ESOL News Oregon, by Timothy Krause

Text of article:(JUNE 21, 2019) TriMet is the regional government agency that manages all the busses in the Portland metropolitan area. It has about 1,400 bus drivers, but it still needs to hire more. According to The Oregonian newspaper, it typically hires 20 new drivers every three weeks. Here is some information about the job, according to the newspaper and TriMet's website.

After a six-week training period, bus drivers make $17.26 per hour. They receive pay raises every four months until the top rate of pay ($30.19) is reached at 35 months. Part-time drivers still receive full-time medical, dental, and vision benefits. Other benefits include a free transit pass for you and your family; sick leave; paid holidays; and vacation time, etc.

The busses are big -- 40 feet long -- and take skill to drive safely. If you want to be a bus driver, you need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). However, TriMet will help. They will provide training and testing for your CDL. You must pass the written test before starting employment. You also need a clean driving record for three years, and you need to pass a pre-employment drug screening, which includes testing for marijuana use.

John is a driver who has been working at TriMet for four years. He says, "TriMet has been the best job I’ve ever had. I had no experience driving a bus and the training I received was awesome. I definitely recommend working at TriMet to anyone who enjoys driving and may be looking for a career change.”

But what if you prefer to drive a MAX train or Portland Streetcar? Well, you must first start as a bus operator.

Read by Eric Dodson. CC BY-NC-SA.

From ESOL News Oregon by Timothy Krause.

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