Express Bus Operator

Good luck to everyone. It's the best career move I've done! 

1 hour ago, KDGallagher said:

Out of all the TA/OA depots (or boroughs in general), who typically receives the most shuttle work? 

That all depends. Brooklyn may be the top for shuttle work and Bronx. 

1 hour ago, N3Gro said:

I have a question I just thought about. I live in upstate ny and would like a depot in the Bronx being that this exam is TA could I possibly be able to get a depot in the Bronx?

Yes TA can work out of an OA Depots. The same goes for OA Operators can only work out of TA Brooklyn depots, Bronx and Manhattan.

On 3/13/2022 at 12:48 AM, 2ride said:

Bigger question is why aren’t they hiring more personnel for the train jobs such as conductors, engineers, and customer ambassadors?

It’s not like they’re not hiring in other depts, but Surface needs more coverage, especially with a high rate of retiring Operators, Injured operators and Current Promotions taking place. I can’t stress it enough on how much open work my depot faces because of not having enough coverage. It's good for the current bus operators on duty because over time will be available. But it's bad for the MTA when it comes to revenue service.

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4 hours ago, lornaevo said:

That’s BS. He can use his class A, as long as he have Passenger Endorsement. 

Sad, but that's the requirement. It's based on the type of equipment you were tested on, and currently NYCT is an commercial transportation passenger service category. 

1 hour ago, Kennedy said:

Well he’s Going to East Chester from tomorrow for training for the class B.

I hope he does well. 

4 hours ago, mrtrini868 said:

Morning all, anyone got put on a medical hold? I was put on medical hold due to hearing . Doc told me to come back in 6 weeks. Just curious of what’s the chances. Thanks

You can go visit your PCP, and have them referral you to see an otolaryngologist aka ENT. If the ENT DR is unable to detect any issue, They should be able to provide you a written note and testing that was done stating the data and there finding. You may return back to MAC with the documents and etc. On the paper MAC provided you, did they give you any instructions?

9 minutes ago, Sunnydaz12 said:

Why did they make him downgrade to a CLASS B?

Class A is classified for Tractor Trailer, or Truck-trailer. "There are no Trailer position except for Maintenance/Track Worker dept which is based on seniority" 

Class B is classified such as heavy single unit truck or Bus.

On 1/31/2022 at 4:01 PM, JRev529 said:

Hello everyone glad to finally have joined. 
 

My list number is 5x, I was first canvassed in September 2020 but didn’t have my P endorsement. I was recanvassed and went to Livingston on October 27th but had pending tickets. I have questions about the 19A certification I see it says 9 points disqualifies you, is that 9 active points that they count within the past 3 years, or 9 overall points?

I was an Uber driver for 6 years so I have lots of old points 17 to be exact that down at Livingston I was told do not matter since they’re outside of the 3 year window. 
 

Also Livingston said the limit is no more than 6 points now. Im emailing and calling but can’t get a hold of anyone to reschedule my initial appointments. 
 

Also already have an A license with air brakes, med cert, I have P - endorsement permit and would need to pass a road test with the bus according to the dmv?

Quote

Also already have an A license with air brakes, med cert, I have P - endorsement permit and would need to pass a road test with the bus according to the dmv?

Yes, If you successfully qualified the initial on-the road training with MTA on Days, 7, 9 or 10. You will be scheduled to take a DMV road test. While you're waiting for the road test schedule, The MTA will continue and prepared you the NYS DMV CDL Road test.

You'll lose seniority, and pretty much everything @BreeddekalbL stated.  its ATU union versus TWU, And you'll be stuck in Queens and the depot you picked for the rest of your career unless you get promoted to SLD or Superintendent.  

2 hours ago, Beck said:

How do you study for the MTA B/O exam. What material does it cover?

According to the last exam that were administrate in 2021, DMV CDL Questions, Customer Service Questions, Reading comprehension, Accident report, etc.  

On 1/16/2022 at 9:08 PM, SevenEleven said:

It's not bad but it does take a long time to be able to pick those runs. Unless it has like TW off, then it's easier to get them, lol.

Facts!!! I was able to pick a run that had a Th/Fri, but the rest were T/W 

On 1/13/2022 at 9:22 AM, KDGallagher said:

Them express dudes be parking at Quill 

some do one trip, park the bus, swing for like 6 hours do one more trip and that’s their day. 
 

must be nice 

That's what I do.. The X27/37  1 on 1 trip.  

On 1/15/2022 at 10:51 AM, Lawrence St said:

Thanks for the info.

But we still have to pay to get on anything non-MTA Bus because of the pass restrictions right?

The passes works for all MTA New York City Transit Properties (Unless it says Authorized personnel only), LIRR, MNRR, Subway, Buses, Express Buses.

**Don't abuse it, 70% of the time you'll get a courteous by law enforcement if you tell them you work for transit. But be wise and make sure you are not violating traffic laws.

Curiously, does any know how many candidates is on the OA sld list?

Don't hesitate to ask questions if you're unsure with something. Your goal is to make it through probation.

4 hours ago, Probie92 said:

If I resign while still on probation, will I be eligible for rehire in the future? Or will I be blacklisted? I don't think this job is for me. Probationary bus operator...

If you resign, you have 1 year to return back. You will continue your probation status from where you left off. 

On 12/11/2021 at 7:16 AM, KDGallagher said:

Was told Thursday by the AGS that 2 accidents is termination 

The packet the union gave me 3 days ago (my first day at the depot), said 3 accidents is termination. 

 

                                                                                                                        Probationary Bus Operator Review

Updated: December 8, 2021

Directive order No. 02..38.03

Subject: Probationary Bus Operator Review "New York City Transit [NYCT] and MTA Bus [MTAB]"

OBJECTIVE

This document is designed to provide guidelines for a systematic method of evaluating and monitoring the performance of bus operators during their probationary period. During their probationary period, all bus operators are evaluated on the following: driving skills, safety record, attendance, interaction with customers (including customer complaints and commendations), cooperation with peers and supervisors, adherence to New York City Transit [NYCT] and MTA Bus (MTAB) rules and policies and overall performance.

MONITORING

All probationary bus operators will have a minimum of two [2] onboard observation rides during their first year of probation. All observation rides will be conducted for a minimum of thirty (30) minutes, or the length of a trip in customer service. Additional observation rides may be conducted. Copies of any additional rides conducted by Division, Depot or Road Operations staff must be forwarded to the Training Center. Bus operators will be removed from customer service if observed committing an unsafe action.

INCIDENTS

The practice of rating incidents, “preventable” or “non-preventable” will not be used for bus operators on probation. However, an evaluation will be made after each incident with respect to the bus operator’s driving ability and adherence to rules.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD AND EXTENSIONS

The probationary period for all bus operators is one [1] year. A Limited Assignment Bus Operator (LABO) who is promoted to full time status will serve a probationary period as mandated by contractual agreement.

Any absences will be added to this period. The probationary period may be extended up to two [2], three [3] month periods for MABSTOA bus operators, or one [1], six [6] month period for NYCT and MTAB bus operators.

Scheduled reviews for all MABSTOA, NYCT and MTAB bus operators will be held at three [3] months, six [6] months, nine [9] months and eleven [11] months from the date of appointment. If the probationary period is extended, additional reviews will take place at the fourteenth (14th) and seventeenth (17th) month, if applicable, from the date of appointment. A probationary employee may be terminated pursuant to this process, or at any time during the probationary period for serious infractions.

PERFORMANCE

If the probationary bus operator’s performance is unsatisfactory, counseling will be provided by the appropriate member of supervision or management. Satisfactory performance will be commended. Cell phone violations will result in termination. Failure to make ADA announcements, observed red light, red light camera and speed camera violations will result in extension of the probationary period and/or possible termination. All counseling statements will be entered in the employee’s Personnel Action File (PAF). All signed forms will also be included in the employee’s depot folder.

                                                                                                                                                 RESPONSIBILITIES

DIVISIONS

The General Superintendent, Transportation (GST) or designee, will review all reports submitted on probationary bus operators and commend or counsel them as required. The GST will review the overall record to determine if additional action is required. The GST will also ensure that periodic reviews are conducted as required. The employee’s PAF must be kept current at all times. The GST or designee will also be responsible for preparing recommendations for extensions and/or terminations in concurrence with the Probationary Review Manager (PRM).

TRAINING DIVISION

The PRM will review all incidents, complaints, results of all observation rides and perform analyses to determine patterns among probationary employees and ensure that appropriate action is taken. The PRM will review counseling records to ensure consistency throughout NYCT Department of Buses and MTAB. The PRM will work closely with the depot managers to ensure that probationary actions are acted upon in a timely fashion and that requests for extensions or terminations are submitted to the Safety & Training Officer for concurrence and final approval.

The Training Division will identify the work schedule for probationary employees and schedule observation rides. At the conclusion of an observation ride, the supervisor or manager will identify themselves to the bus operator with their pass and badge. The supervisor or manager will go over the observations with the bus operator, discussing both positive actions taken by the bus operator and recommendations for improvement. The supervisor or manager will also inform the bus operator that a report will be submitted to the GST, including any violation(s) observed for further action if required.

========================================================================================================================================

F. A. Q.:

When does probation start? 

- Day 0: The first day you attend Zerega training facility. 

Who conducts observation rides?

- Supervisors "Dispatchers/19A Dispatchers" and/or Superintendents "Management" 

How would I know I'm getting a observation ride?

- The only time you may know you are getting a observation "Check-ride" is only annually 19A birthday rides which is conducted by a depot 19A Dispatcher"Supervisor", but 95% of the time, you won't know that you are getting a probationary, safety, complaint or random observation ride. The Beakie "Observation Personnel" will  board your bus dress just like a normal civilian and dip their metro cards. Some may board the back door of the bus or ask you for a ride or a transfer. Beakies can board as wheelchairs passenger or board the bus with a cane. Their mission is to ensure that you are doing what you are suppose to be doing.

Will I be notify if an observation ride "Check-ride" were conducted?

- Yes and no. Some beakies may identify themself after the ride has been conducted by approaching you when it's safe and display their transit issue badge "Dispatcher badge or Superintendent Badge" with their transit pass. If you got a bad ride, he/she will tell you what you did and to see the boss "General Superintendent Transportation((GST))" at your depot. Sometimes when you report to the crew dispatcher at your depot, he/she will also notify you that you have to see the boss.

============================================================================================================================================

Advice to all operators, especially when you're still on probation. 

If you are in a situation such as on-board incident, accident. Before you pick up the radio to contact console,

• First breath and think.
• Assess the situation.
• Contact your depot union representative. Their contact number should be saved.*
• Call console but keep your answers short. The transmit call is being recorded and will/or can be used against you.
• Always remember, Some buses are equipped with cameras.
• Take as much information such as, Witness, license plate numbers, Police officer or Fire/EMS badge numbers, and take pictures for your records.

Other helpful threads:

Department of Buses New Hire Frequently Asked Questions

Handouts (for the initial 10-Day Training Session)

DMV CDL Road Test Training Videos (for those who have a Class B Commercial Learners Permit)

I have an updated information regarding Probationary operators as of December 2021 and going forward. I will either create a new thread or post it in another thread that's related to probation. NEW OPERATATORS before you call Console, I advise you to call your depot UNION Chairman, Vice first! When you call console, the line is being recorded. CYA (Cover Your Ass)....  

Wicked!!!!

3 minutes ago, Snorunts said:

NG Hybrids are in the process of retirement and a handful of them have screens installed that could essentially be installed on said bus models.

I'm glad you mention about the NG's are in process of retirement. A few weeks ago, I notice one of the 7600's XD40's at Flatbush Depot had the trolley brakes connector pressure valve installed. Which means, the NF-XD buses will soon be the next replacement buses to be used for the new hired trainee's students to be trained on versus the current NG's which are currently the training buses for operators. 

11 hours ago, Ajjohn11 said:

Hello! I am new to Transit forums, I pray I am doing this correctly! 

I took exam 1100 on October 9th, I was called in for the drug test and past job review. Then I came in for the medical but was placed on hold due to concerns of sleep apnea. 

I have a written note from a sleep specialist stating that I am fine. 

I emailed the provided email on Nov. 23. But I haven't heard anything yet. I wonder if I should send another email or wait it out. 

I wonder if anyone else here from 1100 was put on medical hold and cleared it up yet.

If you were place on medical hold, they normally give you a slip with further instructions to clear yourself. You may also have to call the HR number, or try to head back over there.

17 minutes ago, ActionMike said:

It was 4 students per bus way before COVID. 

Yes, since day one, even when my pops first started transit back in the 90's. 

21 minutes ago, FrontSt said:

Wow so due to Covid the classes are small asf only 4 people no wonder this takes so long 

KD meant 4 students per buses. A class can contain 80 students, but split into 4 per training buses.