Bus Operator Open Interviews - June16th at TCAT!

Join us live and in-person for a drop-in hiring event! 

Can't make it?  Complete an application and we'll schedule a phone call follow-up.

Where:  TCAT Offices, 737 Willow Ave, Ithaca NY 14850 (Ride the 13 or 17)

When:  Noon to 6pm on Tuesday June 16, 2026

What to bring:  Completed application, NY driver license, Resume or employment history 

Drive with purpose. Serve your community. Grow your career.

If you value community service, safety, and accountability and are looking for a rewarding career with great benefits and long-term growth, join our team!  

TCAT Bus Operators hold a key role in providing our community with safe, reliable, and affordable transportation to and from work, school, and business in Ithaca and surrounding commuter communities.  TCAT’s most successful Bus Operators are dependable, customer service-focused, and safety-minded individuals who enjoy helping their community stay connected and get where they need to go!

No CDL? – No problem!  TCAT provides exceptional (paid!) training to our Operators.

What You’ll Do:

• Get your commercial class B permit with passenger endorsement
• Practice hands-on and behind-the-wheel for 6-8 weeks with our training team
• Bid on your work assignment (route) in order of union seniority 
• Be available to work nights, weekends, and extra work as assigned
• Earn pay bonuses and premiums for nights, overtime hours, and perfect attendance
• Safely operate a transit bus on fixed or demand-response routes throughout Tompkins County
• Operate your bus on route and on time while providing exceptional customer service to passengers
• Assist riders with directions, accessibility needs, and fare information
• Ensure passenger comfort and safety, including during emergencies
• Perform pre- and post-trip inspections and complete required documentation.

Who We’re Looking For:

• Strong integrity – do you take ownership and consistently make the right choices, even when no one is watching?
• Good knowledge of safe driving practices, vehicle traffic laws and regulations.
• Commitment to upholding high standards of passenger and equipment safety.
• Good verbal and written communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to read and follow written schedules and instructions.
• Adaptability to learn new skills, routes, and technology.
• Flexibility to be available for nights, weekends, and occasional mandatory shifts.

Why You’ll Love TCAT:

• Competitive Pay: $28.02 per hour!
  • ​​​​​Overtime premium (1.5x) applies after 40 hours/week
• Excellent Benefits: View summary here
• Medical Insurance (Excellus BCBS): Individual, couple, and family plans with robust employer contribution to monthly premiums
  • Medical FSA & HSA options
• Dental & Vision Insurance: Employer fully pays premiums for individual and family plans
• Retirement 401(k) account: Optional employee contributions, plus employer direct 10% contribution after 2 years
• Paid Time Off: annually accrue up to 10 vacation days, 3 personal days, 5 floating holidays, and 7 sick days
• Extra Earnings: Opportunities for overtime, premium rates, and pay bonuses
• Paid Licensing: TCAT provides in-house, on-site entry-level driver training, and covers CDL licensing costs
• Career Growth: Advancement opportunities and seniority perks over time
• Fair Pay Practices: Collective bargaining, pay transparency, and commitment to a living wage
• Convenient Parking: Free employee parking on-site and nearby overflow
• Modern Fleet: Energy-efficient buses equipped with advanced safety features
• Uniforms Provided: Including generous shoe allowance

Requirements: 

This position is safety-sensitive and subject to strict regulatory standards established by state and federal transportation agencies. All prospective TCAT Bus Operators must:

• Be at least 21 years old with a clean, valid New York State driver’s license.
• Subject to an employment history review in compliance with FMCSA regulations.
• Subject to DOT physical exam and drug screening before start date in compliance with NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law 19A.
• Subject to random drug and alcohol testing throughout employment.
• Subject to a detailed driver history check during selection process.
• Subject to a comprehensive background check after offer of employment.

Working Conditions:

• May come in contact with diesel fuel, fluids, petroleum products, and toxic fumes. Exposed to inclement weather, icy conditions.
• Noise level is moderately loud due to running of gas and diesel engines.
• Works shifts that may be up to 12 hours per day.
• Subject to working day and night hours over a seven day period in a high stress environment.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to drive and be seated for hours.
• Must be alert and fit for duty at all times when scheduled.
• Must be able to bend, twist, stoop or crouch in the performance of pre-trips and other bus operator duties.

What to Expect with Training & Route Scheduling:

• Training and CDL qualification takes place weekdays between 8am-5pm for the first 6-8 weeks of employment
• Route schedules vary by seniority – new operators typically work weekends and evenings
  • evening hours generally fall between 4 PM and 3 AM
• Days off are usually consecutive weekdays (e.g., Tuesday–Wednesday or Wednesday–Thursday)
• Overtime opportunities: Open work board days can be long, up to 12 hours of drive time 

Salary : $28