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Bus and train operators now start at $27.22 per hour
Metro bus and train operators are crucial to keeping LA on the move. When you get behind the wheel with us, you’ll earn competitive pay, plus room to grow, generous benefits and great retirement plans.
Bus and train operators have the same rates of pay. Currently, the starting rate of pay for bus and train operators is $27.22/hour. Effective July 1, 2026, this rate will increase to $28.81/hour.
Join us and start gaining valuable experience for a career in transportation and customer service.
Enjoy Excellent Benefits
Train and Learn Valuable Skills
You Keep LA Moving
What We Offer
- Great hourly pay: Effective July 1, 2026, starting rate of pay is $28.81 per hour (top rate for part time is $35.45/hour and full time is $42.57/hour after five years).
- Full benefits: Metro offers medical and dental insurance, plus retirement plan options.
- Full time or part time: Choose the option that works best for you.
- Professional development: Receive trainings and tuition assistance to move up in your career.
- Free Metro transit pass: For you and your dependents.
What You Need to Qualify
Bus operator qualifications:
- 21+ years of age
- Good driving record (DMV K-4 printout)
- California Class C drivers license
What to Expect When You Apply Online
Step 1
Step 2
If your skills meet the qualifications, we will contact you with the next steps in the application process. You must pass the following before you can start training:
Interview
Physical agility assessment
Employment verification
Pre-employment physical exam
Step 3
Once you have cleared pre-employment, you will be scheduled for onboarding and will enter into Metro’s paid training program.
For bus operator applicants, during this training, you will take a written exam and a road test to obtain your Class B license.
Step 4
Your career journey begins!
Frequently Asked Questions
- I applied online. What’s next?
- Our hiring team will contact you to schedule next steps. Please make sure your contact information is up-to-date in your Metro profile.
- How much time does it take to complete the training program?
- The bus operator training program may last between six to eight weeks. The train operator training program lasts 14 to 16 weeks.
- What is the location and hours for the training program?
- Bus operator training is held at our Operations Central Instruction facility in El Monte, near the El Monte Transit Center. Typical training hours are 6am – 2:30pm.
- Train operator training is held at our Rail Instruction facility in downtown LA, near the Arts District, at Rail Division 20, 320 S. Santa Fe Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90013. Typical training hours are 5am – 1pm.
- Who can I contact about the status of my application?
- Contact us by sending an email to recruitment@metro.net or by calling 213.922.6217 if you have questions about your application status.
Stories From the Driver's Seat
Metro is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status or disability. Learn more about Metro’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program. Metro does not deny participation in the application process to anyone with prior justice system involvement, in line with Fair Chance hiring practices.
