About the job
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
You do not need a CDL. We’ll provide training and testing. However, you must pass the CDL written test before starting employment with TriMet.
Wages and training
The training period is seven weeks of full-time (40 hours/week) training. You’ll receive $25.24 an hour during training and for the first eighteen months of work with regular, guaranteed pay increases every four months until the top rate of pay ($33.65) is reached at 35 months.
| Time on the job | Wage |
|---|---|
| First 18 months | $25.24 |
| 19th–22nd months | $26.90 |
| 23rd–26th months | $28.57 |
| 27th–30th months | $30.31 |
| 31st–34th months | $31.99 |
| 35th month (top operator rate) | $33.65 |
Work hours
This position includes work shifts that vary from day to night, including weekends and holidays. Schedules are created based on seniority, and we are unable to accommodate school or other work schedules.
Work environment
You will be operating a bus in all weather conditions and with varying routes from day to day. You will interact with the public and provide excellent customer service to riders of all cultures and different backgrounds.
What benefits does TriMet offer?
- medical/dental insurance
- health care/dependent care spending accounts
- free transit pass for you and your family
- defined contribution pension plan
- deferred compensation retirement plan
- on-site fitness center (for a fee)
- group term life
- long-term disability
- paid sick leave
- holidays
- personal days
- vacation time
- employee assistance program
Do part-time operators receive medical benefits?
Yes, even while working part-time, you will get the same great medical, dental and vision benefits full-time employees receive following 30 days of employment. Other benefits include a retirement plan with generous company match, life insurance at no cost and access to TriMet’s network of fitness facilities. After your probationary period is complete you’ll have access to TriMet’s employee assistance program, free transit passes for eligible dependents, paid sick time and paid holidays!
How soon can I go full-time?
New TriMet bus operators now have immediate access to full-time work.
How do I become a MAX or Portland Streetcar operator?
If you want to drive MAX or Streetcar, you must first start as a bus operator. Over time (about a year), you’ll have the opportunity to move into other operator positions based on performance and seniority.
One more thing...
Although there are certain recreational activities now legal in the state of Oregon, if you’re not able to pass a pre-employment drug screening, you will not be considered for this position.
What our operators have to say
“What we do at TriMet really does make the city move. I think it’s real rewarding to be able to finish your shift and know that you had some part today in getting people where they need to go.”
—Brian 1 year with TriMet
“TriMet has been the best job I’ve ever had. I had no experience driving a bus and the training I received was awesome. I definitely recommend working at TriMet to anyone who enjoys driving and may be looking for a career change.”
—John 4 years with TriMet
“TriMet is a great place to work. TriMet has a good benefits package with excellent pay. I have never had that in the jobs I’ve had before.”
—Maria 9 years with TriMet
“I have a cousin that works on MAX Light Rail and a brother-in-law that drives a bus. They convinced me to work at TriMet and I couldn’t be more thankful for such a decision. I love being out there, rain or shine, it is always a challenge and different every time. I’ve met interesting people and find that there are a lot of kind and good people.”
—Oscar 7 years with TriMet