Drive with a Purpose:
Why Drive for IndyGo?
At IndyGo, Bus Operators do more than drive — they move Indianapolis forward. As the face of our system, you’ll connect people to jobs, school, healthcare and opportunity every day. If you’re reliable, safety-minded and passionate about helping others, this is more than a job. It’s a career with purpose!
Earn While You Learn
No CDL? No problem. Get paid while completing our in-house training program and earning your commercial driver’s license. Training lasts eight-11 weeks and consists of both classroom learning and driving lessons, which are taught by our experienced training staff.
Competitive Pay & Benefits
Are you interested in free IndyGo rides for you, your partner and dependents? Not only will you be offered competitive pay, but you can also expect comprehensive benefits. IndyGo provides health insurance, paid time off, free transit, retirement plans, and wellness programs, so you’re supported both personally and professionally.
Build Your Future
Did you know many IndyGo supervisors and leaders actually started behind the wheel? No matter where you start, there are numerous opportunities for you to grow your career at IndyGo.
Do You Have the Passion to Keep Indianapolis Moving?
If you’re motivated, dependable, and energized by serving your community, you’ll feel right at home in this role. Bus operators are the heart of IndyGo’s service, ensuring riders experience a smooth, welcoming trip every day.
Requirements
- At least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license and a good driving record
- Excellent customer service and communication skills
- A commitment to safety, punctuality and professionalism
- Willingness to work varied shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Ability to complete IndyGo’s paid training and meet physical requirements
Responsibilities of an IndyGo Bus Operator
As a bus operator, you become the friendly face of IndyGo for thousands of riders each day. It’s a role for people who enjoy helping others, take pride in safe driving, and want to make a real impact in their community.
Bus operators are:
- Responsible for safely operating IndyGo buses on assigned routes.
- To provide courteous assistance to riders with questions or accessibility needs.
- To support a positive rider experience through professional communication.
- To follow all traffic laws and IndyGo safety procedures.
- To complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of your assigned bus.
- To report mechanical issues or incidents to the appropriate departments.
- To navigate route detours and service changes as directed
Steps to Put You in the Driver’s Seat
We are happy to assist you with your application. We offer two ways to apply:
- Online
- In-person at our kiosks from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
1501 W. Washington Street OR
9503 E 33rd Street
Interviews will typically take place at 1501 W Washington St. (West Campus) or 9503 E 33rd Street (East Campus).
Interviews are by invitation only. You must submit an application before you are eligible to interview. If selected, you will receive an email invitation to interview.
We recommend dressing business casual. Please bring a government-issued ID.
We send this within 24 to 48 hours after your interview if you are selected. You will need to sign the conditional offer and provide your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) documentation:
- CDL test scores – General Knowledge, Passenger, Air Brake OR
- CDL Permit with Passenger and Air Brake endorsements ($18.50 starting pay rate) OR
- CDL Class A or B with Passenger & Air Brake endorsements (24.53 starting pay rate)
If you currently have a regular driver’s license, you will need to take the written portion of the CDL General Knowledge Exam and the exams for Air Brake and Passenger endorsements (three tests at no cost; may retake once per day).
The background screening is initiated once we receive your completed consent form in. ADP. Provide your driver’s license and complete address.
Double-check all information before submitting
Your Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and drug screening will be scheduled by IndyGo (we cover the cost). The drug screening is required.
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) must receive your DOT physical from Concentra before you can get your physical copy of the CDL Permit. You can check the status online or call the BMV.
Send us a copy of your CDL Permit or license. You cannot move forward until this is complete.
This is sent once all screenings and verifications are complete.
Attend new hire orientation.
IndyGo Professional Driver/Operator Training Academy is eight to 11 weeks. The Academy is a mixed program of classroom learning and driving taught by our experienced training staff. During this time, you will be given two chances to successfully pass the CDL Skills Exam, if applicable.
Congratulations! After graduating from the IndyGo Professional Driver/Operator Training Academy, you will become a Professional IndyGo Driver/Operator.
Step into Our Paid Training Academy
At the IndyGo Training Academy you’ll receive full-paid, hands-on instruction designed to prepare you for success on the road. From classroom sessions and road practice to ride-along experiences and safety drills, our program gives you the tools and confidence needed to thrive as a bus operator.
- Training lasts eight (8) weeks, including a two-week period on the driving course. Applicants who need to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) will complete an 11-week program. In the past year, 90–95% of trainees earned their CDL through the training.
- Before taking the State CDL Test, trainees receive instruction on:
- Pre-trip vehicle inspections
- Four-point brake checks
- Maneuvers and operational skills
- Behind-the-wheel road test preparation
- After passing the State CDL exam, trainees continue with classroom instruction and spend the majority of their time driving, learning IndyGo routes and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) operations. A certified trainer is always present.
Welcome to the Driver’s Seat: Operator Graduation
Becoming a bus operator is a milestone worth celebrating. From graduation ceremonies that recognize your hard work to ongoing support once you are on the road, IndyGo is committed to honoring your achievements and helping you succeed every step of the way.
Celebrating You
Graduation at IndyGo is more than a certificate presentation. It is a shared celebration with the people who supported you along the way and a chance to be recognized for your hard work, growth, and perseverance as you begin your career on the road.
Get Rewarded
An IndyGo graduation not only includes words of encouragement but recognition for those who go above and beyond during their training. These awards include: Outstanding Customer Service, Outstanding Performance, Most Improved, and Academic Performance/Highest Scoring.
Ongoing Support
Support does not stop at graduation. Through the Mentorship Assistance Program, new operators are paired with experienced mentors who ride along during the first week of independent operation. This hands-on guidance helps build confidence and reinforces safe, successful habits from day one.
Meet the People Who Move Indy Forward
At IndyGo, our employees are at the heart of everything we do. Their experiences highlight the impact, growth, and sense of purpose that come with serving our community. These stories offer an inside look at what it means to be part of our team. See why they’re proud to work here.
Will Hazen
Bus Operator
LaShanda Carroll
Bus Operator