The multi-month closure of several south side Chicago Transit Authority rail stations has created the need for several hundred new bus drivers.
CTA officials on Wednesday said information job fairs will be held through September to create a talent pool from which 400 part-time bus drivers will be hired. Those drivers will primarily be used to shuttle commuters next spring during the Red Line South Track Renewal Project.
"These are good paying jobs that will eventually lead to full-time employment. So after the five month construction period is over, those employees that get hired... will stay part of CTA's employment workforce," said CTA Chairman Terry Peterson.
Those interested in the opportunities should attend the job fairs prepared with a valid, Class B Commercial Drivers License or permit that has general knowledge, passenger transport and air brake endorsements. They should also have a court-purposed motor vehicle record, obtained through the Illinois Secretary of State's Office.
The information fairs will be held:
- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, July 30, at Chicago State University, 9501 S. King Drive
- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m Tuesday, Aug. 28, at the National Teaching Academy, 55 W. Cermak Road
- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15 at Kennedy King College, 6301 S. Halsted St.
An average of 50,000 riders use the south branch of the Red Line each day, according to the CTA.
The CTA has posted information about jobs and contracting opportunities on TransitChicago.com.
