Public Transportation Operators

Public transportation operators work anywhere from 20 to 40 hours per week. About half of all drivers work full time. The U.S. Department of Transportation restricts all drivers from working more than 10 hours per day or more than 60 hours per week. New drivers often work part time, though they may be guaranteed a minimum number of hours.

Schedules for intercity bus drivers may require working nights, weekends, and holidays. Drivers may also have to spend nights away from home, staying in hotels at company expense. Senior drivers who have regular routes typically have regular working hours and set schedules, while others must be prepared to work on short notice.

Local transit drivers and subway operators usually have a five-day workweek, with Saturdays and Sundays considered regular workdays. Some of these employees work evenings and night shifts. In order to accommodate commuters, many work split shifts, such as four hours in the morning and four hours in the afternoon and evening, with time off in between.

The lack of direct supervision is one of the advantages of being a public transportation operator. Intercity bus drivers may also enjoy traveling as a benefit. Disadvantages include weekend, holiday, or night shifts, and, in some cases, being called to work on short notice. Operators with little seniority may be laid off when business declines.

Although driving a bus or rail car is usually not physically exhausting, operators are exposed to tension from maneuvering their vehicle on heavily congested streets or through crowded stations. They may also feel stressed from dealing with passengers—including those who are unruly or difficult.