Bus Operator

CityofOttawa • Ottawa, ON

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Transit Operations provides safe, reliable and courteous transit services and excellence in customer service delivery to 100 million transit customers per year, by means of conventional bus, para transit and rail operations. The Transit Bus and Para Transit Operations team provides safe, reliable, efficient, effective, on time, courteous and cost-effective rapid transit service to a growing and diverse City of Ottawa.

You operate City of Ottawa buses in accordance with the Highway Traffic Act and corporate policy. You also promote a customer service mindset when interacting with the general public and provide a safe, comfortable, efficient and reliable transportation service.

Bus Operators who temporarily work in the roles of Operator/Bilingual Sightseeing and Charter Sightseeing and Operator/Platform Instructor will be paid the appropriate rate or differential for the time that this work is performed.

Requirements

• Completion of Grade 12.
• Minimum of 5 years of driving experience with a clean driving record free of demerit points.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant customer service experience including direct contact with the public and dealing with a diverse population.
• Knowledge of City of Ottawa landmarks and locations.
• Able to adapt/react to changes in operating conditions/environment.
• Able to operate in a highly diverse cultural community.
• Attentive to detail and able to adhere to specific detailed procedures.
• Persuasive and tactful with excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills.
• Possess good written communication skills.
• Basic understanding of and ability to use computers.
• Able to multi-task, solve problems and make decisions.
• Able to remain calm in stressful situations.
• Able to exercise sound judgement.
• Able to work with minimum direct supervision and in a team environment.
• Ability to use a radio and microphone and to communicate effectively.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time in the driver’s seat while wearing a seat belt.
• Ability to bend, twist body and to manipulate controls independently or simultaneously at any given time, while wearing a seatbelt in the driver’s seat.
• Ability to “reach over-head” with both arms to manipulate controls.
• Constant twisting and neck rotation of different ranges to check mirrors, bus passes, etc.
• Constant gripping, pulling and pushing to manipulate control (steering controls, control valves, etc.).
• Ability to manipulate dual foot controls independently or simultaneously at any given time.
• English oral, reading, writing.
• A valid Ontario unrestricted G class driver’s license (or provincial equivalent) with 0 demerit points accumulated to the City of Ottawa’s satisfaction.
• Must be able to pass the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) medical exam required to obtain a class "C" license prior to hire.
• Must be able to work shifts, weekends and statutory holidays at a variety of locations.

Nice To Haves

• Public Urban transit experience is an asset.
• Completion of Defensive Driving course or related is an asset.
• Knowledge of transit fares and pass structure.
• Knowledge of the Highway Traffic Act.
• Knowledge of/experience using portable communications technologies, such as 2-way radio.

Responsibilities

• Operate City of Ottawa buses in accordance with the Highway Traffic Act and corporate policy.
• Promote a customer service mindset when interacting with the general public.
• Provide a safe, comfortable, efficient and reliable transportation service.
• Call out stops as per the CTA directive.
• Read and understand trip dockets.
• Operate a bus in high-density traffic in the downtown core.
• React and deal with emergency situations as they arise.
• Talk to and assist passengers while safely operating a bus.
• Project a positive and professional image at all times, through personal appearance and conduct.
• Act independently.
• Communicate clearly in writing, in person, and by using corporate communications technologies, such as 2-way radio, etc.
• Deliver excellent customer service at all times and to deal with all situations in a professional manner by remaining calm and self-controlled when dealing with difficult situations, and co-operating with Transit Supervisors and other City of Ottawa personnel to meet customers’ transit needs.
• Perform required MTO pre-trip inspection, which involves walking, bending, squatting, climbing, reaching, twisting body in many different positions.
• Assist customers with special needs.
• Keep stairway clear of ice and snow build-up.

Benefits

• Training rate is 50% of full-time Bus Operator wage rate ($18.400/hr) (2026 Rates of Pay)
• Rates of pay after successful completion of training are as follows: 1st - 8th month - 85% of Bus Operator rate ($32.224/hr), 9th - 16th month - 90% of Bus Operator rate ($34.119/hr), 17th - 24th month - 95% of Bus Operator rate ($36.015/hr), After 24 months - Full Bus Operator rate ($37.910/hr) (2026 Rates of Pay)
• Bus Operators who temporarily work in the roles of Operator/Bilingual Sightseeing and Charter Sightseeing and Operator/Platform Instructor will be paid the appropriate rate or differential for the time that this work is performed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED