Part-Time Bus Operators can earn $23-$36 per hour, plus benefits that include family medical and prescription plans; Commercial Driver’s License not required to apply. Paid training offered for all positions. Virtual job fair set for Wednesday, 6/30.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is currently seeking ambitious individuals looking to launch a career in public transportation. The nation’s second largest transit agency has a variety of available positions across the agency, including machinists, mechanics, warehouse workers, rail system flaggers and track workers, as well as more than 400 part-time bus operator positions.
“What few realize is that the CTA offers the tools, resources and opportunities to lay the groundwork for a future career in a diverse transportation organization that will always be a vital component in keeping Chicago moving,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “We’ve had countless rise-through-the-ranks success stories, with many members of our current management team having started at CTA as a bus or rail operator or other part-time position. We’re proud to be an organization offering life-long careers for thousands of Chicagoans and we’re now recruiting our next generation of transit employees.”
The CTA currently has a variety of opportunities available from entry level positions to management positions across all areas of the agency, including operations, trades (i.e. machinists, electricians, mechanics and more), maintenance and administrative. Currently, there is high demand for part-time bus operators and trade workers.
For applicants looking to start a career in transit, the CTA offers paid training, which includes obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) through the part-time bus operator training program. All positions are locally based.
Alongside other frontline workers, CTA employees have played a vital role in helping keep the City of Chicago moving during these challenging times. The top priority for the CTA has and will always be the health and safety of its employees. Over the past year, numerous measures have been implemented to better protect CTA employees, including an on-site vaccination program exclusive for CTA employees, distribution of personal protective equipment (i.e. protective eyewear, masks, hand sanitizer, gloves, etc.), use of driver shields on all buses, as well as various adjustments to daily operations and workplaces to encourage social distancing and limit the number of occupants in a space or vehicle.
Part-time bus operator (PTBO) positions:
The CTA is currently looking to fill 400 part-time bus operator positions. Those interested in applying for this position should have strong customer service skills and also be available to work weekends, evenings and holidays. In order to apply, applicants must be 21 years of age, possess a valid State of Illinois driver’s license with an acceptable driving record, and pass a drug and alcohol test as mandated by the Federal Transportation Administration.
Part-time bus operator starting pay is $23.44 per hour with top pay of $36.06 per hour. Bus operator candidates who hold a CDL or CLP will have an expedited start date.
Based on performance and tenure, part-time bus operators have the opportunity to transition to full-time bus operator positions usually within 12 to 18 months, or sooner. Over the last few years, hundreds of part-time bus operators have transitioned into full-time operator status and/or other positions throughout the CTA.
Wednesday (6/30): PTBO virtual job fair
For those interested in applying for the part-time bus operator position, the CTA and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 241, which represents CTA’s bus operators, will be hosting a virtual job fair on Wednesday, June 30 at 12 p.m. During this time, attendees will learn about the PTBO position, benefits package available, information about getting a CDL, as well as more information about the union.
Attendees are encouraged to register ahead of time by visiting: https://bit.ly/3cLTb1s
Additional CTA employment opportunities:
In addition to seeking PTBOs, the CTA is also seeking applicants for the following positions:
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Bus Mechanics (starting at $29.82)
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Machinists (starting at $48.93)
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Electrical workers (starting at $46.88)
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Track workers (starting at $21.10)
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Warehouse workers (starting at $20.35)
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Flaggers (Starting at $19.92)
For more details on these and other employment opportunities available at the CTA including trade, management, and administrative positions, please visit and apply online at: www.transitchicago.com/careers.
The CTA is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer that welcomes open-minded, smart, innovative and committed candidates. The CTA offers opportunities and support for veterans, and welcomes all employees regardless of one’s gender, religion, sexual orientation, skin color or networks.
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