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Transit Jobs NOW!!! Coast Mountain Bus is HIRING!

Discussion in 'Employment and Students' started by Superchecker, Nov 19, 2011.

  1. Nicedriver

    Nicedriver New Member

    They will use the STAR Technique were they will ask to describe a situation that you were in or the task that you needed to accomplish. You must describe a specific event or situation, not a generalized description of what you have done in the past. They want you to describe the action that you took and the result: What happened? How did the event end? Example: Have you ever had a conflict or disagreement with one of your coworkers.
    1. They will also present you with situations that you might find while driving the bus and ask what would you do in that situation. Example: you know that bikes are not allowed inside the bus but the bike rack is full and you come to a bus stop at 11:30 pm and find a 11 year old girl with a brand new bike. What would you do in that situation.
      So it will be something along those lines. WHEN YOU ARE RESPONDING ANY QUESTION OR SCENARIO USE COMMON SENSE WITH 2 THINGS IN MIND: Safety and customer service ( in that order)
      GOOD LUCK!
     
  2. Nicedriver

    Nicedriver New Member

    Thanks for the two very complete answers. I think that the trick part to get to the take home pay is the amount of deductions that are taken out of the gross income. So I gonna use the 1/3 that you mentioned. Thanks.
     
    Superchecker likes this.
  3. twong91

    twong91 New Member

    Currently at the references stage of the process! Was wondering about how long till training?
     
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  4. Superchecker

    Superchecker Active Member

    The entire process can take 6 to 12 months.

    Typically new classes every 2 weeks. Classes average like 12 or so per class. Some more, some less.

    Good luck!
     
  5. Kr6505

    Kr6505 Full Member

    I had my initial interview with my operations supervisor last week. Had a good talk and told him what my goal was. I worked in Richmond doing the C96, which I really enjoyed. I didn't start til 3:15 so I borrowed my moms vehicle and went and drove the route before hand. If I can do that when I get somewhere new then I'm ok but if I can't I find myself getting really anxious, almost like a panic attack.
    I also put in the Vacancy request form by the deadline. I suppose my chances are pretty low in getting full time or even part time. I so want to quit my current job and focus solely with CMBC. Right now I can do only two days a week. I'll never get through my probationary hours at this rate. Anyhow sorry about me going on and on.....
     
  6. Superchecker

    Superchecker Active Member

    Glad you are enjoying it! Thanks for the updates!
     
  7. user

    user Full Member

    I had a chance to meet and talk with @ConventionalMan last night on his bus! There were a few more things I wanted to chat about but unfortunately I was out of time... but thank you @ConventionalMan for your insights into both shuttle and conventional work. :up: Moving to conventional is my goal so I will keep you informed.

    It was also great to have a lengthy conversation with another operator as I've noticed not many ops are very chatty when you get on their bus.
     
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  8. Transit604

    Transit604 New Member

    What would a bus driver do with the 11 yr old goes bike , I would think safety and take the bike and girl onto the bus ? How do new drivers learn the routes ?
     
    ConventionalMan likes this.
  9. ConventionalMan

    ConventionalMan Full Member

    It was good to meet you @user Glad you enjoyed your ride! I'm sorry you didn't have enough time to ask about everything but message me if there was something specific! I'm always happy to chat.

    Hopefully you get to move over soon, as I think it is well worth it! Have a good one! Carry on operator!
     
    user likes this.
  10. ConventionalMan

    ConventionalMan Full Member

    Things can change very quickly and with signup happening for Shuttle soon, watch for extra roster openings to pop up. At least that seemed to happen a few years ago. It completely depends on what happens with the operators ahead of you. As far as I know, there are still a fair number of Shuttle drivers moving to Conventional all the time so you never know! I know it seems like forever for the momentum to build and to get the ball rolling but next thing you know it's 3 years later and you're driving the big buses lol.

    Hang in there, you'll be glad you did!
     
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  11. ConventionalMan

    ConventionalMan Full Member

    I think that question of the bike is a pure judgement call and a way to gauge your logic and problem-solving skills. Safety for the girl, the other passengers, consideration for time of day and how crowded the bus is, etc, etc... I honestly don't know if there is a "right" answer!

    As for learning routes, every operator seems to have a different "pre-game ritual". Many will drive the route beforehand in their car to become familiar, while other may stufy the paddle and maps and go from there.

    My personal method (learned from a couple of very helpful ops over time) is simple - I take the paddle and write the directions out in an easier to read format in my own writing. This does two things: 1) It makes the unusual layout of the paddle readable in a way we're more used to and 2) Writing something out helps me remember better.

    I will then study the map of the route (all online at translink.ca) and take it with me to check at available opportunities as I go along.

    Once you go around the route once or twice, you'll have it. I only refer to the paddle now for special intructions, as I holiday block and and do different work every week, I can't remember all the smaller details of some of the timing or special directions sometimes.
     
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  12. Parvin

    Parvin New Member

    Hi, I'm new to this & was wondering can anyone give me an idea of what to expect in the second part of the testing for a customer information clerk?
    I passed stage one and a 'job stimulation' test is the second part.
     
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  13. Superchecker

    Superchecker Active Member

    Question for my Shuttle friends:

    On weekends the #116; 134 & 136 are operated by shuttle. Which depot(s) do those routes on weekends?

    (I assumed that they were out of Oakridge?)
     
  14. ConventionalMan

    ConventionalMan Full Member

    The 134 & 136 are done from PoCo, the 116 I think was Oakridge. Can't remember for sure - it's been a while! :p (Good morning or in my case, Good night!)
     
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  15. Superchecker

    Superchecker Active Member

    Thanks ConventionalMan!

    Got to drive one of the newest buses this morning! That A/C is set pretty cold! and I wish there was a LOW speed for the blowers.

    The brakes take a few applications to get used to. I'm used to the retarder engaging automatically once your foot is off the throttle, NOT the case on these new buses.

    Still a real treat to drive.
     
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  16. Superchecker

    Superchecker Active Member

    FYI: Just noticing *internal* (open to existing employees only) postings for a FTR Info Clerk, and for a Lost Property Clerk.
     
  17. ConventionalMan

    ConventionalMan Full Member

    I like 'em. The brake pedal interlock is neat when the rear doors are open. I don't like the blocked window behind the driver now - hard to do a shoulder check!

    I agree, the climate control needs a fan speed setting. Maybe I'll put in a service review or h&s sheet. It is tough to hear anything when its on.
     
  18. Superchecker

    Superchecker Active Member


    I'm thinking that this Community Shuttle I keep seeing with training vehicle on the front sign is for Conventional Hamilton Route Training. They have to train all 330 Ops who are switching to the new Hamilton Depot in Sept. 3-4 days each!
     
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  19. ConventionalMan

    ConventionalMan Full Member

    100% correct! They can stuff 24 of us at time on there in air conditioned sardine comfort lol. I do my route training Aug 8-9. Looking forward to it :cool:
     
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  20. NiceGuy604

    NiceGuy604 Junior Member

    Hi Guys,

    I will be going for my road test within the next couple days. Can you let me know what it entails? I believe I read earlier that they take us in either a cargo or Minivan and it's throughout Vancouver. I believe some of the roads and areas include Broadway, Oak street, through one of the Downtown bridges, etc.

    Can anyone please elaborate on this and/or what they are looking for? Besides reviewing the ICBC book is there something we should do or avoid doing? Any and all help will be appreciated! TIA!!
     
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