Abstract
Public transit operators have a complex job that involves
more than just driving a vehicle. Operators collect fares,
answer questions, give directions, mind the safety of their
passengers, help passengers with disabilities, keep order,
de-escalate altercations, serve in place of a police officer
or social worker when one is not available, monitor their
surroundings while in motion, navigate stressful traffic,
communicate with supervisors, make detours as needed,
and much, much more.
This work can be rewarding, satisfying, and secure.
Frontline transit work offers a public service role with
high unionization rates, clear career progression, and the
opportunity to see many places and interact with and help
people. Transit operator and mechanic jobs may also offer
competitive pay for the work and qualifications.
However, difficult working conditions and median pay
stagnating or even slightly declining over time — especially
since the pandemic — has led some transit operators to
leave the industry. Other potential recruits have chosen not
to start a career in transit in the first place.
Many agencies across the state have faced operator
shortages in the wake of the pandemic, which have
delayed service restoration. These shortages are due to
both compensation and longstanding issues of workforce
safety, culture, and practices. This is particularly troubling
in an industry with an older-than-average workforce and
in a state where, ironically, transit operators often endure
lengthy commutes due to the housing crisis.
