Transportation Equipment Operator (Bus Operator)

The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) is seeking dedicated, career-oriented individuals with strong interpersonal and customer service skills who enjoy interacting with the public, to serve as Transportation Equipment Operators. This position is responsible for the day-to-day operation of a city bus in a safe, efficient, and courteous manner. Work involves safety inspection of bus prior to use, transporting citizens to and from designated bus stops, collection of fares, and daily record keeping. DDOT will assist successful candidates in obtaining their Commercial Driver’s License including training and testing.  

 

The Detroit Department of Transportation is the largest public transit provider in Michigan that serves the City of Detroit, surrounding suburbs, and neighboring cities, including Highland Park and Hamtramck. DDOT prides itself on providing reliable, clean, safe, and efficient service to its daily riders.

DDOT takes the COVID-19 situation very seriously. We are working with the City of Detroit, state, and local public health officials and following the CDC’s guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Our commitment to the safety for Bus Operators is priority. For more information, visit www.detroitmi.gov/ddot. We offer and provide our Transportation Equipment Operators with the necessary safety and protective equipment and an enclosed driver seat on the buses.

Video: Day In the Life of a Transportation Equipment Operator

• Operates motor coaches.

• Opens doors for passengers boarding and exiting vehicles.

• Operates wheelchair lifts.

• Cycles wheelchair lift upon pulling out and pulling into the garage.

• Monitors passengers depositing fares and ensures correct amounts are deposited in fare box.

• Issues, receives, and validates transfers.

• Prepares and issues refund slips.

• Announces streets and stop locations.

• Provides information and directions to passengers in a courteous manner.

• Adjusts route and destination signs and route numbers.

• Maintains cleanliness of vehicle.

• Removes snow, ice or slush from steps and platforms.

• Maintains proper lighting, heating, and ventilation in vehicle.

• Reviews bulletin boards at terminal daily for route changes, detours, policy changes and other announcements.

• Prepares and completes trip sheets, accident reports and other forms and submits to appropriate personnel.

• Instructs students on the operation of transportation equipment.

• Ensures vehicle is serviced when driving into service areas.

• Conducts pre- and post-trip coach inspections.

• Transfers coaches to alternative terminals.

• Maintains established route schedule.

Qualifications (required):

Completion of high school or G.E.D.

 

Qualifications (preferred):

Preferably two (2) years of experience operating automotive vehicles, as demonstrated by a State Driving Record.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

Knowledge of basic operation of automotive equipment.

Knowledge of traffic rules and regulations.

Knowledge of geographic layout of the city.

Skill in operating automotive equipment.

Ability to effectively interact with the public.

Ability to follow oral and written directions.

Ability to read maps and follow established schedules and routes.

 

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Special Requirements: 

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.

Valid Michigan Chauffeur license.

Valid Michigan Commercial Driver License with Group B designation and Passenger and Air Brake endorsements.

****Candidates must have a CDL permit before starting and those that already have a CDL must obtain the 'P' endorsement before starting.Evaluation Plan
Interview    P/F
Evaluation of Training, Experience, & Personal Qualifications:    100%
Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P    100%
Domicile Credit:    15 Points
Veteran Points:    0-15 Points
Additional points may be awarded for:
Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
Detroit Residency Credit:   15 points

Michigan CDL Requirements

• Must reside in the State of Michigan
• Must be 21 years old to obtain a license to drive across state lines
• If between the ages of 18-21 you can obtain a Michigan CDL with a K restriction allowing you to drive in the state of Michigan only
• Provide proof of legal presence in the United States
• To transport hazardous materials in a vehicle that is marked or placecarded for them, you must be: 21 or older, have proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residence and present a Federal Security Threat Assessment (TSA Approved).
• Must obtain the necessary certifications on the CDL BFS-103 Certification Form
• Must be licensed in only one state
• Must not have any current suspensions, revocations, denials or cancellation of your license
• Must not have a conviction of any 6 point driving violation within 24 months upon application
• Must not have a suspension or revocation within 36 months upon application
• Must comply with federal or state medical/physical before obtaining a Michigan CDL