161 New York

There appears to be some confusion concerning a post where someone stated that a person who is present in the most recent TA Conductor Exam 8094 (scheduled to expire in February 2018) class that may have taken the TA Conductor Exam 6601 which is not established. So far there was one post from one relatively new member making this statement which I would caution is not confirmed. Again, it is only one person and none of us know the situation (No accusations are being made - but just keep in mind and again, nobody but that person and management are aware of the facts and circumstances).
 

19 hours ago, Rahmel said:

Did anyone from 6601 get letters for the medical? That’s the first step before you start the class. That’s what we need to be worried about. 

I am a TA Bus Operator, I do not plan on switching over as I have successfully cleared probation a few months ago. The hiring process is likely similar to that of bus operator based on prior posts. The Oral Proficiency Assessment (OPA) is just one component of the hiring process (similar to the Bus Operator Selection Survey - BOSS) and as discussed was given to those with preliminary high scores, more likely will be invited based on need.

When the list is established and scores are mailed (to everyone regardless if they took the OPA), lets say in Spring 2018, the top scorers will receive an invitation for a drug test and some pre-employment paperwork. Then from 2-90 days, candidates that have cleared the drug test will be invited to the medical portion. After some time clearing medical, or perhaps on the same day, candidates will do final processing/swearing in and be scheduled for their first day. Again, this is the likely scenario for new hires.

On 11/15/2017 at 4:59 PM, Yardyoute2 said:

Hi all, 

My apologies for all these questions, just wanna get everything covered.

I had moved out of state in DEC 2015 and forgot to change my address, I just found out 2 weeks ago that I was called to come in back in OCT 2016 and my listing # was low 1200's. I spoke to Mrs Chestnut and she advised to go down to Center Street and place myself back on the list (Took me like 150 calls to get through to her; however, she was very pleasant and helpful) but I havent been able to get her back to ask additional questions.

I just placed myself back on the listing and got my CDL permit. Do you know if you are offered options of training dates or you just have to take what's offered? I really would like to get my full CDL before I go in, plus I have to work out NY living arrangments and give my current job notice. Do you know if there are any training dates in DEC? Any Idea If all goes well how long it takes from being called in to training? I'm kinda hoping for sometime in JAN so I can get things together.

Thanks for your time and assistance.

I'm sure you know this, but just to be clear, only New York Commercial Driver's Permits are accepted. You must have a Commercial Driver's License CDL for any other state (Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Idaho, Hawaii, etc.)

On 11/18/2017 at 8:20 AM, mtawife said:

Graduated yesterday 16 people 1 person quite. Heard mta Will be hiring 100 people per class till January. Every 2 weeks 

It should be noted that mtawife was hired for MABSTOA, but had TA operators in her class as well.

On another note, I am happy to say that I cleared probation  Congrats to everyone else in the 10/31/16 class!

On 9/28/2017 at 1:52 AM, Deucey said:

Was late to an interview because S40 was overcrowded and S44 ran late, so I missed the ferry by two minutes.

But SIX buses deadheaded to the ferry on Richmond Terrace at that time.

I feel like those deadheads should be used as supplemental service on the way to/from the ferry when regular services are too full to take on passengers- unscheduled on customer schedules, but able to be assigned by dispatchers for pickups in the last two miles of ferry-bound routes, and the first two miles of routes leaving the ferry. They're light pickups - maybe 10 passengers, but it'd help stop unnecessary delays.

As was previously explained by @checkmatechamp13, Richmond Terrace is the official deadhead route for all three Staten Island depots with local service. So, that would be nice for the s40 and the s44 routes only, but useless for our friends on the s74 and s78 routes AND not the most efficient way to use the resources for the last 2 mile of pickups on Victory Blvd (redundancy 61/62/48 + Limiteds etc). Also, depending on the specific bus operator  schedules (internally - called "paddles") - not realistic (being an operator (and speaking personally), I know).

Addressing the article/commentaries (again, speaking personally  from being a customer for 10+ years): Congestion, distracted motorists and poorly timed traffic control lights are major contributions to bus service delays .

10 minutes ago, Dred said:

I see what you are saying. You are saying they can't go forward until the list is finally established and this OPA is just more or less part of the first exam.

 

Makes sense since you need a  70 on it to pass. 

The only thing that makes things confusing is they are giving the test to the highest scorers first, you would think they would give it randomly to everyone who passed the first exam. 

 

In the end it is a big unknown, but we are still probably looking at another year before DCAS creates their list. 

With the BOSS survey, passing/failing the survey did not prevent anyone from getting a list number.

My speculation is that they are giving the OPA assessment to the top 2,000 or so folks, likely to keep things manageable for 180 Livingston. Also, for the low scorers, realistically, they have almost no chance at getting hired and for them to spend an additional $25 wouldn't be right. Again, speculating, when they need more candidates, they'll invite another "batch" to take an OPA.

22 hours ago, FutureBOtoTO said:

They are hiring off 4600 again? I thought they sent the list back to DCAS? I had to restore myself to list because my medical condition took more then 3 months to do everything I needed to do. I was told I will need to do the pre employment packet again and drug test as well as medical which is fine. Hopefully I get that letter sooner then later. My list # is 31*5

DCAS always has the list and maintains it - the TA just pulls numbers from it, whenever they need people - that is it.

TA Candidates only deal with DCAS to remove or reinstate their names. 

1 hour ago, adorkasherri said:

I'm not sure but I'm speculating myself that it's soon. According to the examination notice, we're being called as vacancies occur. I'm hoping that means medical will follow soon after if you pass the opa.

The OPA is an add-on to the exam process. Similar to TA Buses, we take the initial open competitive exam and then a personality "survey" called the Bus Operator Selection Survey (BOSS). BOSS does not have a grade. Likely, the OPA is similar to the BOSS exam, but since it is new, we need to see how it works out.

Again, if the OPA is anything like the BOSS exam and the hiring process is similar to bus operator, the likely process is, we WAIT until the list is established by DCAS, then folks will get called in for a drug test/pre-employment and then medical/final processing.

My letter says bring m.o for 87

So I'm confused bring it or not lol

Your letter instructs you to bring an $87 money order. These are the official instructions.

This is evidently a new process, previous hires had this cost deducted in their first paycheck.

Received my OPA letter today, I think I had only one wrong. I am also surprised nobody mentioned this part:

You will be required to pay an additional fee of $25.00 by money order prior to taking the oral proficiency assessment.

 

My probation as a bus operator should be done and over with in a few weeks. So I think I might pass on this and save the $25 and use of any PTO (paid time off) or inconvenience...

@161newyorl the reason I was asking is because I am TA a new operator and the closet depot to me is a queens depot

Do you know if the how much difference is the pay.

Is the benefits and pension the same has twu 100 25/55

I'm not sure if ATU 1056 has ratified a contract with the TA. I am on Staten Island and a part of ATU 726, we have not yet ratified a contract.The pay difference is minimal $1 or so. 

The benefits (outside of medical) differ slightly, different providers etc.

The pension is exactly the same.

Pay is a dollar less and the other question not sure have ask another im Ta in a ta depot

 

 

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Staten Island (CA, CH, MA and YU) and Queens (JA, QV and CS) bus operators are all TA in TA depots. 

what is the difference between twu and atu union 

TA Operators are represented by three unions TWU Local 100 (non-Queens/SI depots), ATU 1056 (Queens) and ATU Local 726 (Staten Island) according to work location.

The differences are size & seniority lists as well as slight differences in work rules and pay.

_{wondering if some one could please help me since i feel like i am getting a complete run around from DCAS. long story short was called for 1st part of the pre-employment process (drug testing) in March but i did not have my CDL permit at that time was told to go get my permit n report back to transit. however when i called transit they told me my number was removed from the list, maybe i took too long not sure, but that i had to go back to DCAS to re-enlist my number and i did so back in June. i was told i would recieve a letter about when to report back and my number would go to the top of the list. spoke to ms. chesnut also at transit she said this could take some time. it is now august 1st and i havent heard anything. what do i do?}

I was in a similar situation. 

When I got called in March 2016, I could not take the job due to personal obligations. So, in early August 2016, I reinstated. I got re-called in the beginning of October 2016 and got in the 10/31 class.

HR may have been working with a set number of candidates they already had. When that batch gets done, HR will then call DCAS and get another batch. Your list number would be towards the top of the new batch that HR will then proceed with. 

So, you have to be patient and wait. They are hiring.

I would suggest trying to get your CDL license ASAP while you wait.

has anyone heard about more hiring due to the MTA's emergency plan announced today? I read a reference to 2,600 new hires but couldn't find details about the titles to be hired, and how many in each title. Track workers, of course, but any conductors?

With the   shutdown coming soon, I doubt there will be an increase in hiring of conductors, if anything there will likely be an increased demand for bus operators. 

Ticket was in NY in 2/14. It doesn't show on my NY abstract but it shows on my Florida abstract. Weird. Thanks for the info!

 

 

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You're welcome and good luck!

I had to get an abstract from a different state and my abstract is showing a ticket from 2014 that was paid but it gave me 3 points so my abstract shows 6 points all together over 7 years....doesn't that first ticket roll off after 18months? Or am I completely screwed?

 

 

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It is up to four points within three years on a rolling basis (July 14, 2014 - July 17, 2017. You may still have a chance. Bring your abstracts and let them decide.

Unless recently changed, they look at the day of violation for example, you received a speeding ticket on Highway 301 in Waldo on July 1, 2014 and were found guilty (date of conviction) with an associated penalty of 4 points on September 8, 2014, then the day of violation was on July 1, 2014. This ticket and the associated points will (should) not count.

I believe HR will "translate" out of state violations into NYS violations. - Not sure how this works.

Again - let them decide.

Hey 161NewYork, yesterday at orientation I signed a paper asking to be sent to Staten Island / Castleton... does that count as my transfer request or do I still have to go to UPK and ask to request a transfer?

I see you are OA. I think that is it. I think you have to wait until the class finishes - but I am not qualified to answer that question.

What I do know, and what happens is: Once the transfer request is approved, you'll get sent over and have to ride all the SI local lines. After that, you'll be put into express line training with the probies who graduated. This is done with the union (one to two weeks). You will then pick a SI depot with the union (CA, CH or YU) based on whoever has openings - it seems like Charleston needs the most help at this moment in time. I believe you'll have seniority over the graduating probies regardless of your list number. I was temporarily knocked down a peg by an OA to TA transfer with a list number of 13XX, mine was below 15X (full story: he decided to go back to Manhattan because he loved artic buses so much - or as the story goes  ). 

The next pick is in August for Fall 2017.

Why? Too much turning, and too much little stopping at those stop signs going through the mall parking lot.

 

 

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Because all the local buses should be running through there so that the S44/59/94 serve both the mall and the homes and schools behind the mall instead of only the mall. (It also makes for easier connections. I remember having to run across the street several times at Yukon & Richmond to transfer from the S44 to the S55)

Except for the s61/91 - this should continue on Marsh Ave.. I agree with both actually.

However, until mall management or DOT reconfigure and widen that specific portion of Ring Road, I think we have to deal with the current configuration.

As for the s44/59 to the s55/56, I get off at Sears stop and power walk to the stop on Platinum Ave or if time allows, I've gone 44/59 to the s79-SBS (if nearby) to the s55/56 at ETC.

Aside from TA being Civil Service, It's for people who want to go to Staten Island or Queens, but you are there permanently once you transfer to one of those boroughs. I don't know what other benefits there is from doing the crossover if there is anymore.

For anyone interested, please use the search feature as this question has been asked over and over again. 

You can transfer in between boroughs (Queens, SI, TWU-represented depots) however, you'll likely lose all seniority. From what I understand and for example if you specifically want Jamaica Depot, you are stuck in Jamaica Depot for life. On Staten Island, we have our own division seniority roster and can transfer between the four depots as desired during the system pick.

High school diploma IS required for exam 4600, also the salaries you posted are incorrect, the original 4600 exam had higher salaries as well as tier 6 which now gives you top pay after 5 years, just trying to help out, go to your high school

If you don't have diploma handy, they will give you a paper stating you have diploma with a raised seal on letter

I was not asked for my high school diploma when I went through final processing in October 2016.

If anyone was asked for a high school diploma, it was likely an error on their part. However, they could ask for this documentation as part of the background investigation process (e.g., because you listed this on the 21-page Comprehensive Personnel Document CPD).

As stated in the Notice of Examination here (PDF), 

hi guys, I have an accident in 2010, seven years ago, will this affect my chance of bein a bus operator? thanks.

Likely, no.

I don't like wearing them unless I'm actually on the express bus.  There are just too many crazy people and people looking for "victims" to chance it.  I like to be aware of my surroundings at all times, especially since I travel late at night sometimes.  With the ongoing homeless problem and people walking around in the city with mental issues, I don't chance it. Just the other day I was walking from Metro-North in Grand Central and some nut job gets down on his knees and starts praying as if he was looking for someone to feel pity and give him money.  He was clearly not all there.

I have earbud headphones in my ears most of the time to avoid annoying people (especially in the subway) - however, I am not always listening to music. 

Sometimes, the end is not even plugged into my phone but is in the coin pocket!

.... As in a possible s89 extension? Or even another SI-NJ bus route. If so, that would be great.

No, just some documents relating to the formation of the s89.

I mean the interlocks suck. It seems to take a good second or two to get moving after the B/O releases the brakes. Or at least thats what I perceive is happening.

You are correct, we have to wait until the doors fully close and seal, thus releasing the interlock before the bus can move.

So apparently, there's a charter bus that runs from Narrows Road North & Richmond Road to Lincoln Tech in Union, NJ via Jersey City. But it's only for students, not the general public. It's a shame because it would be nice if there were more SI-NJ options. 

Yep, great catch, I found it on their website. I agree. I found some interesting information about the s89 setup that I will share soon - it has some nuggets (I don't think it was shared here) or if anything it is an interesting read.

I'm in a bind on what to do. I got on medical hold on June 8th for sleep apena I need to use a cpap machine before I can get off. The thing is I don't have insurance until August 1 so I won't be able to get cleared until September. What happen with my insurance is a whole other story. What should I do? Should I go down to MTA to let them know. I think I have a better shot going down then actually calling them.

They'll likely only be interested in talking with you in person is when you clear the hold.

The best thing you can do is get the sleep apnea test done and from what I understand it can be a long process (30+ days minimum). Once you have sufficient results/progress, you can reinstate your name on the list. The list won't expire until January 2020 and has roughly 8,000 candidates on it.

So, my advice would be to call them and say you need more time to clear medical. They'll honestly and likely not care about the reasons why and say something like ".. we don't hold jobs for people". But again, there is at least two more years on the list.

Major changes to the 510 Bus down in Wildwood/Rio Grande this Summer

 

http://www.njtransit.com/sa/sa_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=ServiceAdjustmentTo&AdjustmentId=16023

I like the orange color they used on the timetable:

New Jersey Transit - 316/510 Timetable Issued 06/24/17 (PDF)

If you were paying the one way cash rate from Philadelphia to the end it would be about $20.00. However, if you go from WRTC in Camden, it would cost you about $10.00.

Bro thats sad that they don't give those drivers time to learn routes. They should have the option for a veteran B/O to do overtime by letting him/her ride with a newbie along for their shift, until they become familiar with the route.

 

This is why bus service has problems. You got all these newbies that don't know where they are going, so they mess the schedule up and that produces bunching. Then some don't know how to maneuver around in traffic. The fact that they get paid to be late; you got the guys who are money hungry and will just run late all day. Dispatchers not doing their jobs during rush hour of putting buses in place(this is the best time since buses run frequent).

 

Bus service will never be near perfect. Even if there wasn't any traffic (explains why buses bunch at 2am).

 

With Staten Island, we learn (& drive) ALL the local routes with operators with no less than 3 or 5 years on the job in about four weeks (EXCEPT transfers from other boroughs), express is taught for about two weeks. Express is done a little differently, with a non-revenue bus.

All I will say is that it is a new experience for newbies - obviously and that we all have to start somewhere.

I believe that x1 trip was the new BO's first day or two on his own. Personally, it took me about two weeks to get all x1 stops committed to memory, I know them all and where my regulars get on/off.

Anyways in regards to onboarding new bus operators -

The first 10 days or so that a new B/O starts is really a "qualification" period, not necessarily a training. At Zerega we were told specifically that they are not a "school" and while they acknowledge (paraphrasing) that some people who would otherwise be safe and proficient operators would fall through the cracks and not make it because they need more time (beyond the ten days) to prove themselves. 

Once a B/O qualifies they will go into a four week depot line training programme as students to acclimate themselves to operating in revenue service. They are evaluated by the operator (who volunteers to have students) they work with that day.