Assessment which covers topics of safety, transit suitability, and customer service.
  • If you pass the assessment, we will invite you in for an interview which includes a physical and brief written assessment.
  • Contingent offer: We will call you to take you through the next steps, which includes a professional reference check. Following that, you will receive a written contingent offer email that outlines the process steps. You will need to pass a physical, drug test and a criminal background check. (When you work as a bus driver at WTA you will be required to be in a random drug and alcohol testing pool, this includes testing for Marijuana)
  • Once you obtain a CDL Permit and complete all the contingencies you will be ready to start in our next training class!


Requirements to be considered
  • A high school degree or equivalent
  • At least 5 years of personal driving experience (does not need to be professional!)
  • A valid Washington State driver's license
  • A clean driving record & background check
  • A passion for connecting our community