Kitsap Transit to offer retention bonus, raise wages for bus operators
Photo: Kitsap Transit Routed Operator Marvin Jackson
Starting in July, Kitsap Transit Routed and ACCESS operators will receive higher wages, plus progressive increases over the next three years and a retention bonus following a newly ratified contract between Kitsap Transit and ATU Local 587, the union that represents Kitsap Transit bus operators.
The new wage increases were approved by Kitsap Transit’s Board of Commissioners on July 5. The changes include a 3.0% increase for 2021, 4.5% for 2022 and 4.25% for 2023.
That means a new Kitsap Transit Routed operator, starting today, would make $24.11 an hour. At the sixth year of employment, Routed operators will make $33.69 an hour.
The increases apply to ACCESS operators too! New ACCESS operators make $22.52 an hour after the wage adjustment, and $32.21 an hour at the sixth year of employment. Both Routed and ACCESS operators will receive a $5,000 contract ratification bonus and anyone employed as of November 30, 2022, will receive a $1,000 retention bonus.
Previously, operators made a lower wage during their probationary period. That probationary period has been removed.
Moreover, a non-cumulative longevity bonus has been added. After 15 continuous years with Kitsap Transit, employees will receive a 2% bonus; that bonus jumps to 4% for 20 years and above and 8% for 25 years and above.
Why does Kitsap Transit need to offer these incentives to hire operators? Well, like other transit agencies around the nation, we’re facing a shortage of qualified operators. If you subscribe to our rider alerts, you know we are now having to routinely cancel bus trips on certain routes due to a shortage of operators that day. In short, the longer the operator shortage continues, the more trips Kitsap Transit risks having to cancel and the more disruption to the lives of those who rely on us for transportation. Not only do we need more operators to support current service levels, we want to expand our system to better serve the demands of our growing community!
In addition to increased wages, Kitsap Transit offers excellent benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance; retirement; holiday pay; transit privileges; paid vacation and sick leave; and multiple avenues for career advancement.
Anxious about driving a bus? We’ll help you get there. Our driver mentors will walk you through the steps necessary to take and pass your Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL) test, while you get paid to train on our closed practice course. If you love driving and are looking for a rewarding career, consider Kitsap Transit!
What you need to qualify:
Be at least 20 years old at the time of hire
Have a high school diploma or GED
Have a valid WA state driver’s license
Obtain and maintain a CDL (we’ll help you with this part)
Pass pre-employment drug test and criminal background check
For more details about working for Kitsap Transit and to submit your application, visit kitsaptransit.com/jobs.