Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Visa Sponsorship USA

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s Core Values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, and culture. Each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

Recently, changes to CDL requirements took place, and effective September 29, 2025, only those applicants with lawful status in the United States in one of the following employment-based nonimmigrant categories will be eligible for a Non-Domiciled CLP or CDL:

• H-2A (Temporary Agricultural Workers); or
• H-2B (Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers); or
• E-2 (Treaty Investors)

The MBTA Half-Time Bus Operator is responsible for safely operating MBTA buses along designated routes, providing reliable and efficient transportation services to passengers. Performs routine vehicle inspections to ensure proper operation. Collects fares from passengers and assists in emergency situations. Works under occasional supervision, following MBTA guidelines and procedures. This position requires completion of a full-time (weekday) intensive training program, after which the operator’s work shifts will be limited to weekday mornings.

Training Requirements:

Completion of a comprehensive 10–12-week full-time training program, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, covering all aspects of bus operation, safety procedures, customer service, and MBTA policies and regulations.

Successful attainment of a commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger & air brakes endorsements.

Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check.

Schedule:

Once fully trained, the MBTA Half-Time Bus Operator will work a maximum of 20 hours per week, primarily during weekday mornings (from start of business until 12:00 PM).

Location:

This position will report to Cabot Bus Garage 275 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA 02127 once training is completed.

PLEASE ADVISE: If you apply to both the Half Time Bus Operator and the Full Time Bus Operator, you will only be considered for the Full Time Bus Operator.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Safely operate surface line vehicle in adherence to established routes and schedules. Operation of the surface line vehicle includes picking up passengers, collecting fares, checking passes and ID cards for validity, protecting revenue collected according to defined procedures, sitting for extended periods of time, and some exposure to vibrations, noise, airborne particles and fumes.
• Inspects and/or tests the vehicle (including, but not limited to, brakes, lights, signs, doors, mirrors, wipers, tires and horn) to ensure serviceable condition. Regularly climb onto side of bus and reach with hands and arms to adjust side view mirrors.
• Reports and identifies mechanical problems or defects to the appropriate authority.
• Operates surface line vehicle maintaining appropriate speed and following distance from vehicles.
• Ensures that proper signs are displayed and changed as needed during each trip. Clearly announces destination at service stops, connecting points, and at all intervals along a route sufficient to permit individuals to orient themselves to their location.
• Notifies the Bus Control Center Dispatcher of any emergency, requesting additional assistance if needed. Evacuates passengers if the emergency situation warrants action and the Inspector is not available to make the decision. Operates onboard fire extinguisher.
• Maintains adequate knowledge of the MBTA system in order to provide routine information and directions to the public.
• Refers disputes over ID validity or fare collection to the official in charge of the station. Produces a written report to the Superintendent if the dispute is not resolved.
• Prepares accident reports as required.
• Responds to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor or co-worker, in a courteous and professional manner consistent with the Authority's "Driven by Customer Service" quality standard.
• Report for duty on time and remain on duty for the duration of a scheduled work shift.
• Reports to work during declared states of emergency as essential personnel.
• Upholds the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
• Assists in the management of a workforce by ensuring the fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the Authority including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment and Anti Retaliation policies.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Possession of a high school diploma or its equivalent (G.E.D).
• Ability to comprehend, communicate and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English. Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
• Possession of a valid driver's license for at least three (3) years.
• Possession or ability to obtain a valid Class B Massachusetts Commercial Driver's License (CDL) permit with General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Passenger endorsements.
• A satisfactory driving record for at least three (3) years prior to the date of hire.
• Ability to report to work on time and to work entire assigned work shift on regular and consistent basis.
• A satisfactory non-renew display for tickets report from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.
• Ability to pass selection Interview & Workforce Assessment.
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, background screening, and the MBTA's medical requirements, including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screening.
• For applicants who have worked for employers regulated by the United States Department of Transportation within the previous two (2) years, the ability to pass additional drug and alcohol review based on information received from those employers.
• Ability to pass the Department of Telecommunications and Energy (DTE) skill performance and road test.
• Ability to effectively communicate with customers, employees and vendors.
• Successful completion of the required probationary period of 120 working days.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting, including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
• Have the ability to work any assigned/picked shifts from start of business until 12:00 PM.
• NOTE: Anyone hired in this position is required to successfully complete a required probationary period of 120 working days. Continued employment is also subject to obtaining a Class B Massachusetts CDL Permit (with Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Passenger endorsements) and later obtaining a CDL. Individuals who are hired without the requisite CDL Permit will be provided training, for up to two weeks, and must pass the CDL Permit test within this two-week training period to continue their employment. There will be a maximum of two attempts in these two weeks to satisfy this requirement.

Out of State License Holders: Please note the authorization question is valid only for Massachusetts Driver’s License holders. If you possess an out of state driver’s license, please reach out to the corresponding agency that handles driving records in your state to obtain a copy of your driving record and email it to HRstaffing@mbta.com.

Substitutions Include

None.

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required).
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and/or medical Clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts and/or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit/operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• Intern/co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship/co-op. Additionally, interns/co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting pre-employment screenings/pre-boarding, working in their positions, and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions:

• General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.

• Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. The recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data/history.

• Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.

• Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.

• Work Eligibility: All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted basis. The MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program. However, if you have unrestricted work authorization, or are sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply. Further, all persons hired will require a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.

• Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.

• Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.

• On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page/text/call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.

• Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.

• ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com.

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.

• Intern / Co-Op Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship or co-op at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern/co-op commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co-ops.