AKRON, Ohio — Ever wondered whether you would make a good city bus driver? Akron METRO RTA wants to know as well.
The agency is hosting its second hands-on hiring event, showcasing open positions and offering applicants the opportunity to test drive a bus, METRO said in a release.
Akron METRO’s “Come drive with (b)us: The Sequel,” is planned to run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22 at METRO’s administrative office, 416 Kenmore Blvd. in Akron.
At METRO's first drive-a-bus event in August, almost 100 drivers came out, of which 35 were hired, said spokeswoman Molly Becker. One applicant was hired for a vehicle services position that day as well.
“We want to continue to show the public that METRO is not only a viable career, but a very sustainable and advantageous career at that,” said METRO CEO Dawn Distler. “Our first hiring event brought us the largest training class in METRO history and those team members are out on the roads in our community today.”
To participate, applicants must bring a valid Ohio driver’s license and three references, the agency said. During the event, applicants will visit different bus stations to enable them to learn about working at METRO.
Before the test drive, interested bus drivers will fill out an application, go through a short interview and learn how to secure a mobility device.
Everyone who completes those steps, and whose license is verified, will get to drive a bus, METRO said. The process is expected to take about an hour.
Candidates have to be 18 years old and have no more than two points on their license to be eligible.
Akron METRO offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, which includes participation in Ohio’s state retirement system, Distler said.
Becker said it’s exciting to see so many people interested in public transit as a career.
“I know, after 26 years, this is a great field to be in,” she said.
For more information, visit the Akron METRO RTA website.