Bus Operator recruitment steps

OC Transpo provides essential transit services across Ottawa and into Gatineau, serving approximately 340,000 riders daily and operating year-round. For individuals with customer service experience and a good driving record, the role of a Bus Operator presents a dynamic career opportunity. Bus Operators enjoy flexible hours, internal career growth opportunities, and competitive pay with benefits and pensions starting from day one.

New Bus Operators should expect to work split, night, weekend, and holiday shifts and will have limited vacation flexibility early in their careers. Seniority gradually offers more shift options and vacation opportunities.

Recruitment Process

The process to become an OC Transpo Bus Operator is comprehensive, involving 9 stages. Successful applicants must complete each step to advance to the next. It is important to note that conditional job offers are only made upon completion of all steps.

Application and Screening

Applications are evaluated based on key qualifications. Minimum requirements include:

  • Legally entitled to work in Canada.
  • An Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or recognized equivalent)
    • If your educational credentials are from outside of Canada you will need to obtain a Canadian equivalency. A translated document is not sufficient. If you require information regarding your educational qualifications, please contact the Credential Evaluation, Assessment and Qualification Recognition Services.
  • A valid Ontario "G" class driver's license (or provincial equivalent).
    • Applicants residing in Quebec must hold a full “2F” license; due to licensing restrictions OC Transpo is unable to upgrade Quebec licenses.
  • A clean, uncertified 3-year Driver's Abstract, issued within the past six (6) months
  • A minimum of three (3) years of customer service experience and five (5) years of driving experience, this may include experience obtained internationally.

Online Assessments

Qualified applicants are invited to complete online questionnaires assessing their suitability for the position.

Written Assessments

The written assessment requires participants to demonstrate customer service, problem-solving and deductive skills based on the role of an OC Transpo Bus Operator.

Interview

The interview may be conducted virtually using Microsoft Teams, interviews involve a panel of two or three interviewers who ask behavioural, situational, and knowledge-based questions.

Cognitive and Driving Assessments

A cognitive test is completed on a computer, followed by a driving test that evaluates applicants’ ability to safely operate a vehicle, overseen by an MTO-certified instructor.

Language Assessment

Applicants may need to pass a language proficiency test in English or French to meet position requirements.

Reference Checks

Applicants provide professional references who have directly supervised their work. References must be reachable within five business days to proceed.

Medical Exam and Police Record Check

Applicants must pass an MTO medical exam required to obtain a class "C” license. and provide a Police Record Check for vulnerable sector (level three), from the Police Service in their jurisdiction Any costs associated to the recruitment process are the applicant's responsibility.

Document Verification & Onboarding

OC Transpo and Human Resources will verify all provided documentation, including Police Record Check, MTO medical, education, driver’s abstract and references. Finally, you’ll be scheduled for a six-week training program. After successfully completing the training and meeting all Ministry of Transportation requirements, you’ll officially become a Bus Operator with OC Transpo.

An offer of permanent employment as a Bus Operator is conditional upon successful completion of the mandatory training program. Applicants who are unsuccessful in the training and/or are unable to pass the Ministry of Transportation testing requirements to obtain a class "C” license will have the conditional offer of employment withdrawn.

Applicants who are unsuccessful in cognitive or driving assessments must wait six (6) months before reapplying.

Trainees who are unsuccessful in the New Bus Operator Training program are not eligible to reapply for two (2) years and must complete a defensive driving course to be considered in future competitions.