• TCAT Bus Operator - $28.02/hr paid CDL training!

    TCAT - Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, Inc. (Ithaca, NY)


    TCAT Bus Operator - $28.02/hr paid CDL training!

    Job Details

    Job Location

     

    Headquarters - Ithaca, NY

    Position Type

    Full Time

    Education Level

    High School

     

    Salary Range

     

    $26.94 - $28.02 Hourly

     

    Job Shift

     

    Any

     

    Job Category

     

    Transportation

     

    It's about more than just driving!

     

    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:

    + Safely operate a transit bus on fixed or demand-response routes throughout Tompkins County

    + Keep routes on schedule 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:$26.94/hour, increasing to $28.02/hr in 2026!

    + Excellent Benefits:View details here (https://tcatbus.com/careers/benefits/)

    + Extra Earnings:Opportunities for overtime, premium rates, and pay bonuses

    + Paid Licensing:TCAT provides on-site training and covers CDL licensing costs

    + Consistent Shifts:No long splits or schedule shrinkage, FT employees are guaranteed FT pay

    + Comfortable Break Space:Cozy, well-stocked driver lounge with kitchenette, lockers, and easy chairs

    + 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:Includes generous shoe allowance

     

    Picture yourself in the driver seat!

    Requirements

    This position is safety-sensitive and subject to strict regulatory standards. All prospective TCAT Bus Operators must:

     

    + Beat least 21 years oldwith aclean, valid New York State driver’s license.

    + Subject to anemployment history reviewin compliance with FMCSA regulations.

    + Subject toDOT physical exam and drug screeningbefore start date in compliance with NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law 19A.

    + Subject torandom drug and alcohol testingthroughout employment.

    + Subject to adetailed driver history check.

    + Subject to acomprehensive background check.

    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 Scheduling:

    + Schedules vary by seniority – new operators typically workweekends and evenings

    + evening hours generally fall between 4 PM and 3 AM

    + Days offare usually consecutive weekdays (e.g.,Tuesday–Wednesday or Wednesday–Thursday)

    + No split shifts: You’ll work a straightforward shift with a regular meal break, no long downtime in the middle

    + Overtime opportunities:Open work board days can be long, up to 12 hours of drive time