Miami-Dade Transit Boosts Driver Hiring Push

Miami-Dade Transit offers $5,000 bonus for new bus drivers amid nationwide shortage

Miami-Dade Transit Offers $5,000 Bus Driver Bonus

Miami-Dade County's transit system is offering a $5,000 sign-on bonus for new full-time bus operators as it seeks to expand its driver workforce. The Department of Transportation and Public Works is accepting applications from April 13 through May 8, officials said. Trainees will earn $20.15 per hour during the nine-week training program, with pay increasing to $21.21 per hour after completion, plus overtime opportunities.

Context

Transit agencies nationwide have struggled with driver shortages since the pandemic, prompting many systems to offer recruitment incentives. The sign-on bonus represents a significant investment in workforce development for Miami-Dade's bus network, which serves hundreds of thousands of riders across the county. Officials didn't specify how many new operators the agency aims to hire through this recruitment campaign. The bonus structure is designed to encourage long-term retention by spreading payments over two years of service.

Details

The $5,000 bonus is paid in two installments: $2,500 after completing training and six months of successful performance, and the remaining $2,500 after 18 additional months of service. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and proof of passing the General Knowledge test for a class B vehicle with air brakes and Passenger Endorsement Testing of the CDL. The hiring process includes screening, background checks, written exams, and physical exams. New hires receive immediate access to health care benefits, and the county emphasizes safety as its top priority.

Timeline

Applications are being accepted from April 13 through May 8, 2026. Selected candidates will participate in a nine-week training program before operating buses with passengers. Officials didn't provide details on when new operators would begin service after the application period closes or how long the screening and hiring process typically takes.

Impact

The recruitment drive aims to strengthen Miami-Dade's bus operator workforce, which connects residents and visitors throughout the county. Applicants must be available to work weekends, holidays, and various shifts. The position offers career advancement opportunities within the transit system. Riders can track Miami-Dade bus schedules and real-time arrivals through Moovit, which provides updates for the county's transit network.