73301

Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators

TEER 3 — College diploma, shorter apprenticeship or 6+ months training

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Trades, transport & equipment operators

7 › 73 › 733 › 7330

Definition

Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators drive buses and operate streetcars, subway trains and light rail transit vehicles to transport passengers on established routes. Bus drivers are employed by urban transit systems, school boards or transportation authorities and private transportation companies. Streetcar, subway and light rail transit operators are employed by urban transit systems.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Bus drivers and streetcar operators
Drive buses or streetcars to transport passengers along established routes to local destinations
Drive buses to transport passengers and goods to intercity or long distance destinations
Drive sightseeing tour buses to transport passengers locally or over long distances
Drive buses equipped for wheelchair accessibility, and aid passengers in boarding
Provide passengers with information on fares, schedules and stops
Collect fares, issue and validate transfers, check bus passes and record transactions
Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections of vehicle
Communicate with passengers, dispatchers or other drivers using two-way radio systems
Report delays, mechanical problems and accidents
May provide information on points of interest during sightseeing tours
May load and unload passengers' luggage and express freight.
School bus drivers
Drive school buses to transport children between school and home or on excursions
Ensure children's safety when boarding and leaving buses and crossing street while bus is stopped
Maintain control of student activities during travel to prevent distractions or behaviours that could compromise safety
May transport adults outside of school hours on chartered trips.
Subway train and light rail transit operators
Operate subway or rail transit vehicles as part of two-person crew
Observe signals at crossings and arrival and departure points
Operate controls to open and close transit vehicle doors
Report delays, malfunctions and accidents to control unit
Ensure passenger safety and welfare in emergencies, and direct passengers during evacuation procedures.

Example job titles

•bus driver
•bus operator
•light rail transit operator
•motor coach driver
•public passenger transit driver
•school bus driver
•sightseeing tour driver
•streetcar operator

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, "Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators" are classified under unit group NOC 73301. This is a TEER 3 occupation, which makes eligible candidates potentially qualify for various Canadian immigration programs, including certain Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and pathways under Express Entry if general eligibility criteria are met. These professionals play a vital role in urban and regional transportation networks across Canadian municipalities.

Main duties under NOC 73301 include operating school buses, motor coaches, streetcars, subways, and public transit buses to transport passengers along established routes. Employment requirements typically include a valid driver's license (specifically a Class 2, Class B, or Class C license depending on the province, often with an air brake endorsement for buses), a safe driving record, and the successful completion of transit authority training programs. Some positions may also require a high school diploma.

As Canada continues to expand public transit infrastructure, demand for skilled transit operators remains steady. Applicants must satisfy both ESDC employment requirements and IRCC immigration criteria to qualify for Canadian work permits or permanent residency. Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For official guidelines, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.