Become a Student Bus Driver at UTS

Marcus Tyler, staff writer

Looking for the best part-time job for students on or near campus? Sometimes a unique, challenging and unusual job can be found right in your own backyard. Or in this case, behind the wheel of a transit bus. At the University Transit Service (UTS) of University of Virginia (U.Va), student drivers experience the unique world of bus driving.

Obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL) will kickstart the training process of driving a bus. The process is much like getting your basic driver’s license. Luckily, for anyone wondering where they will be able to test and train for a commercial driver’s license, UTS provides paid CDL training.

At UTS, your starting wage as a student driver is around $10 per hour, with opportunities for raises. Most student drivers are required to work a minimum of 12 hours per week. However, UTS is flexible with scheduling their drivers. Once training is completed, it is up to the driver to choose a regular route, help out at base or drive a charter. The drivers have complete control over what they choose to do.

What is highly recommended from other drivers is signing up to drive some of UTS’ charters. Charter trips have been to places like Monticello, vineyards, weddings and many more locations. Some drivers may even be lucky enough to get a few tips from charter passengers. Of course, if you would like to drive regular routes, there are always openings throughout the week.

With opportunities to connect with other drivers, there are different kinds of committees to join at UTS as well. A safety committee that handles bus and UTS safety, a charter committee that handles charter assignments, and finally a special committee dedicated to UTS event planning and recruiting. UTS is always looking for student drivers and welcomes anyone who may be interested in joining the university’s staff.

All application information can be found on the UTS website.