Driver, LRT Operator, Motor Coach Driver, School Bus Driver, Subway Train Operator, Transit Operator, Light Rail Transit Operator
Interest in driving buses and buses equipped for wheelchair accessibility, streetcars and intercity and sightseeing tour and charter buses to transport passengers along established routes, locally and over long distances; and in driving buses to transport passengers and cargo to intercity and long-distance destinations
Interest in copying information to report delays, mechanical problems and accidents; and in collecting fares, issuing transfers, checking bus passes and recording transactions
Interest in speaking with passengers to provide information on fares, schedules and stops; may provide passengers with information on points of interest during trips
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Bus drivers' duties and responsibilities vary depending on the type of vehicle they operate and the type of service. However, in general, bus drivers:
Transit bus drivers also issue transfers, check bus passes and monitor fares, and answer questions about bus routes, schedules and specific buildings.
Community service bus drivers operate small sized passenger buses with low ridership (for example, from seniors' residences to local shopping malls).
Motor coach drivers also issue transfers, check bus passes and collect fares, and may drive from city to city or operate local tour buses. In addition to driving, tour bus operators may greet sightseers and provide commentary during tours and charter trips.
School bus drivers transport students to and from schools. Their routes may be along busy city streets or over rural roads.
All drivers must deal with difficult passengers and the hazards associated with driving in bad weather conditions, on poor driving surfaces and in heavy traffic. They often work shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays.
School bus drivers work weekdays before and after school hours but also may drive students on field trips (during or outside of school hours). Drivers who transport special needs students must load and unload mobility aids and lift children into seats.
Transit bus drivers and motor coach drivers often work changing shifts for several years before they get regular routes and regular shifts. Many transit bus drivers work part-time or split shifts.
Drivers employed by long distance bus lines and tour companies may be required to load and unload luggage and parcels weighing up to 45 kilograms.
Bus drivers need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy driving, taking a methodical approach to recording information and inspecting vehicles, and talking to people.
There are no standard education requirements for bus drivers. However, individual employers may require applicants to:
Employers prefer to hire bus drivers who have:
In Alberta, a system of classified driver licensing sets medical standards (including drug screening) and licensing requirements for handling specific types of vehicles. Employers may provide the training required to allow newly hired bus drivers to upgrade their Alberta Class 5 operator's license to the required Class 2 level. Depending on the type of bus, an air brakes endorsement may be required as well. Some bus lines require motor coach drivers to have a Class 1 license.
Many bus line and transit companies provide training programs (three to six weeks long) for new bus drivers. The training covers defensive driving skills and traffic laws, bus schedule information, and customer service training.
In Alberta, Class 2 School Bus driving programs are offered by:
Program length, costs and admission requirements vary. Applicants are generally required to be at least 18 years of age and have a valid Alberta Class 5 driver's licence. A clear driving record or minimum number of demerits and/or a medical examination and drug screening also may be required.
Before enrolling in a program, prospective students should discuss their training and employment options with experienced bus drivers and potential employers.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Below-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.
Bus drivers are employed by:
Most positions are part time or seasonal. Large transit systems and motor coach companies may use video based selection tools and written tests to screen job applicants.
With experience and initiative, some drivers move into positions in related areas such as dispatching, office management, safety, training or vehicle maintenance.
Bus drivers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 7512: Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators. In Alberta, 82% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Over 13,600 Albertans are employed in the Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.6% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 218 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As bus drivers occupations form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for bus drivers.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Bus drivers' earnings vary considerably depending on location and employer. Motor coach drivers may earn hourly wages or flat fees on a contract basis for tours and special charters. Long distance drivers may be paid by the mile. School bus drivers' work about 180 days a year and are paid on a daily or flat rate basis.
Bus drivers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 7512: Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators.
According to the 2015 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators occupational group earned on average from $22.34 to $30.00 an hour. The overall average wage was $28.00 an hour. For more information, see the Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators wage profile.
Careers in Transportation website: www.transpocity.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Apr 09, 2014. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.