Small Vehicle (eRide) Operator

Now Hiring – Small Vehicle Operators for eRide Ithaca

Drive with purpose. Serve your community. Grow your career!

Are you passionate about helping people and keeping them safe? TCAT (Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit) is looking for customer-focused, safety-minded individuals to join our team of professional operators serving the vibrant Ithaca community.

What You’ll Do:

As a TCAT Small Vehicle Operator, you’ll be more than just a driver – you’ll be a frontline ambassador for innovation in public transportation!

• Safely operate electric sedans & passenger vans in on-demand zones in Ithaca
• Deliver exceptional customer service to riders of all ages and backgrounds
• Assist passengers with accessibility needs & ensure a comfortable, respectful ride
• Communicate clearly with dispatch and respond safely to changing road conditions
• Maintain trip schedules and manage fare collection and rider count technology

Who We’re Looking For:

Picture yourself in the driver’s seat! You’re someone who…

• Thrives in a fast-paced, people-centered environment
• Stays calm under pressure and handles difficult situations with professionalism
• Values safety, punctuality, and service excellence
• Has a flexible schedule and experience in customer service, transportation, or public-facing roles
• Is ready to learn and grow with a supportive team

Training & Support

TCAT is a registered FMCSA training provider and offers paid entry-level CDL training for qualified applicants. We’ll help you earn your Commercial Driver License and passenger endorsement… and reimburse your licensing costs!

Requirements

• Must be 21+ with a high school diploma or GED.

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and sit comfortably for long periods of time.

• Must work flexible schedules including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Must meet NYS 19-A physical and legal requirements for commercial operators.

• CDL Class C with passenger endorsements preferred—but not required to apply.

  • No CDL, no problem! We’ll train you!

Why TCAT? Good People. Great Work!

• Competitive pay starting at $25 per hour

• Opportunities for overtime and advancement

• Union representation and pay transparency

• A mission-driven team committed to safe, reliable, and affordable transportation

• Health Insurance (Excellus BCBS) with medical FSA & HSA options

  • TCAT pays 75-90% of monthly premiums!

• Vision, Dental, and Life Insurance (employer-paid)

• Voluntary Employee, Spousal & Child Life insurance

• Group Short- & Long-Term Disability (employer-paid)

• Employee Assistance Program

• Day Care Assistance Program

• Retirement plan 401(k) account with direct employer contribution

  • Employee contributions are optional from day one
  • Employer contributes direct 10% (not a match!) after 2 years

• Awesome annual PTO accrual up to: 10 Vacation days, 10 Sick days, 3 Personal days, 5 Floating Holidays, and more!

Apply today and start your journey with TCAT!

1. Apply In Person: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM at 737 Willow Ave. Ithaca, NY 14850

2. Apply Online or visit tcatbus.com/careers to learn more.

3. Apply by Mail or Fax – Click link for printable application and mail to 737 Willow Avenue, Ithaca, NY 14850 or fax to 607-277-9551.

Please be sure to complete all fields unless otherwise indicated and print clearly so that all information is legible and/or free of typos. Incomplete applications will not be considered.