Get Started as an MBTA Bus Operator

Here's what a typical day could look like for you:

• Arrive to work in a pre-determined location and shift.
• Conduct a routine vehicle inspection, ensuring operational readiness and passenger safety.
• Check safety features like brakes, lights, signs, doors, mirrors, wipers, tires, and the horn.
• Report any mechanical issues or defects to the appropriate authority.
• Follow the assigned route of your shift.
• Pick up passengers, collect fares, and check passes and ID cards for validity.
• Make sure the correct signs are displayed and clearly announce the destinations at service stops and other essential locations.
• Take a scheduled two- or three-hour break to ensure your well-being and performance during your shift.
• Report any unresolved disputes over ID validity or fare collection to the station's official in charge.
• Prepare written reports for the superintendent if any dispute remains unresolved.
• Prepare written reports any accidents.
• Work overtime shifts when available.

Throughout the workday, you represent the MBTA by upholding customer service standards. You are expected to:

• Respond courteously and professionally to all inquiries.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of the MBTA system to provide routine information and directions to the public.

You could also encounter emergency situations and may need to:

• Notify the bus control center dispatcher, requesting additional assistance.
• Evacuate passengers.
• Use the onboard fire extinguisher.

1. Start as a bus operator: Start your journey as a bus operator, handling regular bus operations.
2. Advance to spare inspector: After gaining three years of experience as a bus operator at MBTA and maintaining a full-time status, transition to the role of spare inspector, ensuring quality and safety standards.
3. Advance to inspector: Progress to the role of inspector, with the prerequisite of a current full-time rating (seniority classification) as a bus operator.
4. Advance to spare operations control center (OCC) dispatcher: Become a spare dispatcher, using your knowledge of bus operations. 
5. Advance to dispatcher: Gain five years of service with the MBTA in bus transportation and hold a current rating as a full-time bus operator, spare inspector, or inspector.
6. Advance to supervisor of OCC: Move up the ladder to become a supervisor of OCC, building on your seven years of experience in transportation field operations and two years of related supervisory experience.
7. Advance to superintendent: Progress to the role of superintendent, backed by six years of experience in bus transportation field operations, including two years in a related supervisory capacity. Showcase your training, education, and program management skills. 
8. Advance to division chief OCC: Reach the position of division chief, holding a bachelor's degree, with seven years of experience in bus transportation training, operations, or related maintenance, including significant supervisory roles.
9. Advance to assistant general manager: Finally, you’ll reach the assistant general manager position, with at least 12 years of bus operations experience, seven years in OCC leadership, and proficiency in Microsoft (MS) Office. A master's degree in relevant fields can substitute for two years' experience, while an high school diploma plus seven years rail operations can substitute for a degree. Proficiency in organizational, analytical, quantitative, and writing skills is required, along with experience using MS Office and graphic applications. Holding a valid driver's license without infractions is also required.

1. Start as a bus operator: Start your journey as a bus operator, handling regular bus operations.
2. Advance to spare inspector: After gaining three years of experience as a bus operator at MBTA and maintaining a full-time status, transition to the role of spare inspector, ensuring quality and safety standards.
3. Advance to inspector: Progress to the role of inspector, with the prerequisite of a current full-time rating (seniority classification) as a bus operator.
4. Advance to instructor: Choose the training route, based on your experience as an inspector.
5. Advance to training supervisor: Advance to this position, utilizing your five years of experience in public transit field operations and related supervisory capacity.
6. Advance to superintendent: Progress to the role of superintendent, backed by six years of experience in bus transportation field operations, including two years in a related supervisory capacity. Showcase your training, education, and program management skills. 
7. Advance to division chief training: Reach the position of division chief, holding a bachelor's degree, with seven years of experience in bus or rail transportation training, operations, or related maintenance, including significant supervisory roles.
8. Advance to assistant general manager: Finally, you’ll reach the assistant general manager position, with at least 12 years of bus operations experience, seven years in training leadership, and proficiency in Microsoft (MS) Office. A master's degree in relevant fields can substitute for two years' experience, while a high school diploma plus seven years rail operations can substitute for a degree. Proficiency in organizational, analytical, quantitative, and writing skills, along with experience using MS Office and graphic applications, is required. Holding a valid driver's license without infractions is essential.