UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies

Public transit operators have a complex job that involves more than just driving a vehicle. Operators collect fares, answer questions, give directions, mind the safety of their passengers, help passengers with disabilities, keep order, de-escalate altercations, serve in place of a police officer or social worker when one is not available, monitor their surroundings while in motion, navigate stressful traffic, communicate with supervisors, make detours as needed, and much, much more. This work can be rewarding, satisfying, and secure. Frontline transit work offers a public service role with high unionization rates, clear career progression, and the opportunity to see many places and interact with and help people. Transit operator and mechanic jobs may also offer competitive pay for the work and qualifications. However, difficult working conditions and median pay stagnating or even slightly declining over time — especially since the pandemic — has led some transit operators to leave the industry. Other potential recruits have chosen not to start a career in transit in the first place.