Frequently Asked Questions
COACH OPERATOR FAQs
What do I need to be eligible to apply?
- Be at least 18 years old at the time you apply.
- Hold a valid Washington Driver License, and have the ability to obtain a Commercial Learners Permit with the Air Brake and Passenger endorsements.
- Please Note: In order to obtain a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) in Washington State, you must be able to provide your current license, social security number and proof of US Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency
- Education and Experience: Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school/GED, excellent employment history with a strong customer service background, and a satisfactory driving record.
- Be able to speak and write in English.
- Be available for morning and afternoon shifts.
- Understand the position is subject to DOT drug testing, including marijuana
What will the working conditions be like?
Duties are performed in an outdoor environment. Work is typically performed in a sitting position while driving a transit vehicle. Subject to adverse weather and traffic conditions, exhaust fumes and equipment noises. Also subject to exposure to potential contact with verbally or physically abusive individuals.
Do I need to have professional driving experience or a CDL to apply?
- No, work experience that demonstrates good performance, strong customer service, reliability, and good communication within the last 10 years will be considered.
- Link Transit does not require applicants to have a CDL to be hired for the bus operator position, but candidates must get a Commercial Driver Permit with Airbrake and Passenger endorsements before entering a training class and starting the training process.
How many hours can I expect to work?
- Operators are guaranteed a minimum of 35 hours of work or pay per week.
Link provides service 7 days a week including Sundays. Days off and work shifts are awarded by seniority. - Hours of Service:
Monday–Friday: 4:25 am – 9:55 pm
Saturday: 6:25 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday: 6:30 am – 8:45 pm
Will Link Pay for my CDL Training?
Yes! Link Transit offers paid CDL training!
What will my schedule look like when I start?
- After you are done with training you will be undefined. Call in every night to see what you work the next day. May be split days off and split shifts.
- Every 3 months we bid on pieces of work based on seniority. You will be on the bottom, so you may get an assigned piece of work or you may be undefined until you move up in seniority.
What kind of vehicles will I drive?
- You will be trained to drive all vehicles in the Link Transit fleet to provide both Fixed Route and LinkPlus Service. (40’, 35’ & 30’ Buses, 35’ BYD Electric Buses, Body-on-chassis Cutaways & Arbocs, and mini-vans)
- You will be trained to drive all vehicles in the Link Transit fleet to provide both Fixed Route and LinkPlus Service. (40’, 35’ & 30’ Buses, 35’ BYD Electric Buses, Body-on-chassis Cutaways & Arbocs, and mini-vans)
Do transit operators belong to a union?
Transit operators are represented by Teamsters Local Union No. 760.
Does Link Transit require drug testing for transit operators?
All applicants for positions defined as “safety-sensitive” are required to pass a drug test prior to employment and will be subject to random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing. This includes testing for marijuana.
Who can I contact if I have questions, comments, or concerns?
Contact Human Resources at employment@linktransit.com