DAYTON, Ohio — A job fair will let prospective Greater Dayton RTA employees get a feel for what it’s like to sit behind the wheel of a bus.
What You Need To Know
- Greater Dayton RTA is hosting an interactive job fair at UD Arena this week to find dozens of new bus drivers
- Approved applicants will test drive a bus and/or a smaller non-CDL vehicle
- RTA wants to find at least 50 CDL drivers and 35 non-CDL drivers
- Interviews are taking place Friday and Saturday
The event at University of Dayton Arena allows select applicants to test drive the agency’s big buses and its small non-CDL buses.
Interview times are Friday, June 10 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., and Saturday, June 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Candidates must bring a valid driver’s license, along with a copy of their resume. After successfully completing an interview, RTA trainers will be on hand to assist applicants with a vehicle test drive, and ensure the ride goes smoothly.
The transit agency wants to hire at least 50 CDL bus drivers and 35 non-CDL drivers.
“You don’t know what it’s like driving a bus until you try it, and this way candidates get to ‘test drive’ their new job,” said Brandon Policicchio, the RTA’s chief customer and business development officer “Normally, it would take a week or so for a new hire to get behind the wheel. It’s a cool and rewarding experience to drive a bus. I started driving a bus when I was 19, and we want to offer that in advance to potential candidates.”
To help get people to the event, the RTA is offering a coupon code for a free Uber or Lyft ride to and from UD Arena from anywhere in Montgomery County.
To access the voucher from Uber use this link: https://r.uber.com/rUJTrBFWg68. The coupon code for Lyft is RTAJOBFAIR.
Beyond that, the RTA will provide free transportation from its downtown transit center, Wright Stop Plaza. Those interested need to locate an RTA Transit Ambassador at the transit center and let them know they’re requesting a ride to the hiring event.
The starting wage for CDL bus drivers is $18 per hour. Pay goes up to $30 per hour after seven years. Non-CDL drivers start at $15.75 per hour.
The RTA will cover the cost of CDL training and licensing for "the right candidates," per an agency spokesperson.
Benefits for drivers include a 14% contribution to the state pension account, as well as paid time off, dental insurance and up to $26,000 a year toward family medical insurance. Employees also have access to on-site fitness centers.
The agency is requiring a completed COVID vaccine for all new hires.
For those not able to attend the career fair, you can apply for open positions on RTA’s career website, www.iriderta.org/careers.