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Public Transportation Operators


Overview

Public Transportation Operators

Introduction

Public transportation operators include drivers of school buses, intercity buses, local commuter buses, and local transit railway systems, such as subways and streetcars. Many drivers run a predetermined route within a city or metropolitan area, transporting passengers from one designated place to another. Intercity drivers travel between cities and states, transporting passengers and luggage on more lengthy trips. Some public transportation operators are required to handle additional special duties, such as transporting passengers ...

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$38,530

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Employment Prospects

Good

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Minimum Education Level

High School Diploma


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Experience

On-the-job training


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Skills

Interpersonal
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Personality Traits

Conventional
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Earnings

Earnings for local public transportation operators vary by location and experience. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the May 2019 median salary for local and intercity bus drivers was $43,030. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,710 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $70,810. School bus drivers on average made less, with a median salary of $33,100. The lowest 10 percen...

Work Environment

Public transportation operators work anywhere from 20 to 40 hours per week. About half of all drivers work full time. The U.S. Department of Transportation restricts all drivers from working more than 10 hours per day or more than 60 hours per week. New drivers often work part time, though they may be guaranteed a minimum number of hours.

Schedules for intercity bus drivers may require w...

Outlook

Employment for public transportation operators is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations through 2028, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook. As the population increases, local and intercity travel will also increase. Future government efforts to reduce traffic and pollution through greater funding of public transportation could also greatly improve job op...