Contrary to what some might think, it’s not easy to become a Metro Transit bus operator.
There’s a lot of technical information and processes to learn – but don’t worry – we offer help to anyone who asks for it.
From the moment you express interest in the job through the testing and application process, and even after your first day on the job, we have staff available to help.
Step 1: Bus Driver Application Preparation Meeting and Application
Before applying consider attending a Bus Driver Application Preparation meeting. There, staff and bus operators can answer any of your questions about what the job is like and about how the application process works. If you decide that it might be a good fit, then you can start the application process onsite.
Step 2: Customer Service Test
After the application, your first step is the Customer Service test, which can place you in scenarios you might encounter on the road. At times, this job can be stressful, but it’s up to you to maintain a professional and courteous manner during your workday.
Step 3: Study and Earn a Commercial Learners Permit
After passing the Customer Service test, you’ll need to earn your Minnesota commercial learner permit (CLP), the first step to getting a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
If you’ve never driven anything bigger than a car, we can help you learn the required vocabulary and rules of driving large commercial vehicles. We offer an eight-hour course, with flexible hours, to help you prepare.
Step 4: Interview, Background Check, and Drug Test
Once you’ve earned your CLP, you will be interviewed, undergo a background check, and a drug test.
Step 5: Start your career at Metro Transit with five-weeks paid training
If you pass, congratulations! You’ve begun your career at Metro Transit. If not, don’t be discouraged, you can try again later. Some bus operators have failed the first time, but eventually became great operators, like Shamara Baggett.
Once you have a CLP, you'll begin the five-week paid training before working your first shift.
Step 6: Start your new career with the help of a mentor
After that, you'll be introduced to your bus operator mentor who will help guide you through your career with Metro Transit.