161 New York

March 27 to may 31 is a lil more then 60 days so technically I have 30 more days. 

Oh my! I stand corrected.

Here is my unique situation. I get home from work and have a letter from MTA and it was for pre employment today may 31st at 730am. It the letter was dated may 25th and post marked may 26th. It's OK I will call them tommorrow, however I already went to pee employment on March 27th so I'm wondering why they are sending another letter with the pre employment application. I also noticed the rate of pay went up from 22.67 to 23.26 per hour. I can't wait to give a call no found out why I have gotten skipped for medical. What list number where you guys that medical today if you don't me asking? I'm list 312x

If you are free tomorrow (that is the entire day), Thursday, just show up and explain the situation  - you never know.

March 27 to May 31 is approximately 90 days, so you would have to redo the drug test again.

The pay rate went up to coincide with the recently ratified Transport Worker's Union (TWU) Local 100 contract (TA Surface) with the MTA (again, specifically TA). Note, however, if you were to transfer to Staten Island, who's operators are represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 726, you would (until a contract, containing a pay raise is negotiated & ratified) revert to the $22.69 rate. Not sure about Queens Division who is represented by ATU Local 1056 .

I'd it true that there is mediocre demand for drivers

Anecdotally, on Staten Island (where I work out of), Yukon Depot, which is the largest on Staten Island, the latest bus operator hired there was from the 11/14/2016 class. Charleston has received some new folks in the last few months, but I can't quantify that. Not sure about Castleton. So, there appears to be no big need for bus operators (at least on Staten Island) at this time, per my observations.

They may say they are not hiring, but it is likely, "they are not currently calling off the list - at this time".

Patience, folks. We still have about 1.5 years and approximately 5,000 people on the list.

Search and ye shall find...

If you have a NYS CDL (Class A or B) with Passenger (P) endorsements and air brakes and you had a license (regular + CDL) for a minimum of three years then you are good to go!

New2this - Your question and the information you provided is somewhat confusing. To help you and anyone else that happens upon this post:

1) There is currently no residency requirement for any bus operator title in TA/OA/BC.

2) Your driver's license must be VALID in the State of New York for a minimum of three years before you are hired!
 

a) If you can operate a motor vehicle with a license issued from the United States state/commonwealth of ​ insert name of state/commonwealth here in the state of New York for the past three years, then your license is valid in the state of New York. You may be considered for the position of bus operator within the MTA.

b) If you have less a valid driver's license, regardless of state of issuance for less than three years, then you must wait until you meet the three year requirement to be considered for the position of bus operator within the MTA.

3) If you have a VALID Commercial Driver's License (NYS A/B or equivalent with Passenger endorsement and air brakes)  in addition to the three year driver's license requirement, then you may be considered for a bus operator position within the MTA. To clarify, you can have your CDL for a day and a regular NYS-D class or NYS-equivalent D-class for the previous 2 years and 364 days and still meet the requirement.
 

4) If you do not have a Commercial Driver's License then, only a New York State Commercial Driver's Permit (CDP) Class B, with passenger endorsement and air brakes is the only permit that is acceptable to the MTA to be hired, in addition to the three year driver's license requirement.

Ok. So I have a concern. I've been told that mta doesn't really want those who are self employed or run a business. How do I get around this, if I'm in this situation. Don't ask don't tell...put unemployed and shoot for the stars...any advice.

The MTA does not like "off the books" type of employment.

If you were indeed self-employed or owned a business, I would just put that down, whatever you put down on your taxes for income use that. The business does/did not have to be successful! They fail all the time..

If you were indeed "unemployed", put that down, if you were "not employed" you write that down, disclose how you supported yourself, as per the instructions I received when I went through the process. Essentially, they want an idea of how you supported yourself.

Examples that I have used:

January 2016 -  April 2016  NOT EMPLOYED - Supported self through savings / investment income.

January 2014 - May 2014 UNEMPLOYED - Received Unemployment Insurance from NYS

Examples that may work - 

If you live with a spouse, write "Not Employed - Received Support from Spouse".

If you live with parents write "Not Employed - Received Support from parents"

Whatever you do - be honest. They do investigate and will fire you on the spot for lies and misrepresentation!

I have my mv abstract and got a violation in 2014 2 pts. Do I have to list this being that it is cleared now.

I would disclose this to be on the safe side, do it by calendar year January 2014 - December 2014; let them decide if it is important. Two points is nothing to be worried about; it would be a concern if you have four or more.

So the points coming off your license in a year and a half means nothing? You have to wait until it's completely off of your abstract ?

So, If you have 6 points, you have to wait until 2 come off, leaving you with 4 points. 

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Again, addressing anyone who happens on this post:

You can only have four points on your driver's license. Nothing more. As has been stated on these forums since their inception, DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSES FOR POINT REDUCTIONS MEAN ABSOLUTELY NOTHING FOR MTA HIRING PURPOSES ... You must disclose all traffic offenses (excluding parking) for the past three years, even out of state (I believe the MTA will "translate" the out of state violations into NYS points for hiring purposes by way of NYS Article 19A formalities), failure to disclose these or any (refer to MTA or your attorney for sealed, juvenile matters, appealed convictions, military convictions, governor/presidential pardons, foreign convictions etc.) violations or convictions or undisclosed pending matters will result in immediate termination... 

I will post updates as I go along, and I will be sure to ask the other applicants if they are TA or OA so that I can share with everyone who's getting called up.  

The Department of Buses will put in a class a combination of TA/OA/BC students or a class of only TA, OA or BC students.

Graduation day tomorrow...Excited. Had a Beeki (an undercover ride) on my bus today. Said I did really well and I passed. What a way to end the line training.

The real fun begins on your first day on your own. The first day is the worst day, but it definitely gets better with each passing day. Expect more undercover rides, you will get rides and might not know it. Treat every ride like you are getting a ride.

So now they are hiring off the OA list

The DOB hires off the TA/OA/BC lists depending on need. Supposedly, they have a ratio of TA/OA bus operators that needs to be maintained. (I don't know it).

Folks, you have to have a ton of patience!

With TA Bus Operator Exam 4600, we applied in August 2013 and took the written exam in December 2013. Many of us took another exam called the Bus Operator Selection Survey (which basically is a written multiple-choice psychological test) in October 2014. We finally got our results in January 2016 and the first to be called got letters in mid-March 2016 (realistically hired in April 2016). I was hired in October 2016.

BTW, candidates from TA Bus Operator Exam 2613 (the exam prior to TA Bus Operator Exam 4600) were also being called and hired up until the October 31, 2016 class and I believe I heard that a few folks were in the November 14th, 2016 class as well (but I cannot confirm this right now).

Please be patient, I was like certain people  , obsessively looking for any indication when they would call for bus operator .. 

BTW, if you want to talk about a wait: I applied for TBTA Bridge & Tunnel Officer back in October 2014, we took the exam in March 2015. We still have no scores, no list and know nothing about when or if they will hire.

Also - if you have an opportunity to start in another TA title such as bus operator, why not? 

After getting reinstated back onto the list how does the process work, if they're at let's say 31xx and ones scored 9xx do they wait for the list to end then restart idk just probably over thinking because I missed my appointment and really wanted this job. Yes I spoke with miss chestnut and I don't want to seem overbearing with the calls. Is there anything else that one can do to get that "call".

Speaking from experience, it could take a while. My list number was less than 150 and I was called back in March, did not accept the first call, reinstated back in the beginning of August and was called in October and appointed on 10/31/2016 (almost 6 months on the job!). 

Patience is key!! 

Does the leave of absence form need to be filled out in duplicate

I downloaded form from twu100 web site and printed it

The Leave of Absence form referenced from the TWU 100 local website would not appear to be the appropriate form if you went "sick" for 3-4 days during line training. Typically, a leave of absence would be appropriate for extended absence scenarios (see union for those guidelines).

You need a specific doctor's note that you can get from the crew dispatcher - do not make any marks, spill coffee or anything below the line - I have personally seen doctor's notes refused "at the window" that were not in conformance due to incomplete information.

All probationary bus operators should not go out sick for the first year, do NOT be LATE to work EVER! (if you take public transportation to work - make sure you swipe in). Drive safely!

161newyork, I am in second week line training, graduation is not for 2 more weeks, which will be 4 weeks line training then graduation, so no additional test after line training, we just then go to graduation??? Thanks in advance

Correct, no additional tests!

Hello, question, after line training, [ed. but] before graduation, is there another road ,written test or line run test. Do we just go to graduation if line training went well???

The process is as follows:

Orientation (Day 0) ->10 Day Qualification -> RTS/Nova Training (Day 8, 9, 10 depending on day of qualification) -> Union Day (Day 11) -> General Information Day/Depot Pick Day (Day 12) -> Line/Equipment/Artic (if applicable) Training or DMV Road/Skills Test(s) (only for NYS CDL permit holders) -> Graduation 

After graduation you are on your own, except for Staten Island probationary-bus operators as they will have an additional 1-2 weeks (typically 2) of express bus line training, including an ATU Union Day. Once this is completed, they will be on their own. 

FYI, according to conversations with other bus operators, transfers to Staten Island take about 30 days and in some cases up to 90.

Was there any slots for East New York Station?

If slots are available or unavailable on a certain day this in no way bears ANY indication that a particular depot or division (Queens/Staten Island) will be available to pick for the following class.

For Staten Island, on General Information Day (typically Day 12), students will be informed that their transfer to Staten Island was granted (or not). Students will not have an opportunity to pick a specific Staten Island - division depot at Zerega but instead will pick with the union or simply be assigned based on specific division needs.

I heard that parking wasn't good at all out there. Luckily I don't drive. I'm coming from Brooklyn as well SupaSaint01.

I gotta catch the C train at 5:21AM to get to Zerega on time for 6:50AM

 

Get off at CASTLE HILL AV STATION 6 at 6:28 AM

 

From CASTLE HILL AVE & WESTCHESTER AVE

Take the CASTLE HILL PARK - ZEREGA AVENUE bound BX22 Bus departing at 6:43 AM

Get off at CASTLE HILL AVE & VIRGIL PL at 6:50 AM

 

Walk 0.4 miles(8 minutes) |||  = 6:58 AM  ||| East to destination.

 

Total Fare : $2.75 - Reduced Fare : $1.35

6:50 AM or 6:58 AM is too late...

What if something goes wrong?

7:00 AM does not mean the parking lot,  7:00 AM means you are seated at your seat on the 2nd Floor of Zerega.

You want to aim to be at Zerega 

On day 1, Orientation Day, fill out a transfer request to Staten Island. This way they know that you want to go there right away, there will be a very good chance you will get the transfer right after you qualify. They usually are in serious need for Staten Island operators. Don't ask me why a transfer, they will explain (sort of) to you at Zerega. This job/exam (4600) is for Bronx, Manhattan and Brooklyn. To work in Queens or Staten Island requires a division transfer. I never got an good explanation, something about the unions I think. Good Luck!

Partially incorrect.

You may fill out the transfer for either Staten Island or Queens on orientation Day 0, usually a Monday. Day 1 is referred as your first day on the road, usually a Tuesday.

This exam TA 4600 is a civil service position where anyone coming in can work in TA and OA depots in any borough where there is availability. If you qualify, you'll pick, based on seniority on General Information Day, usually Day 12 (two days after Day 10). As a Staten Island probationary bus operator approaching 6 months on the job - I wouldn't say there is a serious need for operators here.

Called DCAS, it says I'm on the list but I am "not qualified" I have a pending ticket, is that what it means? Please help thanks

Any pending ticket or court matter of any kind (including traffic and parking) is required to be resolved prior to performing a drug test.

just a question, I start at zerega on monday, by transit it will be a 2.5 hour commute, by car 40min, anybody who has been there for training taken their car, any parking within walking distance 1/2 mile or parking at area near that i might catch the b22 or other bus, thanks in advance

Parking is do-able within 1/2 mile or so from Zerega, best advice, get there EARLY. You will be at Zerega only for Day 0, or orientation, Day 10 (if you don't qualify on Days 6&7 or 9) and a few times after that.

Express Buses (as customer):

Bronx: BxM8

Brooklyn: None

Queens: QM4

Staten Island: X1, X10, X17, X17J, X19, X22, X22A, X23 (Academy), X24 (Academy), X30, X31(many times by accident).

TA Express Buses driven as bus operator (so far):

Staten Island: X1 (Full Route), X2, X5, X7

Anyone has any idea of a place to buy the clothes for orientation .. somewere theyhave everythin and at a good price?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using NYC Transit Forums mobile app

You just need to shop around (Macy's, Kohl's, etc.) The clothes that you need are not anything "special" in which they're extremely hard to find.

You want to be comfortable during the process, my suggestions are as follows:

- Make sure there is ample room around your neck.

- Make sure the sleeves on the long sleeve shirts are long enough; extend your arms.

- Wash garments prior to wearing.

Keep in mind that this is your uniform not just for Day 0, or orientation but throughout the whole training process (Days 0 - 10) and beyond. 

Once qualified, measurements will be taken for the standard uniform on "Union Day". But be aware that their vendor is taking their time in issuing uniforms. Many probationary-bus operators from the 10/31/16 and 11/14/16 TA classes have yet to receive their uniforms including myself.

IDK why the #64/68 ends @ Lincoln Harbor, nor do I understand why they got some of those NYC - Ft Lee routes looping through there before the fact.... I personally wouldn't have anything terminating there.... 

Weehawken - You have/had (not sure nowadays) a few large employers based there, namely UBS..  With the 64/68 rush hour routes, remember, Howell garage parks their buses during the day at the Weehawken lot next to the light rail.

The 319 should have a price reduction AC to NYC is $39 on NJT but the same trip on Greyhound is $25. 

I noticed that and agree... I paid the $39 once just to ride the 319 about five years ago..

We don't know a lot about this new propose contract. Remember negotiations just started. This was just propose a day ago, it's a process. Union members still have to vote yes or no. It's going to take time, but according to the propose contract there will be no give back. So the 25-55 I believe will not change.

Negotiations have been completed, this is now a tentative agreement awaiting ratification before the members.

When the contract was coming to an end in October/November/December 2016 the TWU Local 100 set forth their demands to management and this was negotiated prior to completion of the most recent contract.. 

I have no information on the status of the relevant ATU contracts. FYI.

As for NYCERS, the pension for TA titles, that is completely separate from these negotiations (e.g not covered by collective bargaining) and must be dealt with legislatively through the NYC Council/NY State Legislature from my understanding.

On lunch, Day 1. Did paperwork, and watched a video. Have Supt. Soto, seems to be a hardass, but fair and very patient, esp. With one guy who had trouble with the paperwork. I guess we get into what the next two weeks will bring, because bus work starts tomorrow.

Today is Day 0 or Day O= Orientation (however you want to look at it). Tomorrow with the bus begins Day 1.

Good Luck! Keep all the information that you filled out for your 19-A with you because you will need it again through the week.

I should be going in the class for bus operator in the next few months(knock on wood).

Any ideas how easy it is to get a Saturday off so I can take the train operator exam?

At least two-three weeks in advance, inform your depot shop steward and you will likely tell the general dispatcher at your depot and you will be excused for that day (I believe you will receive run pay for this) unless it is your RDO (Regular Day Off) if you are still in 10 Day training, typically Monday - Friday or possibly line training again, typically a Monday - Friday schedule.

Your drivers license must be VALID in the State of New York. 

If you can operate a motor vehicle with a license issued from the United States state/commonwealth of ​   insert name of state/commonwealth here   in the state of New York, then your license is valid in the state of New York.

Based on conversations with multiple people and folks here in the forums, the following examinations appear to be still active.

TA: 2613 & 4600

OA: 3101

BC: 2301

TA = NYCTA , OA = MaBSTOA , BC = Bus Company (See other posts for explanations of what these are, differences = pay and benefits).

Some prior classes had TA/OA/BC students in a class, other classes had TA/OA students, there was recently one OA class in October and the 10/31 class was just a TA class.

The 10/31 class and 11/14 classes had people from BOTH TA Exams 2613 & 4600.