161 New York

If I have never driven anything bigger than a car.....will I have problems during the 10 day training class?

Honestly, If I were you, I would take lessons in a school bus just to get a feel of a large vehicle. If you can go for the full CDL-B.

Understand however, driving a school bus is different than a transit/coach bus. The main issue (at least for me) was getting comfortable with the turns and the fact that the front axle is behind you. With a transit/coach bus you can come out a little more and when you hit the pivot point you can execute the turn. Because I drive MCI D45/4000's and Van Hools almost exclusively, driving the LF's and RTS buses will be something new for me. 

Non exempted interstate is the one you should get. You must get a dot physical first from a dot qualifying doctor. It's like 75 bucks for the physical. If you do not get the dot physical before getting the permit u will have an A3 restriction which will prevent you from getting the mta job.

For all the people who received the employment paperwork in the mail..... Did you guys also receive a phone call from the mta letting u know they sent you the paperwork and also of the date you are to go down to Livingston st

I finally received my letter, however, I cannot take off from work as I am needed and can get in trouble for doing so. I will call and see if I can reschedule and whether or not a specific situation I had gotten into means I have to wait three years.

No phone call was received.

161passenger. I am referring to the DMV cdl part. I thought if you didn't have the cdl and only had the permit that you had to pass the mta training and then pass a cdl road test thru the DMV. Am I wrong or right?

If you are going through the MTA to get the CDL, it is as follows:

1) Get CDL Permit (prior to drug test)

2) Pass MTA 10-Day Qualification Period

3) Take NYS DMV CDL Road/Skills Test using a MTA bus.

4) Pass road/skill test you get hired by MTA, fail twice (once if you qualify on Day 10) you get terminated.

If you can get the CDL on your own, you go into RTS/line training once you pass the 10-Day qualification period.

161 passanger do you know the protocal of postponing and if so do you get pushed to the back of the list?

Please see: How long does it take to have your name reinstated to a civil service exam list

Keep in mind what is written in this post: Bus Operator Exam 2613 Questions

I'll let everyone know exactly what to do, if it comes to it.

Hopefully a letter is in the mail, even the dreaded "Considered, but not selected" notice. I have to disclose a minor mistake I recently made, (not on a police report) and see if that affects my candidacy. 

I only have the permit with air brakes and passenger. I am scheduled to take my cdl road test in May. If mta calls me first and I pass the mta training, how many chances do I get to pass the DMV portion of the road test? Is it only one try ?

 

From my reading in the 2613 Exam thread you get two chances up to day nine, if you go to a Day 10 you get one. (Edit: I thought I saw somewhere they were giving folks two tries even at Day 10 but I cannot locate that post.)

I am 21x. No letter yet.

Looks like the top 200 got letters or so it seems

Did anyone below 200, not receive a letter? 

In any event I am going to have to postpone because I do not want to call out and get in trouble with my current employer. I also want to give my employer two weeks notice as I don't want to burn bridges. Passing MTA training with or without CDL's is not a guarantee.

Still nothing in the mail for me (I got the Conductor admission letter). I'll check on Monday and give it until Tuesday to contact them. List number, way less than 161.

I am between 1 and 161, no communication received yet. If anything comes, I will let everyone know. However, I did run into a rather minor "complication" in the past month so that might affect my candidacy, if it does, I will let people know so they can have an idea what to expect as I am sure I am not alone. If you work in the industry, please stay safe!

According to DCAS, I am on outstanding certification.

Sorry guys, didnt mean to get your hopes up was a d*ck move on my part, was so excited about the letter I received I didnt even look at this test number. I got called for the 2613 exam and my number was at the end of the calling list so this test is about done as far as I know

Dan, We (or at least I) forgive you.  Can you please at least share your list number (like 30XX)  for exam 2613? - Thanks

I am in the first one hundred or so to be called; my list number is at or below 161. 

No letter (e-mail or phone call) has been received as of Saturday 02/20. If a letter did go out, I am usually a day late in receiving it from the rest of the city. If I hear anything, I will definitely let everyone know.

I would appreciate confirmation if letters did indeed go out for 4600. Thanks in advance.

What? So then the list is going to be wasted for a good 11 months? Something is not right...

Let's see in two weeks when the February 2016 update comes out for the 2613 TA Exam what, if any movement occurred.

Perhaps they'll extend the 4600 exam. I too am slightly curious as to why they established this list and not simply publish the list prior to 2613's completion. For me this did come as a surprise as I need to save more $$, but nonetheless I am pleased that the list numbers are available to us.

 

I honestly thought you just had to take the written test to get the tow truck endorsement...my apologies on being rude, however where did you find this out from? In addition, when I took my CDL road tests in Maspeth, how come I just saw school buses and tractor trailers?

 

 

My apologies, bad example. You need only a written test for tow truck if you already have a CDL. As for the CDL A including buses and having to need to take the road test if you don't have passenger endorsement, this I know is true as a co-worker of mine had to and we drive buses for a PBL (private bus line) in New Jersey (we're both NY residents).

First of all, CONGRATS TO ALL WHO MADE IT!      

 

I'm in the 10##, how long would they take to call? On average how many do they call annually? 100? 1000?

 

I'm not rushing it, I just want to know so I can make certain decisions at my current job.

 

I also got my CDL recently, though i have an A not a B. So I want to know how long to determine whether to go get the B done now or do I have time as money is a huge concern for me at this point. 

A CDL Class A license includes buses, however you must have Passenger endorsement as well as air brakes to operate buses. (For example, my CDL Class B license would enable me to operate tow trucks, if I had the tow truck endorsement - if I want to drive a tow truck, I have to do the road test again with a tow truck.) If you don't have Passenger endorsement, you have to take the road test again to get that endorsement.  Taking the road test on a school bus should be sufficient and you shouldn't lose your Class A status. Double check with DMV.

So i spoke to this guy today from my job who also took 4600 and he told me that he has a friend whos in the 100s and recently received the pre employment package in the mail. Know i doubt is true but thats what he said. Any chance of it being true????

My list number is less than 150 and haven't received anything.. I am also not on outstanding certification per DCAS. I am not ready lol... 

That would be fast, just got a letter telling me my score that's it.

I haven't received anything.

When do u think they will start calling from our list

As of the January 03, 2016 update, there remains 800 eligibles on TA Exam 2613 (thanks Young for this information). This does not however account for anyone who wishes to reinstate their names on the list.

My guess and my guesses have been largely wrong, but if I had to pick a month, maybe August, June if we're lucky and they go approximately 100 per month for the remaining candidates. However, I wonder why they officially established and not just publish the list (if the automated line is to be believed) before they finished the TA 2613 Exam. In any event, I'll be keeping an eye out for updates to make my next move!

Awesome!!! My list number is very, very low. I'll say it's below 150!

Congratulations to Everyone!!!!!! 

Things seem to be moving. I received a score of 96.667 with list number of 15**. How do they decide who has a higher list number when we have the same score?

I agree, it is very frustrating.

In the meanwhile, we are still ahead of the game here. There are things we can do:

- We have time to get or stay healthy (lose weight primarily = too much BMI means sleep apnea test among other things), get vision checked (and get used to wearing glasses/contacts while driving) get blood pressure checked (a major issue in this industry - can be changed by permanent changes to diet/exercise = START NOW!). Some issues, such as cardiovascular (heart) health may take longer to address, but finding this out sooner is better than later.

- Get your CDL B (Passenger and Air Brakes) before changes, which are required by federal law are fully implemented in New York State, where the road test will become difficult. From the NYS DMV to driving schools:

 Tests will be given in three sections in the following order: pre-trip inspection, basic control skills maneuvers, and then the on-road portion;

 

 The test is scored in the three separate sections listed above, with three scores making up a complete test;

 If a driver fails any one section, the test is stopped and the driver is failed;

 The duration of skills testing appointments has been increased. Depending on a driver, a test may take anywhere from an hour to an hour and 45 minutes to complete.

 Engine compartment inspection is a required part of the pre-trip inspection;

Source: http://www.nyapt.org/resources/Documents/DMV-Memo-CDL.Skills.Testing.10-07-15.pdf

 

If you are driving professionally, like me. Continue driving professionally - obey all traffic laws religiously, make sure all paperwork/logs are current..

I also believe I have a 98.33% on the exam. We definitely will have the opportunity to get called.

FYI   as of  MONDAY  12/7/15  candidates were still being called for final processing  from EXAM 2613   so 4600 is still on pause  also the MTA seems to be HIRING  more OA operators  there is a class training now out of several DEPOTS   i spoke to a few  some were OA  some were MTA BUS  i was told the total class # was of 80 candidates  GOOD LUCK TO ALL 

80 is quite a large number.

The activity in the 3101 OA forums would support the view that they are hiring more OA candidates than TA.

My guess is that the MTA is under pressure from the City to keep new hires into NYCERS down, which would be anyone from the TA lists. 

Hey Everyone. Hope all is doing well. Still waiting very patiently for the scores for test 4600 and trying to keep my nose clean.

 

Unfortunately today I ended up getting a speeding ticket. This is my first ticket in a very long time. I'm really worried that this is going to affect me getting into the MTA. I've tried so hard to not have any infractions under my belt but I guess I screwed this one up.

 

So questions. Does this ruin my chances of getting into the MTA?

 

Is it worth fighting the ticket or just bite the bullet pay the fee and take the class to get rid of the points? I was thinking about going down and talking to the judge but I don't know how much that would help. I was in the wrong so I can't fight it on that end. I just don't want to ruin my chances because of this one mistake.

 

Any suggestions?

 

Thanks guys

It depends on the points. You can have up to four points on your license. It is up to you if you want to go to kangaroo court (Staten Island) and try to fight it (and probably lose). Was this in New York or New Jersey? If New Jersey, you can probably plead down but prepare say goodbye to $478+ .

Defensive driving course does not reduce your points for MTA purposes.

Make copies of the ticket and when it is settled, you'll need to get a copy of the disposition as it will be needed when you get called.

Just follow all traffic laws to the letter. Screw everyone else.

161 passenger...you work there now? Do you like it?

 

Well it's a private company that is subcontracted to run suffolk county transit runs....the safety records all disclose everything just mentioned, and bringing me back was based on a last chance agreement if I did anything wrong I was to be terminated....I had no further discipline and left on my own terms

 

Now I work for a different private company that operates suffolk county transit routes...so all of this shows up still...the tickets for the red light and the termination but I told them about it and still kept me and I've had no issues here in eight months.....does that help your decision?

I don't work for the MTA (I'm awaiting the results from TA Exam 4600)  but I did work for MTA Access-A-Ride, under a subcontract doing paratransit services for them. I now drive a 40-45' coach bus (and could drive a transit-style bus) for a PBL (Private bus Line) in New Jersey. I probably have a speeding camera ticket on it's way, so I am in a similar situation.

As I said, disclose everything:

- 2 Red Light Camera tickets are a non-issue. If in doubt ask, if they need to be disclosed. These do not appear on your abstract. The bus companies are required by law to talk to each other so thats why they know. AND Because they are both under contract to SCT, they probably follow the same internal "point" system (that is Provider A, Provider B and SCT) and know your record. Like the 12-or so companies that provide services to Access-A-Ride for the MTA, ultimately the MTA decides your fate, similar situation with SCT, I would believe. 

- The speeding citation you will have to disclose as it went through a court, make sure you bring the disposition. As it has been pled down, you  should have no points on your driver's license and your abstract should be clean.

- The firing, disclose it, you can state you were brought back per union arbitration or whatever. It most likely won't go against you. Hiding it or anything will probably get you fired from MTA when they find out.

I'm guessing you have an otherwise clean safety record, no accidents or tickets and no criminal activities. Again, go for it and please let everyone know how you make out!

That speeding ticket was reduced to a parking ticket. The red light ones are only registered to the bus...I was told honesty is the best policy and if you tell them up front what's going on they aren't too bad....I find it hard to believe that out of the thousands of operators no one has a scratch on their record?

And should I even bother? At this point I don't want to waste time for nothing

You should definitely go ahead.

The red light camera tickets are a non-issue. When you get the paperwork to fill out, just ask if you have to disclose it, if you want to be on the "safe side". Just don't get any tickets while on probation at the   .

The fact that the speeding ticket was tossed, also a non-issue. You'll of course have to disclose this one because it went to court (and you'll need the disposition). As for your firing, did Suffolk Transit clean your employment record? Check with your shop steward to ensure your employment record is clean on that one, if not * honesty is the best policy * and disclose. 

It seems like you have no problems to get this job, you know how to operate a bus, go for it !!!

So guys, last few days ive been feeling VERY excited about this job. We are T-minus 4 months until we get results back and more of accurate time table when to expect to be hired..just a few questions...what will the TAKE HOME pay be like for the first year? If my calculations are correct we can expect about 620 a week take home for a 40hr work week? Just trying to crunch a budget for the first year...

 

also, I had 4 wrong on the exam and feel I did really well on the BOSS examination...do my chances look solid? Need some honest opinions...

 

Havent attempted to get my CDL yet as I am waiting for list numbers before I make any sort of moves. In the meantime what can someone do to prepare for this job? Memorize the bus lines?

 

thanks all and goodluck to 4600!!!!!

The take home pay, may be a little on the low side, but is not totally off the mark.

Yes, your chances look good, I would almost say solid. Though you will probably have to wait a longer (maybe 1.5 - 2 years). However we won't know anything until we get list numbers. If your list number is at least 3,000 you should be fine.

Don't worry about memorizing bus lines, they change every so often (Staten Island may see major changes in the next year or so). It might be helpful to learn major roads in the city.

What ILLMATIC96SS, said, maintain your health and get a physical done. I have an issue with blood pressure (you need less than 140/90) and vision (20/40 in both eyes - I have 20/50 in one eye). If you (or anyone) has a weight issue, you will need a sleep study if your BMI is greater than 30 (or so), If you have diabetes, get that under control. And drugs are bad mmmmkay?

As for your CDL, don't go for the permit until you are ready for lessons, or can get hired by a bus/trucking company who will train you with a permit, or are going to wait until the TA as the state changed up the permit and license processes for the CDL.

your calculations sound correct give or take, i would say go ahead and get the CDL  ASAP  you need this  you should be fine as long as all your paperwork  are in order  your health must be in order  well   if you only got 4 wrong  you be getting a call in early 2016  as i hear test 2613 is coming to a close  as far as preparations  you will need that CDL  for starters  and again STAY HEALTHY !!!!!!  everything else will fall in place .....

We'll have to see what the update is for 2613 is this evening (hopefully someone will call ) to estimate when the previous TA list from Exam 2613 finishes. There has been near zero movement for the past few months. From what I understand the winter system pick is going on, which according to another member slows things down some. 

I would like to draw parallels between the 5001 Sanitation Exam, which like the TA Exam 4600 attracted a lot of candidates. There are 68,720 candidates on the Sanitation list, for the TA Bus Operator list, my estimate is that 12,000 or so people took the test. Out of the 68,720 scores on the Sanitation list:

278 Candidates (Scoring above 105.00) had received veteran, legacy, residency and other credits.

There are only 569 candidates that received perfect scores (100 + 5 Residency Credit Points = 105). There is no residency credit for bus operator exam.

The Sanitation exam like the Bus Operator exam were both easy though a question on the Sanitation exam apparently threw people off (something about a Snowman). I didn't take the exam FYI.

My prediction is that there won't be that many candidates who received multiple credits and the perfect score team may be smaller, but as the scores get lower to a certain point, you'll have bigger groupings of those folks. It's statistics and bell curves. The Sanitation exam is perfect for those comparisons due to the overall population demographics (entry level job and folks from all over the city).

I just applied online. Filled out all my info, DOB, SS#, high school I went to, etc. Paid my fee and it seems like I'm good to go.

 

One thing I'm a little confused about is showing the MTA that I graduated HS. I have heard that I don't need to do anything right now, and that they will verify that I got my HS diploma if and when I get called off the list. Is this true?

 

Or do I have to mail a special form to the MTA with my educational history? The website doesn't say anything regarding this. 

 

Thanks to anyone who answers!

Most likely when you are called you'll be asked.

HOW TO QUALIFY Education Requirement: By the date of appointment, you must have a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent, approved by a State’s Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization. If you do not meet the education requirement by the date of appointment, your application fee will not be refunded and you will not be appointed. 

 

By the way I am reading this, if you are 13 or 14 years of age (perhaps even 12 - depending on your birth month and when the current active list expires) you can apply and POSSIBLY have a job ready at graduation. Which would be freaking awesome!

@YoungNYCSubwayFan, thank you.

The standard is 20/40 for each eye. I have bad vision in one eye 20/60 so I need glasses to operate a vehicle, the other one is marginally 20/30-ish.  I recommend everyone getting vision checks whenever you are able to and if you need glasses, take some time getting used to driving with them - ideally, aside from not wanting to be put on medical hold & not driving a bus for the first time with glasses. 

Also, very important for those going for their learners permits and CDL licenses. I tried to convert my CDL Learners Permit to a CDL License at the DMV. However, there is a * new * federal mandate that requires all applicants to provide proof of lawful status and residency, per NYS DMV:

You must also prove your legal presence in the United States.

 

The Proofs of Identity, U.S. Legal Presence and NYS Residency (ID-44CDL) form lists all acceptable legal presence and New York State residence proof documents.  Please note: You must provide us the original documents (not photocopies).

Proofs of Identity, U.S. Legal Presence and NYS Residency (ID-44CDL)

NYS DMV - Get a CDL

Just an FYI for all those who's time is limited by work or other personal obligations. 

The    examination schedule (open-competitive and promotional)  for the second half of 2015 for TA, OA and BC positions is now available, by going here: MTA NYC Transit,  MaBSTOA, Staten Island Railway, MTA Bus Co. and MTA Bridges & Tunnels 2015 Examination Schedule

Among the more popular ones:
 

- Station Agent O/C (July 2015)

- Conductor O/C (September 2015)

- Train Operator Promo (September 2015)

- Train Operator O/C (December 2015)

Good evening, just a couple of questions about the training...I was scheduled on Monday,6/29 for orientation, now it has changed to Sunday,6/28. How does that affect the training schedule? W ill it still be Mon-Fri of that week? Also, if I pass the training will I have part-time hours while on probation? I hope so because I really can't work a full time schedule right now...

July 03, 2015 is a federal and state holiday (Independence Day - Observed).

I don't know if MTA Bus is still hiring part-time operators, Did you sign up for a part-time position? If so, this question should be asked to HR as soon as possible and if you cannot work full time hours, I would recommend deferring your spot immediately until you can work full time so you can still have a chance on this list. 

Yeah that's also annoying when they leave the lights on.  I don't have too many that do that on the Riverdale buses.

 

Supposed to but some don't like the lights... They claim it bothers their eyes...  Who in the hell is the paying passenger? I report those types.  I want to be able to see when I get on the damn bus and not risk falling and injuring myself.  I once had this moron on the BxM18.  He's flying down the Henry Hudson Parkway Service Road and I couldn't find something.  The bus was pitch black and by the time I finally found what I was looking for (the case for my $200.00+ earbuds), I had passed my stop and were already in Fieldston in the estate area.  Navigating the hills in Riverdale is always pain which is why I rang for a particular stop, so I was esp. pissed.

During the "express" portion of the trip they turned down the lights - very nice on the 1/2 hour between the last stop on Staten Island and the first stop in Manhattan. In Academy's instance and some other operators, all left the lights on when picking up or discharging passengers. My old x1 operator when I worked nights would put on the interior lights whenever he picked someone up and turn em off when the passenger got seated - it was nice because almost everyone napped on the bus (all 3rd shift people).