The following FULL-TIME position posting will be open through Thursday, August 7, 2025:
MOTOR COACH OPERATOR / BUS DRIVER
Pay Rate: $28.09/hour during 6-week training program, $33.05/hour once graduated
Shifts are determined based on union seniority; evening and weekend work is likely
Employees in this job classification are members of the Transport Workers Union Local 171
HIRING PROCESS
July 25 to August 7, 2025 - Employment Applications Accepted
- Submit an Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority Employment Application Form (online or paper), completed in its entirety by the posted deadline date.
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- Apply online at theride.org
- Paper applications must be received in the AAATA office at 2700 S. Industrial Highway, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 by 5:00pm on the posted deadline date. Paper applications are available at the same address.
- Faxed or emailed applications will not be accepted.
- Late and incomplete applications will not be accepted.
After August 1, 2025 - Interviews Begin
- Interviews of qualified candidate will be conducted as applications are received.
- Qualified candidates selected for an interview will be notified via e-mail.
- Applicants who are not selected for an interview will receive notification they are no longer being considered
August 26, 2025 - Training Class Start Date
JOB DESCRIPTION
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Safely operates motor coaches, tests, and inspects equipment in accordance with pre-trip and in-service vehicle inspection procedures.
- Requests appropriate service and/or maintenance on AAATA vehicles, when necessary.
- Safely boards and de-boards passengers and provides necessary assistance to passengers with disabilities.
- Issues, receives, and punches transfers.
- Collects appropriate fares from passengers.
- Announces streets and time points as required by the ADA and as requested.
- Provides information and directions to passengers.
- Maintains proper radio communication with the Operations Control Center and responds to all instructions and related requests on a timely basis.
- Adjusts route and destination signs when necessary.
- Follows established procedures for handling violent and disruptive incidents, passenger illness, and other emergency situations.
- Returns vehicles to proper place in garage at end of run, places transmission selector in neutral or park, as is appropriate to vehicle type, and completes post-trip vehicle inspection procedures.
- Keeps all vehicle exits, entrances, and interior surfaces clear of refuse.
- Removes ice or slush from vehicle steps and ramps.
- Inspects bulletin boards and checks mailbox each day.
- Completes forms, as required (e.g. Accident/Incident Reports, Vehicle Condition Cards, special count forms, etc.).
- Reports all accidents immediately and submits a complete written report within twenty-four (24) hours and attends related court proceedings whenever necessary.
- Provides in-service training for new operators (e.g. vehicle maneuvering skills, wheelchair tie-down procedures, etc.).
- Operates assigned runs in accordance with published routes and schedules.
- Other duties as required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Knowledge of the operation of vehicles gained through actual hands-on experience with driving larger commercial vehicles.
- Extensive knowledge of traffic rules and regulations.
- Experience in driving in congested urbanized settings.
- Sufficient practical or academic education or training to successfully handle assigned duties.
- Experience in operating commercial passenger vehicles preferred.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Analytical and problem-solving ability.
- Memorizing and attending to detail.
- Reading and interpreting documents.
- Demonstrating good command of the English language.
- Skill to manage, lead, train, coordinate and motivate.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Perform simple and intermediate math calculations.
- Multi-tasking ability.
- Interacting with a wide variety of personalities.
- Working under frequent periods of stress.
- Organizing daily work activities to achieve goals.
- Ability to follow oral and written direction.
- Some mechanical aptitude.
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Physically and mentally qualified to safely operate commercial passenger vehicle and perform all related essential job functions.
- Subject to applicable legal requirements, must meet the physical qualification standards specified in the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATION:
- Michigan Chauffeur's License and Commercial Driver License Class B with a "P" endorsement
- OR must possess a Commercial Learners Instruction Permit (CLIP) and have the ability to obtain a valid Michigan Chauffeur's License and Commercial Driver License Class B with a "P" endorsement within 6 weeks of employment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Constant periods of hearing, near and far acuity, depth perception and accommodation.
- Long periods of sitting.
- Some periods of standing and walking, climbing steps, stooping, bending, and reaching.
- Ability to lift and carry 25 pounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL/ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS:
- Occasional exposure to noise, fumes, smoke, chemicals, fuels, cleaners, city pollution environment.
POSITION PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES:
Provide direct transportation service to members of the Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and urbanized area. Motor Coach Operators (MCOs) operate lift-equipped motor coaches of various sizes, along fixed routes, in a safe efficient and courteous manner. Responsible for adherence to and performance of all the job requirements set forth in the "Standards of Performance" specified in the Personnel Procedures Manual.