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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

    We never had Community Shuttle back when I started. They slowly brought them in back in the late 90's. Like 97% of the routes are done by Coast Mountain Bus. Some shuttle routes in New Westminster; Langley; and the #609 in Tsawwassen are done by other contractors. West Vancouver (Blue Bus) does a route to 2 as well.

    Slightly lower wages; less benefits, no travel time. The "idea" behind them is that they are used on quieter routes, less intrusive into neighbourhoods, and cheaper to operate.

    They do have Full timers; Part timers; and Casual/on call staff. If "temp" status, My understanding is you do not have a seniority number. Some are quite happy doing that. BUT, in my opinion, if you want to stick around and see the benefits of increasing seniority: Get that "regular" status (seniority number) ASAP! Get those paid benefits; pension plan; and see your choice of work slowly improve.

    I believe those on casual can request a particular depot BUT are available to work any and all 3 depots at any time. They send you out to cover any uncovered shifts. I believe casuals MUST be available for at least 4 shifts per 2 week period?

    Some drive shuttle for a few years and then decide to upgrade to Conventional. Some retire from Conventional and get on as a casual Shuttle driver to keep busy.

    Some get on driving; and continue their education on the side and eventually apply for management or supervisory opportunities.

    FYI: We get paid every second Friday for the 2 week period ending the previous Sunday night. We get paid next Nov 11 for the 2 weeks ending Nov 6. Then again on Nov 25 for the 2 weeks ending Nov 20. 26 pay periods in a year.

    Drivers belong to Unifor local #111. Maintenance staff local #2200. Victoria local #333. There is a union website; as well as Facebook pages. Some get more involved in the union that others. There are various commitees, clubs, courses, and positions to run for. The union hosts monthly meetings as well as individual property meetings. There are union bulletin boards and sub offices at each depot.
     
    Tezzer likes this.
  2. Binny09

    Binny09 Guest

    Whats the approximate wait time after interview?

    I was interviewed 2 weeks ago but still have not heard anything. I was told at the interview that i will be told of the result in a week's time. Does this mean that I did not pass the interview?
     
  3. Binny09

    Binny09 New Member

    Whats the approximate wait time after the interview for Conventional Bus Operator Trainee?

    I was interviewed 2 weeks ago and was told that I would get the result in 1 week's time. But I have not heard anything since.

    Does this mean that I didn't pass the interview?
     
    Superchecker likes this.
  4. imyyqqyy

    imyyqqyy Junior Member

    They will let you know matter what. It takes time to schedule you to the next stage.
     
  5. Superchecker

    Superchecker Active Member

    BREAKING NEWS: The online posting looking for more CONVENTIONAL TRANSIT (BIG BUS) OPERATOR TRAINEES has been reposted as of today's date!

    www.translink.ca/careers and THEN "Coast Mountain Bus Company"
     
  6. Superchecker

    Superchecker Active Member

    Crazy day out there kids.

    Let me just say that there was extremely heavy demand for service to the Tsawwassen ferry as well as the new mall in Tsawwassen this morning, and not enough buses. Supervisor forced to steel buses off other routes to try and get these people out to Tsawwassen! Crazy!

    (On a side note: I'll be out of town for a few days, but will be back next weekend.)
     
    Tezzer likes this.
  7. jyot

    jyot New Member

    hi guys
    i am new to this thread.i applied for cmbc driver job and get email for the comprehension and video test.
    i have no idea what kind of test they are going to ask.
    can anybody tell me about the comprehension test and video test?
    i am bit nervous,,so seeking for expert advice.
     
    Superchecker likes this.
  8. Superchecker

    Superchecker Active Member

    Welcome! There may be older posts on previous pages that may be of use to you.

    I went thru the process almost 25 years ago now. Many here more recently.

    Best of luck! The process can take months. CMBC rarely moves quickly on anything.

    Classes run every 2 weeks with roughly a 12 trainees in each class. Sometimes more, sometimes less.
     
  9. user

    user Full Member

    It's the end of week 1 of Conventional training for me. There were indeed a lot of material to study and memorize, but it was still manageable. The fun part was of course driving a 40ft diesel bus around town! :up: Every day I feel more comfortable driving and doing the pre-trip, which is great.

    Since Friday was a holiday, we only had a 4 day week for the first week. This means that I'll be having my air brakes and the Class 2 road test all next week... Anyway, back to more studying for me!
     
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  10. Superchecker

    Superchecker Active Member

    Thanks for posting! Best of Luck!
     
    user likes this.
  11. VanFan89

    VanFan89 New Member

    I passed my panel interview a few weeks ago and have a road test coming up in the next couple of days. Do many people fail the road test? Any tips and advice would be appreciated! Got the road test books from ICBC just to review and it all seems pretty basic, but I think I'm going to be nervous right up until I hear if I pass or not. Failed the interview last year so it was a long wait for another chance!
     
    Superchecker likes this.
  12. Kr6505

    Kr6505 Full Member

    This is probably too late now, you probably already did it. But if not let me reassure you it's more of a "trainability" exercise. As long as you obey the rules of the road and don't do anything really dumb, like hit someone, you are golden. I don't think anybody has failed it, to my knowledge. Just remember to relax, breathe, and obey the rules of the road, you'll get through it and then on to the next step.
    Oh and by the way, you already got through the tough steps, video test and interview. Most people don't even make it that far!! Let us know how it went. I recently went through this process so if there's anything I can help you with let me know!!
     
    Superchecker likes this.
  13. Kr6505

    Kr6505 Full Member

    Hi there!! I'm probably too late in replying to you but if not just wanted to give you a bit of advice about the video test. It's mostly about customer service. They are looking for how well you can handle certain situations. If I recall they show you 50 scenarios,after the scene 4 choices will come up. Choose the one where u think would make the passenger happy or less aggravated depending on the situation. Hope this helps somewhat.. good luck!!
     
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  14. Kr6505

    Kr6505 Full Member

    Hey there!! Thanks for the info, it took me forever to get there on the regular 410. But I was just wondering, is it ok for me to ask around for rides or is it considered taboo?
     
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  15. Superchecker

    Superchecker Active Member

    Ask! Show up a few minutes early, as some drivers might leave the depot early!
     
  16. Superchecker

    Superchecker Active Member

    Ask! Show up a few minutes early, as some drivers might leave the depot early!
     
  17. Superchecker

    Superchecker Active Member

    Coast Mountain Bus Company is in need of a FTR office assistant, in the Training Department! $24.33 an hr to start PLUS full benefits! Day shift! 7:30am til 3:30 pm (Or similar).

    Training Department is located at the Vancouver/Marpole transit centre.

    www.translink.ca/careers and THEN "Coast Mountain Bus Company"
     
  18. user

    user Full Member

    Week 2 update:

    Good news! I passed both the air brakes and the class 2 road tests! :D

    First week in terms of homework and readings weren't too bad, but this week was even more intense... I've got some catching up to do this weekend. On Monday, I start driving trolleys. :) Hopefully I'll do well.
     
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  19. Superchecker

    Superchecker Active Member

    Yeah! Are they going to let you guys sign up in early December?

    Sheet change is Dec 19; and then again mid April.
     
  20. user

    user Full Member

    Yep, I was given a sign up time.
     
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