Transit Services

UMass Transit Service (UMTS) employs more than 150 (University of Massachusetts) graduate and undergraduate students. The majority of employees operate vans and PVTA buses, while others maintain our grounds and buildings. Employees must work a minimum of 180 hours each semester. At the beginning of each semester, shifts are assigned to employees around their class schedules. UMTS is now paying $8.00-hour for training and a base starting rate of $9.50-hour with opportunity for advancement.

Who is Eligible to Drive for UMTS?

Even though most UMass students have no prior experience driving buses or vans, our training programs cover everything needed to learn to become a successful operator.

To qualify for the training programs, students must:

have at least 3 semesters remaining as a UMass student, taking at least six credits in a degree program.

be willing to work a minimum of 15 hours per week for at least 2 semesters after completing the training program.

be able to pass a NIDA-5 pre-employment drug screen; All UMTS employees are subject to drug testing regulations as per the Federal Transit Administration.

be able to communicate the English language clearly.

be able to exercise a high degree of personal responsibility.

possess a valid drivers license of any classification, that is honored in the United States. Applicants will be required to obtain a Massachusetts Class D license and, if hired as a bus driver, a Class B learner's permit as soon as they are accepted into the training program.

have at least one year of experience driving in the United States.

be able to obtain a CDL medical card.

To Schedule a Bus Driver Interview

Fill out a bus driver application in one of three ways:

Submit an online application.

Download a job application, fill it out, and return it to us. (Requires Adobe Acrobat, available free here)

Pick one up at the garage.

If you qualify you will be contacted shortly to set up an interview. If you have any questions please call UMass Transit Service at (413) 545-0056 or visit the UMass Transit Bus Garage, located on Holdsworth Way, at the northwest corner of campus.

To Schedule a Van Driver Interview

UMass Transit Bus Garage

Download a job application, fill it out, and return it to us: PDF Application
Pick one up at the garage.

To Schedule a Service Department Interview

We are currently not hiring service employees. Please check back later.

What Opportunities for Advancement Are There?

All UMass Transit employees start out as drivers or service workers. But there are many promotional positions available to student employees. For instance, you can become a field trip driver, a trainer, a radio operator, a driver supervisor, or a student staff member. These are supervisory positions, and they can help you gain valuable experience that future employers will be looking for.

In addition, it is common for employees to work in several different departments. For instance, you can work as a bus driver, van driver, service worker, trainer, and field trip driver. This allows for a very diverse work-week, and creates more money-making opportunities.