Rapid is planning additional routes and will hire a dozen drivers at two upcoming job fairs

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Rapid Bus System is holding two job fairs this month with the intention of hiring 12-15 bus operators and staff for other positions.

The job fairs take place at Rapid Central Station at 250 Grandville Ave. SW takes place, Tuesday, June 22nd, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Tuesday, June 29, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Full-time and part-time bus companies start at $ 19.77 an hour, with increases in salaries for the first six months to two years. Other vacancies are tire technicians and transport managers.

The Rapid, which serves Grand Rapids and a number of surrounding communities, currently has no shortage of drivers, according to spokesman Bill Kirk.

Rather, Kirk said, the transportation system will be expanded to include more frequent stops on selected routes as well as additional routes for this fall. The new drivers will also help replace some of the retirees.

These service changes include 15-minute all-day connections during the week on Rapid’s most popular lines: the Silver Line, Laker Line and Lines 2, 4, 9, 11 and 28.

The Rapid is also planning two additional routes serving the RiverTown Crossings Mall, a new service on Ivanrest in Grandville and a new service to Meijer at 3757 Plainfield Ave. NE.

Kirk said the Rapid continues to work towards pre-pandemic service levels.

Employment benefits include life insurance, reimbursement of gym membership, and free rides for employees and their loved ones.

Those interested in becoming a bus operator do not need a commercial driver’s license or CDL, as selected applicants will receive an eight-week paid training course to earn a CDL through Rapid.

Bus operators must have a good driving record with preferably no more than four points and must not be insulin-dependent. Drivers must speak, understand, read and write English and be able to lift 50 pounds.

Selected applicants undergo extensive background checks and a paid exam by the Michigan Department of Transportation.

Anyone interested in a job at Rapid must bring a current Michigan driver’s license to the job fair and should allow 30 to 40 minutes for the application process at the fair.

The Rapid encourages applicants to provide current and past employer information, including addresses and phone numbers. Applications that have not been completed in full will not be considered. As an equal opportunity employer, Rapid encourages women, minorities and veterans to apply.

Those who would like to learn more about the vacancies available before participating can visit ridetherapid.org/jobs.

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