The MTA is currently hiring for three bus operator positions:
Read more below about becoming a bus operator.
MTA bus operators are responsible for driving New York City buses safely and efficiently. They must follow agency rules, New York State law, and New York City traffic regulations.
Bus operators can work for different agencies. There is the MTA Bus Company, which operates local, express, and Select Bus Service routes in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority (MaBSTOA) operates local, express, and Select Bus Service routes in Manhattan and the Bronx. New York City Transit has 234 local bus routes, 20 Select Bus Service routes, and 73 express routes in the five boroughs.
We offer written tests to become a bus operator every 10 to 18 months, depending on the agency. You do not need any formal education requirements to take the bus operator’s exam.
Please note: You will need a valid driver's license and a Commercial Driver permit or license when you file your application. Learn more about how to get a CDL.
Notices of Examination (NOE) for each test are posted during a three-week application period and contain important information, such as job descriptions, test dates, and how to apply. Check the schedule of upcoming exams each month to make sure you do not miss a NOE posting.
If you think you meet the test requirements, you can apply online to take the bus operator’s exam. You must do this by the last day of the application period.
To apply for a test online, you will need to create an account at www.mymta.info/exams. Once you find the exam you want to apply for, follow the instructions onscreen. You can find more information about the process in our Online Application Guide.
The fee for the bus operator’s exam is between $60 and $70. If you have any trouble submitting a payment, please refer to the Online Payment Tutorial. You can also email examsunit@nyct.com if you have issues with your application. The fee may be waived for all applicants of a particular exam at the discretion of the agency.
The exam fee may also be waived for candidates receiving certain city or state benefits, those who are unemployed, or veterans. For more information, please read the Fee Waiver Request Guide.
After you submit your application, you may have to take a multiple-choice test and/or the Bus Operator Selection Survey (BOSS). The multiple-choice test and BOSS test your knowledge and abilities such as customer service and safety, and the ability to read and understand rules, regulations, and other relevant written material.
If you pass those tests, you will be placed on a list of eligible candidates based on your multiple-choice test score or from a randomly assigned list number.
If you pass all of the test parts, you will be added to a hiring list, which can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months to create after the final date of the exam. If you are added to that list, you will receive a letter with your spot on the list.