Apply to be a Bus Operator
Great benefits, including medical, dental, pension and paid training!
Please note, we’ve had a fantastic response to our Bus Operator career posting! As a result, we will be taking the job posting down for now but expect to have it back up on our career site early this Summer! During this time, we will continue to process the applications already submitted. Please check our career site every Friday when we update our postings with the latest career opportunities and best to you!
Requirements
- Required to submit to and pass drug and alcohol testing as mandated by the Federal Transportation Administration.
- Required to be at least 21 years of age.
- Required to have an acceptable driving record
- Required to obtain a valid State of Illinois Class "B" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or a valid State of Illinois Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) with the following three endorsements: KNOWLEDGE, PASSENGER and AIR BRAKES.
- *If you don’t have a CDL at the time of application, CTA provides paid training for candidates with CLPs to help obtain their license.
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
Hiring process
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Application
Apply online and upload your resume/work history.
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Testing
Follow the instructions that are emailed to you to take the online assessment. (If you do not receive email instructions within 24 hours, check your spam or junk folder.)
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Interview
Recruiters will contact eligible candidates to schedule Interview.
(This step usually takes place 1-2 weeks after testing.)
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Offer is extended and background check process begins
Complete medical and background check.
(This step can take, on average, 4-5 weeks)
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Submit any outstanding documentation
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Knowledge, Passenger, and Air Brakes endorsement
OR
Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) with Knowledge, Passenger, and Air Brakes endorsement
(View the study guide.)
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Attend Pre-Hire Session
Complete Hire Documents and learn about benefits
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Attend New Employee Orientation (NEO)
Learn about the Chicago Transit Authority and the role you’ll play as a Bus Operator.
Frequently asked questions
Requirements and the application process
Applicants must be at least 21 years of age.
Applications are accepted online only. You can apply from our Careers page.
If you applied and interviewed, your application is valid for six (6) months. If you did not pass the interview, you will be able to apply again in one (1) year.
Passing test scores are good for three (3) years. If you did not pass the test, you can retake it after one (1) year. You must reapply for the position in order to re-test.
No, you do not. We provide paid training to teach you what you need to know about operating a commercial vehicle.
Approximately two (2) months from your testing date.
Within 48 hours you should hear from a member of our team by email or phone.
Please make sure to have your most up to date contact information on your application. Additionally, check your spam/junk folders to make sure you don’t miss anything.
- Submit a copy of your CLP to the recruiter.
- Complete medical and background screening.
No one will be allowed to start without completing all steps of the screening process.
The status of all your applications can be found on your applicant profile on the job application site.
CDL/CLP
No, you can apply with no CDL or CLP. If you are offered the position, you will be required to obtain the CLP before your start date. CTA will then provide 30-45 days of paid training include CDL training.
- You must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid IL driver’s license
- Study the IL CDL Handbook from Secretary of State
- Visit the Illinois Secretary of State DMV at:
- Either the Elk Grove or South Holland location
- Take the written exam for a Class “B” CLP
- Knowledge Endorsement
- Passenger Endorsement
- Air brakes Endorsement
- It will cost you $60 to obtain the permit
You have 30 days from time you are offered the job to get your CLP. You will not be able to start without submitting a copy of the CLP.
No. Successful completion of CTA's Bus Operator paid training will qualify you for the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Knowledge, passenger, and air brakes.
Out-of-state CDLs will be accepted if you have current residency in that state. Illinois residents have to obtain an Illinois CLP/CDL.
A Driving Abstract is a Motor Vehicle Record provided by the Illinois Secretary of State that is required to be considered for the PTBO position. You can request one for $12 at the Secretary of State.
The CTA complies with all federal and state laws forbidding discrimination and will attempt to provide a reasonable accommodation to otherwise qualified individuals to enable them to perform the essential functions of the job.