Transit Bus Driver / CDL Bus Operator

Lawton Area Transit System (LATS) — Lawton, Oklahoma
Pay: Starting at $16.50 per hour ( $14.50 if dont have CDL w Passenger ENDORSEMENT until that is achieved)
Job Type: Full-Time

Lawton Area Transit System is hiring dependable, safety-focused Transit Bus Drivers / CDL Bus Operators to provide reliable public transportation throughout the Lawton community.

If you have experience driving buses, commercial vehicles, military vehicles, school buses, shuttles, passenger vans, trucks, or other CDL vehicles, we encourage you to apply.

We are looking for professional drivers who enjoy working with people, take safety seriously, and want a stable opportunity serving their community.

What You'll Do

As a Transit Bus Driver, you will safely operate LATS vehicles while providing professional and courteous service to passengers.

Responsibilities include:

• Safely operate fixed-route transit buses
• Follow assigned routes and schedules
• Perform required pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections
• Assist passengers with boarding and exiting when needed
• Provide professional customer service
• Follow all traffic laws and LATS safety policies
• Monitor passenger activity and maintain a safe environment
• Properly secure mobility devices when required
• Communicate with dispatch regarding delays, incidents, or service issues
• Complete required vehicle and operational documentation
• Report mechanical or safety concerns promptly
• Maintain professional conduct while representing LATS
• Respond appropriately to emergencies and unexpected roadway conditions

We're Interested in Candidates With Experience In

• Transit bus driving
• School bus driving
• CDL passenger transportation
• Shuttle driving
• Motor coach operations
• Commercial vehicle driving
• Military transportation
• Truck driving
• Paratransit
• Passenger service
• Public transportation
• Route driving
• Customer service

Previous public transit experience is helpful, but it is not required for every qualified applicant.

Qualifications

Preferred candidates should have:

• Valid driver's license
• Safe driving history
• Strong customer service skills
• Dependable attendance
• Ability to follow routes, schedules, and operating procedures
• Ability to work independently while communicating effectively with dispatch
• Professional attitude and appearance
• Ability to safely operate a commercial passenger vehicle
• Ability to meet applicable DOT, employment, and safety requirements

A CDL with Passenger endorsement is highly preferred.

Applicants with commercial driving experience who are willing to complete applicable LATS training requirements are also encouraged to apply.

Why Work With LATS?

Transit operators are an essential part of keeping Lawton moving. Every day, our drivers help passengers get to work, school, medical appointments, shopping, community resources, and other important destinations.

Benefits of joining the LATS team include:

• Starting pay of $16.50 per hour
• Full-time employment opportunities
• Paid federal holidays
• Overtime paid at time-and-a-half when applicable
• Professional transit training
• Stable local driving opportunity
• No long-haul or overnight trucking routes
• Daily interaction with the Lawton community
• Team-oriented work environment
• Opportunity to build a career in public transportation
• Opportunity to expand commercial passenger-driving experience

School Bus Drivers Encouraged to Apply

If you currently drive or have previously driven a school bus, your experience may transfer extremely well into public transit.

Your experience with passenger safety, pre-trip inspections, route operations, defensive driving, student transportation, and customer service can provide a strong foundation for becoming a successful transit operator.

Veterans & Transitioning Service Members Encouraged to Apply

Military transportation experience can also translate directly into transit operations.

Veterans and transitioning service members with experience operating:

• Tactical vehicles
• Buses
• Troop transportation vehicles
• Heavy vehicles
• Commercial-style vehicles
• Transportation or logistics equipment

are strongly encouraged to apply.

Your experience with vehicle inspections, safety procedures, route planning, accountability, and professional driving may be highly valuable in this position.

What Makes a Great LATS Driver?

We're looking for people who are:

• Safety-focused
• Dependable
• Patient
• Professional
• Comfortable working with the public
• Able to remain calm under pressure
• Good communicators
• Responsible behind the wheel
• Willing to help passengers
• Proud to represent the Lawton community

Apply Today

If you're looking for a stable local driving career where you can make a direct impact in your community, we want to hear from you.

Apply today to become a Transit Bus Driver / CDL Bus Operator with the Lawton Area Transit System and help us keep Lawton moving.

Relevant Experience: Transit Driver, CDL Bus Driver, Bus Operator, School Bus Driver, Shuttle Driver, Passenger Driver, Motor Coach Driver, Commercial Driver, Paratransit Driver, Military Driver, Transportation Operator, Public Transit Operator.

Pay: From $16.50 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

License/Certification:

• CDL B (Preferred)
• Passenger Endorsement (Preferred)
• physical copy of social security card (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17