Apply to be a Bus Operator

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age.

Applications are accepted online only. You can apply from our Careers page.

If you applied and interviewed, your application is valid for six (6) months. If you did not pass the interview, you will be able to apply again in one (1) year.

Passing test scores are good for three (3) years. If you did not pass the test, you can retake it after one (1) year. You must reapply for the position in order to re-test.

No, you do not. We provide paid training to teach you what you need to know about operating a commercial vehicle.

Approximately two (2) months from your testing date.

Within 48 hours you should hear from a member of our team by email or phone.

Please make sure to have your most up to date contact information on your application. Additionally, check your spam/junk folders to make sure you don’t miss anything.

1. Submit a copy of your CLP to the recruiter.
2. Complete medical and background screening.

No one will be allowed to start without completing all steps of the screening process.

The status of all your applications can be found on your applicant profile on the job application site.

No, you can apply with no CDL or CLP. If you are offered the position, you will be required to obtain the CLP before your start date. CTA will then provide 30-45 days of paid training include CDL training.

• You must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid IL driver’s license
• Study the IL CDL Handbook from Secretary of State
• Visit the Illinois Secretary of State DMV at:
  • Either the Elk Grove or South Holland location
• Take the written exam for a Class “B” CLP
  • Knowledge Endorsement
  • Passenger Endorsement
  • Air brakes Endorsement
• It will cost you $60 to obtain the permit

You have 30 days from time you are offered the job to get your CLP. You will not be able to start without submitting a copy of the CLP.

No. Successful completion of CTA's Bus Operator paid training will qualify you for the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Knowledge, passenger, and air brakes.

Out-of-state CDLs will be accepted if you have current residency in that state. Illinois residents have to obtain an Illinois CLP/CDL.

A Driving Abstract is a Motor Vehicle Record provided by the Illinois Secretary of State that is required to be considered for the PTBO position. You can request one for $12 at the Secretary of State.

The signing bonus is $1,000.

Bus Operator, Bus Mechanics, Car repairer

The CTA will pay the new hire incentive on the employee's first paycheck.

If an employee receives the new hire incentive and resigns or is terminated by the CTA within the first twelve months of employment, the employee shall be required to pay the entire hiring incentive back to the CTA.

Yes, bus operator follows a pay progression based in the CBA.

Employees in the positions listed below will be eligible for two potential retention incentives in 2023. To be eligible for the first retention incentive, a Retention Eligible Employee must be on the payroll on June 30, 2023. The second retention incentive will be a one-time payment to be paid the first pay period after August 1, 2023 equal to three percent (3%) of the Retention Eligible Employee's hourly rate for actual regular and overtime hours worked between January I, 2023 and June 30, 2023 (up to a maximum of the first 1,250 hours worked during that 6-month period).

To be eligible for the second retention incentive, a Retention Eligible Employee must be on the payroll on December 31, 2023. The third retention incentive will be a one-time payment to be paid the first pay period after February I, 2024 equal to three percent (3%) of the Retention Eligible Employee's hourly rate for actual regular and overtime hours worked between July J, 2023 and December 3 l, 2023 (up to a maximum of the first 1,250 hours worked during that 6-month period). Each of these retention incentive payments will be subject to applicable payroll taxes and withholdings.