Bus Operator Open Interviews - August 12 & 18 at TCAT!

Join us live and in-person for TWO drop-in hiring events in August!

Can't make it? Complete an application and we'll schedule a phone call follow-up.

Where: TCAT Offices, 737 Willow Ave, Ithaca NY 14850 (Ride the 13 or 17)

When:
9:00 am - 1:00 pm on Wednesday 8/12/26
-AND-
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm on Tuesday 8/18/26

What to bring: Completed application, NY driver license, Resume (or employment history, including start/end dates for each job)

Drive with purpose. Serve your community. Grow your career.

If you value community service, safety, and accountability and are looking for a rewarding career with great benefits and long-term growth, join our team!

TCAT Bus Operators hold a key role in providing our community with safe, reliable, and affordable transportation to and from work, school, and business in Ithaca and surrounding commuter communities. TCAT’s most successful Bus Operators are dependable, customer service-focused, and safety-minded individuals who enjoy helping their community stay connected and get where they need to go!

No CDL? – No problem! TCAT provides exceptional (paid!) training to our Operators.

What You’ll Do:

• Get your commercial class B permit with passenger endorsement
• Practice hands-on and behind-the-wheel for 6-8 weeks with our training team
• Bid on your work assignment (route) in order of union seniority
• Be available to work nights, weekends, and extra work as assigned
• Earn pay bonuses and premiums for nights, overtime hours, and perfect attendance
• Safely operate a transit bus on fixed or demand-response routes throughout Tompkins County
• Operate your bus on route and on time while providing exceptional customer service to passengers
• Assist riders with directions, accessibility needs, and fare information
• Ensure passenger comfort and safety, including during emergencies
• Perform pre- and post-trip inspections and complete required documentation.

Who We’re Looking For:

• Strong integrity – do you take ownership and consistently make the right choices, even when no one is watching?
• Good knowledge of safe driving practices, vehicle traffic laws and regulations.
• Commitment to upholding high standards of passenger and equipment safety.
• Good verbal and written communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to read and follow written schedules and instructions.
• Adaptability to learn new skills, routes, and technology.
• Flexibility to be available for nights, weekends, and occasional mandatory shifts.

Why You’ll Love TCAT:

• Competitive Pay: $28.02 per hour!
  • ​​​​​Overtime premium (1.5x) applies after 40 hours/week
• Excellent Benefits: View summary here
• Medical Insurance (Excellus BCBS): Individual, couple, and family plans with robust employer contribution to monthly premiums
  • Medical FSA & HSA options
• Dental & Vision Insurance: Employer fully pays premiums for individual and family plans
• Retirement 401(k) account: Optional employee contributions, plus employer direct 10% contribution after 2 years
• Paid Time Off: annually accrue up to 10 vacation days, 3 personal days, 5 floating holidays, and 7 sick days
• Extra Earnings: Opportunities for overtime, premium rates, and pay bonuses
• Paid Licensing: TCAT provides in-house, on-site entry-level driver training, and covers CDL licensing costs
• Career Growth: Advancement opportunities and seniority perks over time
• Fair Pay Practices: Collective bargaining, pay transparency, and commitment to a living wage
• Convenient Parking: Free employee parking on-site and nearby overflow
• Modern Fleet: Energy-efficient buses equipped with advanced safety features
• Uniforms Provided: Including generous shoe allowance