No experience is needed! We will train you.

We are hiring immediately for a full-time or part-time Bus Driver Trainee that is friendly, reliable, and safety focused. Join our team!

About Us:

At Flint Hills Area Transportation Agency (ATA Bus), we plan, manage, and operate public transportation services within the Manhattan, KS Urbanized area. ATA Bus is committed to offering courteous, safe, and reliable service for all riders regardless of race, gender, age, or disability.

About Our Training Program:

The CDL Bus Operator with Passenger Endorsement Training Program provides paid training opportunities for qualified candidates to receive on-the-job driving experience and obtain their CDL – C with Passenger Endorsement. Trainees will receive hands-on training and assistance to learn the many aspects of safely operating a commercial passenger vehicle according to state and federal regulations.

What will a Trainee learn?

• Rules and Regulations
• Inspections, Reports, and Documentation
• Bus and Passenger Safety
• Customer Service
• Route Familiarization
• Driving Instruction

Upon successful passing of examinations and practical demonstrations at points throughout the Training Program, Trainees may be transitioned to full-time or part-time Bus Operator positions.

What Our Bus Driver Trainees Do:

• Participate in classroom instruction, hands-on driving, and online practice training.
• Learn and adhere to all safety and traffic rules, agency regulations, policies, and procedures to ensure the well-being of all.
• Drive a passenger van on Demand Response routes.
• Provide reliable transportation services to the public by operating vehicles safely and carefully.
• Inspect vehicles by checking gas, oil, and water levels before departure.
• Utilize software using a tablet device to track vehicle and rider information.
• Always observe all traffic rules and other applicable laws and regulations.
• Adhere to KDOT regulations when riders using wheelchairs are boarding or exiting.
• Communicate effectively and interact with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
• Able to work overtime as needed.

Our Qualifications:

(You will not be considered for this position without these qualifications)

• Minimum age of 21.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Valid Kansas Driver’s License with a clean driving record for the previous three years.
• Must be able to maintain a KDOT physical certification.
• Must be able to perform the physical demands of the job subject to testing criteria. 
• Ability to pass a background check, drug screen, and Physical Capacity Profile.
• Great customer service/people skills, including good verbal and written communication skills.
• Must show a stable previous work history.

Our Benefits Package:

• Starting pay is $14.00 per hour while in training. Pay will increase to $15.05 per hour after obtaining CDL-C/P and transitioning to a Bus Operator. 
• Sign-on bonus of $500 for full-time hires. Paid after 45 days of successful performance as a Bus Operator.

Additional Information:

The job requires working in all weather conditions, sitting in an enclosed vehicle for long periods, exposure to disease/infections, dealing with temperamental people, and working with contaminants (e.g., gases and odors).

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

ATA Bus firmly commits to the communities we serve and our employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we strive for a workforce that reflects our community. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, or other protected class.