Access Bus Driver (Full Time & Part Time)

RTS Access (Paratransit) Bus Operator

Salary Range: $21.85

Make an Impact at RTS

At RTS Access, we provide essential paratransit transportation for customers with disabilities who are unable to use the RTS fixed-route system for all or some of their transportation needs. We're looking for dependable, customer-focused individuals who enjoy driving, helping others, and working with the public.

As an RTS Access Bus Operator, you'll play an important role in helping members of our community get where they need to go safely, comfortably, and with dignity.

Part-time employees may be eligible for promotion to full-time based on seniority.

Why Join RTS?

Staying Healthy

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)

Feeling Secure

• Pension Plan
• NYS Deferred Compensation Plan
• Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Group Specified Disease Insurance
• Hospital Insurance

Work-Life Balance

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness Program & Wellness Center
• Verizon Wireless Discount
• BJ's Wholesale Club Discount
• Employee Discounts & More

Competitive Pay

• Starting rate of $21.16 per hour
• Structured 48-month pay progression
• Rate increases based on length of service
• $27.50 per hour after 48 months
• Union position represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Local 282

About the Role

RTS Access Bus Operators provide safe and reliable transportation to customers throughout Monroe County. Operators work directly with a diverse population of passengers and are responsible for delivering a professional, respectful, and customer-focused experience.

This position is located at RTS Access on Trabold Road and is specifically for paratransit service. This is NOT the Small Vehicle Operator (On Demand Driver) position or the RTS fixed-route big bus Operator position.

Schedule: Operators must be available to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays between 5:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. Employees must be available to work at least 20 hours per week. Specific days and hours cannot be guaranteed because work is selected based on seniority.

Training: 4–5 weeks of paid training, typically Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Training Start Dates:

• Non-CDL Operators: September 28, 2026
• CDL Operators: October 5, 2026

What You'll Do

• Safely operate an RTS Access paratransit bus while transporting customers.
• Provide safe, reliable, and courteous transportation services.
• Maintain a professional and respectful demeanor when interacting with passengers.
• Provide excellent customer service to a diverse population.
• Maintain composure and professionalism during stressful situations, conflicts, or challenging customer interactions.
• Follow all applicable safety procedures, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Work flexible schedules, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and varying hours.
• Successfully complete required paid training and the road test.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Valid New York State Driver's License.
• No more than 5 points on driving record.
• Minimum of five (5) years of Class D automobile driving experience.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours and varied days, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to work a minimum of 20 hours per week.
• Ability to successfully pass a post-offer 19A physical.
• Ability to successfully complete required training and road testing.
• Ability to meet applicable DOT and FTA safety-sensitive employment requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• CDL Class A, B, or C with passenger endorsement.

No CDL? We Will Train You!

Applicants without a CDL must obtain a CDL permit with passenger endorsement prior to their start date. RTS will provide paperwork to assist with the DMV permit process. Upon successful completion of training and the road test, employees will possess a Class C license with passenger endorsement.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population.
• Ability to maintain composure and professionalism in challenging or stressful situations.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to safely operate a paratransit vehicle.
• Ability to work independently while following established policies and procedures.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on operational needs and seniority.
• Commitment to providing safe, reliable, and respectful transportation services.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

This position involves intermittent physically demanding work, including bending, kneeling, squatting, reaching, climbing stairs, and twisting or rotating the arms and/or back.

• Lifting and carrying items up to 10 pounds.
• Pushing and/or pulling materials or equipment up to 150 pounds.
• Sitting for extended periods of time, up to eight hours per day.

Approximately 95% of work is performed indoors and 5% outdoors. Employees may be exposed to natural environmental conditions, bus fumes, noise, vibration, motorized vehicles, and other workplace hazards.

This is a safety-sensitive position. RGRTA maintains a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy in accordance with applicable state and federal law. Applicants and employees are subject to drug and alcohol testing as required by DOT and FTA regulations. Applicants must receive a verified negative pre-employment drug test before performing safety-sensitive functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA) is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. RGRTA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with known disabilities unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the organization.

For safety-sensitive positions, RGRTA maintains a drug- and alcohol-free workplace in accordance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations. Applicants for safety-sensitive positions must successfully complete a pre-employment drug test and receive a verified negative test result before performing safety-sensitive functions. Employees in these positions are also subject to additional drug and alcohol testing throughout their employment as required by applicable regulations.

As required by law, RTS tests for a variety of substances, including cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, phencyclidine (PCP), and marijuana metabolites. Please be aware that marijuana can remain detectable in the body for an extended period of time—sometimes more than 30 days—and may result in a positive drug test long after use.