Transit careers

Bus operators are skilled professionals. They provide safe, courteous service to passengers in Winnipeg. They operate heavy duty vehicles, stop often, and stay on schedule.

They're attentive. They have good judgement and drive safe. They are able to deal with all kinds of people in all kinds of circumstances. Bus operators meet challenges each day, like poor weather, heavy traffic, and construction. And they help passengers find their way.

Does this sound like a career you could excel at? If you're looking for competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, read on.

Benefits

• Fully paid six week training program
• 3 weeks paid vacation after one year
• Pension plan
• Dental and vision care
• Free uniforms
• Working independently
• Free transit service while employed as an Operator
• Working with a valued and diverse workforce
• Opportunities for advancement

Salary

Above salary schedule is as of January 4, 2026

Training

The fully paid 33 day training program includes:

• 11 days classroom training
• 11 days in-vehicle training
• 5 days regular in-service training

Homework will be assigned daily throughout the training program. Operators will be expected to complete assignments on time when distributed. Lateness will not be tolerated. Showing up on time is a condition of employment and a requirement for this career.

Daily responsibilities

Each day is unique, but here's some of the tasks operators do each day:

• Drive safe in all weather conditions
• Answer questions from passengers while keeping to a schedule
• Resolve concerns in a professional manner
• Collect/validate fare
• Follow Transit policies to maintain order on the bus
• Report any vehicle or passenger issues using a two-way radio
• Complete reports about incidents on shift

Shifts

A bus operator's hours of work (shifts), vacation time, and days off are determined by a seniority-based system. 

As a new operator working in a unionized setting, you will have limited choices. However, as seniority increases so does an operator’s choice of available vacation periods, the amount of time allotted, work assignments, and days off. 

All operators enjoy guaranteed hours and an excellent benefit and pension program.

We operate buses 24 hours a day. But most shifts are between 5 a.m. and 2:30 a.m.

Daily work assignments may vary from day to day and week to week. Each day will include 7.5 – 8 hours, often in split shifts. These 2 or 3 'pieces of work' may take up to 12 hours to complete. The break time between is unpaid. 

Your education and qualifications include:

• Grade 10 or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Manitoba Beginners Class 2 drivers license with air brake endorsement.
• Minimum 3 years driving experience satisfactory to the employer.
• Maintain a drivers safety record acceptable to the employer.
• Minimum two years customer service experience (in person contact with the public).
• Strong map reading skills and strong City of Winnipeg layout awareness.
• Ability to operate vehicles safely, defensively and within the standard safety guidelines, regulations and restrictions of the Highway Traffic Act.
• Knowledge of City of Winnipeg landmarks and streets.
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies.
• Ability to communicate professionally and confidently with diverse audiences.
• Written communication skills including the ability to comprehend Transit policies and procedures, including report writing.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and distractions while maintaining focus.
• Ability to work in a diverse cultural community with dignity and respect.
• Ability to work independently within a team environment while consistently upholding high standards of integrity, accountability and service excellence.
• Conflict resolution skills with the ability to handle high-stress customer interactions and successfully de-escalate tense situations while maintaining professionalism and customer satisfaction.

Conditions of employment:

• The successful applicant must maintain legal eligibility to work in Canada. If the successful applicant possesses a work permit, it is their responsibility to ensure the permit remains valid.
• Police Information Check (with vulnerable sector check) satisfactory to the employer will be required from the successful candidate, at their expense.  
• Must hold and maintain a valid Manitoba Class 5 driver's license with a minimum Driver's Safety Rating of -2.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Class 2F driver's license with airbrake endorsement. 
• Must be able to meet the physical demands of the position, including but not limited to: sitting for extended periods of time, reaching, bending, twisting at the waist and neck, grip and leg strength.
• Must be able to work a variety of shifts, including: evenings, weekends, holidays, and split shifts.

Questions about qualifications and conditions of employement

1. What is the minimum age requirement to be a bus operator?
   • Manitoba Public Insurance requires a candidate must be 18 years of age or older to be able to apply for an Authorized Instruction in Class 2.
2. Where can I find information on becoming eligible for employment in Canada?
   • You may contact the Government of Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Centre

Applicants are screened based on the required qualifications of the bus operator position. Your application must clearly show that you meet all of the minimum qualifications to proceed in the process.

During one of our transit operator recruitment campaigns, you may apply online. 

Attach all documentation listed below.

1. Current resume (Required)
2. Driver’s Safety Rating Movement History- issued by Manitoba Public Insurance (Required)
3. Copy of your valid Driver’s License.
4. Original Driver’s Abstract – issued by MPI

Applications submitted without REQUIRED documentation will not be considered.

More information on how to attach documents is available on the Careers portal or by contacting 311.

We value diversity in our workplace. Indigenous peoples, women, racialized peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ peoples and Newcomers are encouraged to self-declare.