CDL Bus Operator / Fixed Route Driver
Department: Operations
Reports To: Transit Supervisor
Position Type: Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities
Pay: $16.50 – $17.00 per hour
Location: Lawton, Oklahoma
Work Location: In person
About the Position
Lawton Area Transit System is hiring dependable, safety-focused, and professional CDL drivers to join our Operations team as a CDL Bus Operator / Fixed Route Driver.
This position is responsible for safely operating public transportation buses along assigned fixed routes while providing reliable, courteous, and professional service to passengers throughout the Lawton area.
This opportunity is ideal for experienced Class B CDL drivers, passenger endorsement drivers, bus drivers, school bus drivers, shuttle drivers, motorcoach drivers, transit operators, route drivers, commercial drivers, and professional drivers who take pride in safety, customer service, and dependable transportation.
A Class B CDL with Passenger Endorsement is preferred. Candidates with commercial driving experience and a strong safety record are strongly encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities
Operate fixed route public transportation buses safely and efficiently within assigned routes, schedules, and service areas.
Perform required pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections to identify mechanical, safety, or operational concerns.
Maintain working knowledge of LATS routes, bus stops, streets, schedules, service areas, transfer locations, and operating procedures.
Provide professional, respectful, and courteous customer service to all passengers.
Follow all LATS policies, safety procedures, traffic laws, ADA requirements, DOT standards, and public transportation regulations.
Assist passengers as needed during boarding and exiting, including passengers with disabilities.
Properly secure wheelchairs and mobility devices using required four-point securement procedures when applicable.
Announce designated stops in accordance with ADA guidelines and LATS procedures.
Communicate clearly and professionally with dispatch, supervisors, other operators, and passengers.
Collect fares and passes, count passengers, and accurately complete required daily reports and documentation.
Complete accident reports, incident reports, route sheets, passenger counts, charter forms, and other required paperwork accurately and legibly.
Represent LATS and its management in a professional, respectful, and safety-focused manner.
Attend required training, development classes, safety meetings, and special event assignments as needed.
Qualifications and Requirements
Must be at least 21 years of age.
High school diploma or GED required.
Valid driver’s license required.
CDL REQUIRED.
Passenger Endorsement REQUIRED.
CDL training may be available for qualified candidates.
Must be able to maintain a current DOT physical examination card.
Must be able to pass required background checks, drug screening, and ongoing random or reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing.
Commercial driving, bus driving, school bus driving, shuttle driving, passenger transportation, delivery driving, or public transit experience preferred.
Must have knowledge of traffic laws, highway safety rules, defensive driving practices, and accident prevention procedures.
Must be able to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
Must be able to make sound independent decisions while operating in a public transportation environment.
Must be able to remain calm, professional, and courteous when working with the public.
Preferred Experience
Commercial driving: 1 year preferred
Bus driving experience preferred
Passenger transportation experience preferred
Public transit, shuttle, school bus, motorcoach, route driving, or transportation service experience preferred
License / Certification
DOT Medical Card required
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, use hands, reach with arms, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl as needed.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move approximately 50–75 pounds. Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
This position may involve exposure to moving vehicles, mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles, cleaning chemicals, vibration, outside weather conditions, wet or humid conditions, extreme heat, and extreme cold. Noise levels are usually moderate but may occasionally be loud.
Benefits
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Employee discount
Schedule
8-hour shifts
Day shifts
Split shifts
Monday to Friday
Weekends as needed
Special events or training may require occasional hours outside the regular schedule
Why Join LATS?
At Lawton Area Transit System, our operators do more than drive buses — they help keep the community connected.
This is a great opportunity for dependable CDL drivers and professional drivers who want steady work, meaningful service, and the opportunity to be part of public transportation in the Lawton community.
If you take pride in safe driving, customer service, and being part of a dependable team, LATS may be the right place for you.
Job Type
Full-time and Part-time opportunities available
Pay
$16.50 – $17.00 per hour
Work Location
In person
Pay: $14.50 - $17.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
License/Certification:
- CDL (Preferred)
- Passenger Endorsement (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
