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

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

  1. Superchecker

    Superchecker Active Member

    APPLY BY AUGUST 6TH!

    Not sure if this means anything or not but there is an INTERNAL job posting (Only existing employees can apply) for MORE Instructors as well!!
     
    Last edited: Aug 5, 2015
    TypeRNammer likes this.
  2. TypeRNammer

    TypeRNammer Full Member

    Hopefully there will be more driver positions next month, by then I'll have another go at the video test!
     
  3. Superchecker

    Superchecker Active Member

    They just announced no more zone on Buses as of Oct 5: I expect some bus routes to get alot busier after Oct 5! Such as anything crossing the Lions gate, 2nd Narrows, Knight bridges for one. The #160/190 from Coquitlam. And bus route that currently crosses any zones.
     
  4. Superchecker

    Superchecker Active Member


    Re-Posted! Act Fast!!: Posting ends Aug 11! Looking for 16 more temps! $22.13 HR PLUS 22% MORE in lieu of benefits!
     
    CharlieUK likes this.
  5. TypeRNammer

    TypeRNammer Full Member

  6. ConventionalMan

    ConventionalMan Full Member

    Just a little note about the continuing saga of being a transit operator:

    One of the great things about this job is the ability, over time, to work when and where you want to. After six months in Vancouver, I have decided to move closer to home and will be transferring to the Burnaby depot in September. I will be doing holiday blocking and will have a wide variety of shifts and routes. This ultimately will help me decide what routes and times I like and what works best for my home schedule as well.

    The good part is they don't just throw you in but give 4 days of route training. This ensures that you don't go in COMPLETELY blind. Wouldn't want to be u-turning a bus in a cul-de-sac or back alley (not that I've heard stories, but... I've heard stories :laugh: )

    The ability to move around is really something you don't find in too many other jobs and I consider it a pretty good perk.

    Have a good one!
     
    CharlieUK likes this.
  7. largechicken

    largechicken New Member

    Hi everyone. I am excited to say that that I've finally passed all of the steps of the hiring process and am set to begin training in September. It's been a long process and it's only beginning!

    I want to say a HUGE thank you especially to Superchecker and ConventionalMan--your advice has been invaluable so far. You gave me the confidence to go through with this and I'm glad I did. I'd love to meet you guys in person someday if/after I pass training. :D

    That said, any special words of advice before I start training? I talked to one Community Shuttle operator who said she failed the conventional training and it made me a little nervous. I'm planning to review all the ICBC air brakes stuff before training, and also the Class 2 pre-trip inspection outline in Driving Commercial Vehicles. I'm also tempted to memorize speed limits for all of the Vancouver depot routes. Is that overkill?

    Anyway, I have to say the "No" vote gave me a big scare in the middle of the hiring process. I'm glad they're still taking folks on! :D

    Largechicken
     
    CharlieUK likes this.
  8. john riley

    john riley Full Member

    Congrats on passing all the steps. Training has about an 85% pass rate, so you have a pretty good chance at making it through. Usually 1-2 people don't make it through each class, as some people are not cut out for the stress of driving a bus. But I'm not going to lie, the training is pretty stressful and hard for the first 4 weeks...get lots of sleep before training because you will get none when it starts. 7:30-3:30 everyday with about 2-4 hours of homework at night!!

    And you don't need to memorize speed limits, the buses can barely go over the speed limit anyways, so that will be the least of your worries. Just try to learn as much as possible during training because the more you learn, the better off you will be when you're on your own.

    Good luck and keep us updated!!
     
  9. ConventionalMan

    ConventionalMan Full Member

    Well done largechicken! It is a long process but it's worth it in the end. And you will pass. I'm glad you got something out of my posts, it's what I hoped for anyone who has questions!

    My advice? Don't overload yourself beforehand. What I mean is, training will start you with the basics and go from there...everything from general driving skills to air brakes, a new skill or level added almost everyday. The pre-trip is practiced everyday and is slightly different than the step-by-step in the Commercial Vehicles book, but you will know it by test day. You will also drive a 40-footer from DAY ONE in city traffic so have fun! You will gain lots of practice.

    I guess what I'm saying is: Be familiar with the information, but LEARN it in class. I hope that makes sense.

    Speed limit memorization is overkill and is not needed for a few reasons: Like john riley said, many times you can't get up to speed anyway :rolleyes:, you are also taught as part of your observation skills to look for signs (of all kinds), soon it becomes second nature. Also, once you have been driving a route for a bit, you know where all the changes are. Just be patient, it will come.

    As far as making it through training... I came from Community Shuttle and it is definitely a shock - BIG difference. Possibly more involved than that particular operator wanted or expected. Out of 8 in my class, one didn't make it. It was more due to personal reasons than inability. Anyone really can learn to do it but he decided that bus driving wasn't for him and dropped out. I can tell you, after two years (this also being a career change in mid-life) I have zero regrets. It really is enjoyable (like any job it has its moments) and you can experience anything during the course of your days. Exciting! lol

    Bottom line is: Apply yourself during training, pay attention, do the homework and you will be fine. Yes, the six weeks are quite intense, long days, lots of homework, etc but they give you all the tools you need to be successful. It's not a walk in the park but it's also not the end of the world. Take a deep breath and enjoy it!

    By all means, if you have any questions, feel free to ask here on the board or private message me and I'll be happy to help!
     
    CharlieUK likes this.
  10. Superchecker

    Superchecker Active Member


    Congrats! I'm also sending you a personal message.

    As for the "No" Vote. They still have roughly 3,000 Conventional Ops and another 300 or so Shuttle Op's. The company NEEDS to hire 5 to 10 % MORE every year just to keep the status quo! Drivers retire, move on, move up, move out.
     
  11. TypeRNammer

    TypeRNammer Full Member

    Any updates from CharlieUK?

    Or are you still under intense training? ;)
     
    CharlieUK likes this.
  12. CharlieUK

    CharlieUK Junior Member

    We just finished the classroom training yesterday (Friday, August 21, 2015), next week we start 2 weeks of OTJ training, and no, it wasn't that "intense", mainly because we are being trained as CSA's, not STA's. Our job is to help with the rollout of the Compass Vending Machines, and the eventually closing of the Faregates. I hoping It'll help with getting hired as an STA when more openings come up.
    And you, any luck with TransLink?
     
    TypeRNammer likes this.
  13. TypeRNammer

    TypeRNammer Full Member


    Nothing on my side Charlie, just keeping an eye out for any positions that open up for the upcoming month!
     
    CharlieUK likes this.
  14. Superchecker

    Superchecker Active Member

    Any desire to get your "foot in the door" as an Call Centre Information Clerk? $22.13 an hour, PLUS temps earn an extra 22% in lieu of benefits. Call Centre located near Gateway Stn in North Surrey. FOURTH posting in the past few months now! www.translink.ca/drive and THEN "Coast Mountain Bus Company". Access to Internal Job postings! Do that job for 6 months to a year and then switch to something else?

    Canada Line jobs over at www.protransbc.com/ too!
     
    TypeRNammer and CharlieUK like this.
  15. TypeRNammer

    TypeRNammer Full Member

    I lost count at how many times I applied for the customer information clerk lol...
     
  16. Superchecker

    Superchecker Active Member

    4th or 5th posting of this year is currently open?
     
  17. TypeRNammer

    TypeRNammer Full Member

  18. TypeRNammer

    TypeRNammer Full Member

  19. Superchecker

    Superchecker Active Member

    I would think that this is the time of year most School Bus systems need to fill any last minute vacancies as well.
     
  20. Superchecker

    Superchecker Active Member

    Good Afternoon! If you go to www.translink.ca/drive Up comes approx 16 active job postings at TransLink.

    CLICK onto Coast Mountain Bus Company for approx 10 MORE!

    CLICK onto BCRTC (SkyTrain) for approx 12 MORE!

    CLICK onto WCE for MORE!

    CLICK onto Transit Police for MORE!

    Go to www.protransbc.com/ for approx 6 MORE Canada Line Opportunities!

    Opportunities come and go; Check back OFTEN!

    Another GREAT website, that also changes daily: www.civicinfo.bc.ca/16.asp
     

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