National Occupation Code (NOC): 7512

This unit group includes workers who drive buses and operate streetcars, subway trains and light rail transit vehicles to transport passengers on established routes. Bus drivers are employed by urban transit systems, school boards or transportation authorities and private transportation companies. Streetcar, subway and light rail transit operators are employed by urban transit systems.

Job Duties for Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators

Bus drivers and streetcar operators

• Drive buses or streetcars to transport passengers along established routes to local destinations
• Drive buses to transport passengers and goods to intercity or long distance destinations
• Drive sightseeing tour buses to transport passengers locally or over long distances
• Drive buses equipped for wheelchair accessibility, and aid passengers in boarding
• Provide passengers with information on fares, schedules and stops
• Collect fares, issue and validate transfers, check bus passes and record transactions
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections of vehicle
• Communicate with passengers, dispatchers or other drivers using two-way radio systems
• Report delays, mechanical problems and accidents
• May provide information on points of interest during sightseeing tours
• May load and unload passengers' luggage and express freight.

School bus drivers

• Drive school buses to transport children between school and home or on excursions
• Ensure children's safety when boarding and leaving buses and crossing street while bus is stopped
• Maintain control of student activities during travel to prevent distractions or behaviours that could compromise safety
• May transport adults outside of school hours on chartered trips.

Subway train and light rail transit operators

• Operate subway or rail transit vehicles as part of two-person crew
• Observe signals at crossings and arrival and departure points
• Operate controls to open and close transit vehicle doors
• Report delays, malfunctions and accidents to control unit
• Ensure passenger safety and welfare in emergencies, and direct passengers during evacuation procedures.

Working Conditions for Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators

Work is performed from the driver's seat of transit vehicles for extended periods of time; this may result in back, muscle, or joint injuries.

Alternate Job Titles

• Articulated Bus Operator
• Bus Driver
• Bus Driver - Special Needs Passengers
• Bus Operator
• Bus Operator - Accessible Services
• Charter Bus Driver
• Intercity Bus Driver
• Light Rail Transit Operator
• Long Distance Bus Driver
• Motor Coach Driver
• Public Passenger Transit Driver
• School Bus Driver
• School Bus Driver - Special Needs Passengers
• Shuttle Bus Driver
• Shuttle Driver - Auto Dealership
• Shuttle Driver - Car Rental Company
• Shuttle Operator
• Sightseeing Bus Driver
• Sightseeing Tour Driver
• Streetcar Conductor
• Streetcar Operator
• Subway Train Operator
• Tour Bus Operator
• Transit Operator - Transportation
• Trolley Bus Operator
• Trolley Coach Driver
• Urban Transit Operator
• Tour Coach Driver
• Transit Shuttle Driver
• Driver, Bus
• Shuttle Driver
• Transit Driver
• Motor Coach Operator
• School Bus Driver
• Specialized Transit Vehicle Operator - Part Time
• Transit Operator In Training
• Professional Line Run Driver
• Lead Hand - Kitchener Transit
• Transit Driver
• Shuttle Driver
• Bus Drivers
• Driver, Public Passenger Transit
• Specialized Van Driver