Provisional Bus Operator (Driver)
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 12, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 15, 2026.
Salary Range:
$24.17 - $44.01Use your excellent Customer Service skills and join our team as a Santa Cruz METRO Bus Driver! No bus driving experience is needed. We offer extensive paid training programs so that when you get behind the wheel, you already have the skills and confidence you need to drive our buses!
At METRO, you will enjoy a competitive salary, CALPERS pension, a robust health/dental/vision benefit program, public service loan forgiveness program, 457 plans, career development, free bus passes, and longevity pay.
Salary Schedule:
Starting wage: $24.17 per hour. After probation: $28.75 per hour. After one year: $30.57 per hour. Yearly raise for 6 years.
Provisional appointments are for a defined term longer than six months but not to exceed two years.
Definition:
Under supervision, transports passengers and operates transit buses on a fixed schedule in all phases of transit operations.
Example of Duties and Responsibilities:
- Operates transit buses and related equipment including passenger lifts.
- Transports passengers.
- Collects fare and operate ticket and pass validation equipment.
- Performs ridership surveys.
- Reports bench, sign and shelter problems.
- Operates mobile radio unit.
- Coordinates passenger transfers and reports operations delays.
- Prepares accident and incident reports and maintains simple records.
- Make recommendations for safety and route improvements.
- Complies with District safe driving program.
- May perform office, dispatch and revenue collection duties and may utilize District
- computer hardware and software when assigned.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Employment Standards:
Knowledge of:
- Safe driving practices.
- Basic skills in time calculation and map reading.
Ability to:
- Safely operate all District buses.
- Perform simple math calculations.
- Deal courteously and effectively with the public.
- Understand the problems of the elderly and handicapped and deal with them in a tactful manner.
- Handle difficult and emergency situations calmly.
- Read English and speak and write English clearly.
- Operate mobile radio unit.
- Willingness and ability to work unusual hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Other Conditions of Employment:
Special Requirements
- Possession of a current motor vehicle license and the ability to obtain a California Class B driver's permit prior to appointment.
- Driving record at date of hire must be consistent with SCMTD's standards for this position.
- Good attendance record in previous employment.
- Safe driving record.
- Must pass requisite background check.
Adopted:
BOD Approved: 07/1985
Job Family:Operations Fixed Route
Job Series:
Job Series Level:
Confidential: No
This employer does not sponsor applicants for work visas.
If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!
Health and Welfare Benefits for Fixed Route SMART-Represented Employees
Employees are eligible for benefits on the first day of the month following the date of hire, unless otherwise noted below.
Medical Insurance: For employee and qualified dependents. Choice between multiple HMO and PPO plans. Santa Cruz METRO contributes 95% of the monthly premium costs for any plan, employee responsibility is 5%. Premium participation continues after retirement.
Dental Insurance: Premium paid by Santa Cruz Metro for employee and qualified dependents.
Vision Insurance: Premium paid by Santa Cruz Metro for employee and qualified dependents.
CalPERS Retirement Pension:
2.5% at 55 - Employees who are vested and were hired before January 1, 2013, directly from another CalPERS-covered agency are eligible for the "Classic" CalPERS pension formula of 2.5% at age 55. Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013, who had prior CalPERS membership and a break in service of six months or less, will also retain the "Classic" formula of 2.5% at age 55.
2% at 62 for PEPRA CalPERS members - Those hired on or after January 1, 2013, who are new to CalPERS or have not worked for a CalPERS-covered agency in the past six months are subject to the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and receive the 2% at age 62 formula.
457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan: Two plan providers available. Similar to 401(k)
Empower: https://participant.empower-retirement.com
Voya: https://login.voya.com
Life/AD&D Insurance: $25,000 Life coverage. $50,000 AD&D coverage provided by Metro. Additional Life/AD&D coverage available.
Long Term Disability Insurance: Premium paid by Santa Cruz Metro. Monthly benefit maximum $3,000.
Employee Assistance Program: Confidential mental, financial, legal and other assistance.
Premium paid by METRO. https://www.anthemeap.com/prism
Tickets at Work: Discounted rate program.
Pet Insurance: Discounted rate program .