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City offers close to 50 drivers jobs at hiring event
A rider prepares to place his bicycle on a bus along Menaul Boulevard in 2023. The city has been trying to hire and retain drivers for several years.
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The city of Albuquerque’s efforts to hire more drivers shifted into gear early this year.
Albuquerque officials on Friday offered jobs to close to 50 applicants at a hiring fair for transit positions at the Ken Sanchez Transit Facility. It was part of an effort to hire 150 new ABQ RIDE drivers, according to the city’s website.
ABQ RIDE, the city’s transit department, for more than a year has been trying to hire more drivers, mechanics and other positions. At times, the city has had to curb bus routes because of the shortage of employees.
The city has current job openings for Sun Van chauffeurs, who make between $33,758 and $43,700, and motorcoach operators, who make between $39,145 and $48,256 per year, according to the city’s website.
There are also hiring incentives, including $5,000 for someone with a Commercial Driver’s License. The city is also offering free on-the-job training and testing for drivers seeking a CDL.
“We want this to be our employees’ last job,” Transit Director Leslie Keener said in a news release. “ABQ RIDE is focused on employee-centeredness. We want to provide a positive workplace culture and a supportive community for current employees and new ones as we welcome them into the transit community so they stay with us until retirement.”
More information about the available positions can be found on the city’s website.
“Jobs in City transit can be a game-changer for families,” Mayor Tim Keller said in a news release.
