I work for Hillsborough Area Regional Transit in tampa Florida and before I got hire they told me I needed my cdl permit before training that they will give me my cdl license. Well not every company is the same but for what I know the government pay a incentive to public transit to trainee you and give you a cdl license. I'm sure the MTA gets incentives as well. So my advice is to don't go crazy if don't have the money for classes just get your cdl permit and I think you guys will be fine. I think all you need is a clean record, clean license and free of drugs and in shape and you'll be fine.