City of Lincoln, NE

10/05/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/05/2022 11:33

Lincoln Transit to Offer “Next Stop, Get Hired” Hiring Event Oct. 12

Lincoln Transit to Offer "Next Stop, Get Hired" Hiring Event Oct. 12

Published on October 05, 2022

Lincoln Transportation and Utilities announces campaign to hire bus operators

StarTran today announced a bus operator hiring event Wednesday, October 12 that will allow potential candidates to meet team members, tour a StarTran bus, fill out an application and interview - all in one location. The event, part of the "Next Stop, Get Hired" hiring campaign, is from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Bill Luxford Studio on the first floor of the County-City Building, 555 South 10th St.

"StarTran's bus operators are dedicated team members who are essential to offering sustainable transportation options to the community. The city is their office window. They enjoy connecting with the community and helping those who may need a little extra assistance getting around," said LTU Director Liz Elliott. "This hiring event is the first of its kind in Lincoln city government. StarTran is offering applicants a chance to get to know the team, get to know the job, and to get hired quickly."

"After driving a semitruck from state to state for so many years, I was ready to find a job where I could do what I love closer to home," said Alee Varela, Bus Operator. "Once hired, the team helped me transition from driving on the interstate to city-driving. Operating a StarTran bus is much easier than people might think. One thing I love is being able to interact with the community. This position has helped me gain confidence in myself and in my potential for career growth."

The StarTran hiring campaign will have a heavy online presence and will also market to potential applicants on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

"Radio ads, a billboard ad and an interactive website also offer applicants a visual and exciting experience as they learn about Lincoln's transit opportunities," Elliott said.

StarTran has been actively recruiting new team members at career fairs, online job sites, on StarTran buses, and more during the current hiring shortage that began at the start of the pandemic. Similar shortages are occurring nationwide. The "Next Stop, Get Hired" hiring campaign was designed by local agency Eleanor Creative and will cost $55,000.

StarTran provides up to 10,000 rides to passengers per day and has more than 800 bus stops. Hourly pay ranges from $19.45 to $25.94 per hour with overtime opportunities available.

Due to low staffing, the transit system temporarily modified its evening service for most routes in mid-August. StarTran's fixed-route evening service, VanLNK on-demand service, and paratransit service currently ends at 7 p.m., three hours earlier than the transit system's regular schedule. The modified service impacts about 2% of StarTran's bus and paratransit rides.

To check out the benefits of working at StarTran and the City of Lincoln, visit NextStopLNK.com. For more information on routes and schedules, visit startran.lincoln.ne.gov.