“Metro, like transit agencies and other industries nationwide, is facing a staffing shortage due to the pandemic and is looking to hire nearly 70 bus drivers”

Ed. Note: Last week we learned that “Regular weekday Metrobus service to return February 7”.

From WMATA:

“Beginning today, Metro is offering up to a $2,500 pay incentive as part of a new campaign to hire more bus drivers. Metro, like transit agencies and other industries nationwide, is facing a staffing shortage due to the pandemic and is looking to hire nearly 70 bus drivers needed to meet the current bus service schedule. Additional drivers will also be necessary to fill vacancies month-to-month to account for attrition and retirement.

Hiring more bus drivers is vital to keeping the region moving with more than 1000 buses operating on 187 routes on a peak weekday throughout the District, Maryland and Virginia. Today daily bus ridership averages 180,000 trips, approximately 60 percent of pre-pandemic levels and higher than rail ridership.

“Metrobus is essential to the economic well-being of the region, connecting people to jobs, hospitals, stores and other activities. None of this would be possible without our bus operators,” said Metro General Manager/CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld. “We want operators with a passion for customer service and who understand how much the job they do matters to the lives of people every day.”

Bus drivers will receive a $1,000 signing bonus in their first paycheck upon hiring. A minimum of a commercial driver learner’s permit is required to start in the position. If candidates don’t have experience driving a bus, Metro will provide training. After completing the ten-week training drivers will get the remaining $1,500 bonus pay.

In addition, Metro offers competitive pay with a starting salary for bus operators of more than $25/hour after completion of training plus overtime and benefits, including health care, retirement benefits and paid time off. Drivers also enjoy other great perks, such as free transportation anywhere Metrobus or Metrorail go.

For additional information about becoming a bus driver and the qualifications needed go to Metro’s career page for bus drivers.”