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Bus Operator Application Process

If you have any questions about the application process outlined below, contact your recruiter at hrstaffing@mbta.com.

Note: You do no need a resume or commercial driver's license (CDL) to apply.

1. Create an Account

If you don't already have a NEOGOV account, you must create one so you can fill out the bus operator job application.

2. Fill Out an Application

Once you've created and signed into your account, you're ready to fill out the bus operator job application. Be prepared to provide your:

  • Contact information
  • Current valid US driver's license number
  • Work experience and education

You'll also need to consent to a driving record review.

After submitting your application, you will receive an email confirmation letting you know we've received it. Then, we will contact you by phone and email to invite you to participate in the evaluation process.

3. Complete Screening and Workforce Assessment

What to Expect During a Screening

A screening is a short interview where you will discuss your experience in customer-facing roles and answer general questions about work expectations.

You will:

  1. Receive an email from Human Resources to schedule your screening.
  2. Complete your screening with your recruiter in person in about 20 to 30 minutes.
  3. Find out if you have passed immediately after your screening.

What to Expect During a Workforce Assessment

A workforce assessment is a brief 20- to 30-minute physical evaluation that ensures you are physically able to perform the day-to-day and emergency tasks of the role.

You will complete the workforce assessment in person with an instructor immediately before or after your screening.

4. Receive Start Date and Sign Conditional Offer Letter

If you score well on the screening, you will receive a start date and conditional offer letter. The offer is contingent on your successful completion of a background check and medical screening.

5. Complete Background Check

You will receive an email from TruView asking for your name, date of birth, and social security number to run a background check. TruView will check:

  • County civil litigation reports
  • County criminal conviction records
  • Consent-based social security verification
  • Education verification
  • National criminal database search
  • National sex offender search
  • Professional license/certificate verification
  • Tax lien and judgment record

You will receive an additional email that includes an invitation from DocuSign for you to consent to a Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check. CORI will check:

  • The nature or disposition of a criminal charge
  • Details about arrests and pre-trial proceedings
  • Other judicial proceedings including:
    • Sentencing
    • Incarceration
    • Rehabilitation
    • Release

If we are unable to verify your education, employment, or residency during the background check, we will ask you to provide supplemental documents as a source of verification.

Helpful Tips for Preparing for Your Background Check

  • Check your junk email so you don’t miss any communication from CORI or TruView
  • Provide exact dates for any previous work and education history
  • Accurately enter your Social Security number (SSN)
  • In case the primary source verification is unsuccessful, prepare all your employment and education documents including:
    • IRS Wage and Income Transcript
    • Pay stubs
    • Social Security abstracts, W-2, or 1099
    • Social Security card
    • Degree or diploma information

6. Complete Medical Screening

You are required to attend an appointment at the MBTA clinic located on the 5th floor at 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA. You will receive an invitation through email to schedule an appointment for a physical and drug and alcohol tests. Your appointment will last approximately two hours.

Bring the following items with you to your appointment:

  • A valid government ID to enter the building
  • If applicable, corrective lenses or glasses for near or far vision, or both
  • If applicable, hearing aids and a recent audiology report
  • If you are diabetic, recent HgA1C lab results
  • If you are taking any psychotropic meds, a doctor's note stating that your medication will not affect your ability to drive safely and that you can work without restrictions
  • If you use a CPAP, provide at least 90 days of compliance data

After your appointment, you will receive an email letting you know if you passed or failed the medical screening.

What's Next?

If you've passed your screenings, workforce assessment, and background check, you'll be ready to start training for your new role.

Learn what to expect during bus operator training

Get Started as an MBTA Bus Operator

A bus operator is seated at the front of an MBTA bus

Candidates could receive a sign-on bonus of up to $7,500.

MBTA Careers

Learn about careers at the MBTA

Get Started as an MBTA Bus Operator

A bus operator is seated at the front of an MBTA bus

Candidates could receive a sign-on bonus of up to $7,500.

MBTA Careers

Learn about careers at the MBTA