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AC Transit Hiring 100 New Employees

OAKLAND (CBS SF) -- The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District is hiring 100 new bus operators and 25 journey-level mechanics in the next 90 days, district officials said Thursday.

AC Transit spokesman Robert Lyles said riders want buses to come more frequently and the additional employees will help make that a reality.

On some lines, this means buses will come every 15 minutes instead of every 30 minutes, Lyles said.

The new employees will be supporting the district's Service Expansion Plan, which will increase bus service by up to 14 percent, making service more reliable, efficient and convenient.

The expansion plan will be implemented during the next 12 months, AC Transit officials said.

Candidates for bus operator positions need to be at least 23 years old but do not need experience as a bus operator. AC Transit will provide all the training necessary to operate a bus and get a California Class-B commercial driver's license, according to district officials.

Candidates must have had a valid driver's license for at least seven years, have a safe driving record and pass a criminal background check.

New mechanics should have four to six years of experience, preferably on higher-end cars, because the district is adding 80 buses with diagnostic systems similar to what is found in more expensive cars.

The mechanics should also have experience with heavy equipment because they will be working on older buses too. Mechanics will have an opportunity to work on hydrogen buses, AC Transit officials said.

Candidates for the mechanic positions must pass a written exam and a hands-on mechanical exam.

Each person who gets placed in the training course for bus operators will earn up to $28.20 per hour and receive a benefits package, according to AC Transit.

Journey-level mechanics earn $33.31 per hour with full-time hours and a benefits package.

Anyone interested in applying can visit www.actransit.org/careers.

© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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