Chapel Hill Transit is understaffed and the bus operators are underpaid, only making $16 an hour despite the amount of hard work the job requires. Bus operators deserve at least $20/ hour for the amount of work they do and for the indispensable service they provide for our community.

Chapel Hill Transit does offer this position to those who don’t have experience, but the expectations of these drivers far outweigh the wage they receive. According to the job description, they are expected to:

• Transport customers to and from their destinations, assist them on and off the vehicle, and safely securing mobility aids in the towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

• Complete familiarization with system and safety features; geography and roadways of an assigned route and of the entire service area; traffic rules, regulations and laws, and transfer points

• Provide information on bus services to customers

• Receive and transmit two-way radio messages involving accidents, incidents, emergencies, criminal activities, or other authorized CHT business utilizing judgment and discretion to ensure customer and individual safety

• Perform vehicle operations at varying hours of day and night. Will work outside regular business hours as required by service demands.

• Write reports and completes forms as required, may prepare detailed written reports concerning accidents incidents, breakdowns and mechanical defects, as required at the end of their shift.

Considering our bus drivers ensure the safety of over 7 million passengers each year, they deserve to be paid more. Already expected to have flexible schedule and night availability, Chapel Hill Transit operators are now expected to do more than ever due to staffing shortages.

Chapel Hill Transit recently announced that they have to reduce bus operations to compensate for the staffing shortages. The frequency of many routes has been reduced, midday service suspended for 4 bus lines, and weekend busses have been limited. According to Chapel Hill Transit, “These reductions will remain in effect until Chapel Hill Transit is able to hire more operators.” 

Please sign this petition to show your support of our bus operators who help our community so much. They get us to work and school every day. This position should have more competitive wages that show how much we value them in our community. Giving our bus operators the respect they deserve could encourage more members of our community to consider working for Chapel Hill Transit and increase the reliability of our transit. Please don’t let our community down!