San Francisco Public Transportation Helps Drive Local Economy
As the only city-county and one of the most densely populated cities in California, an efficient public transportation is a critical component of San Francisco's economy. Contrary to some opinion, a career with the city's public transportation system can be quite rewarding with an excellent salary and benefits.
In fact, some of San Francisco Muni's longest tenured transit operators command salaries that exceed $100,000 annually when overtime is taken into account - a figure that closely compares to salaries of the city's tech and health care sectors. More proof of this is with other operator salaries in other Bay Area cities like San Jose's VTA and Santa Cruz's Santa Cruz Metro, which are among the nation's highest salaries in that occupation. Even drivers who operate the often-maligned corporate buses from San Francisco to local tech companies, like Google and Apple, receive an average hourly wage of $24 an hour with benefits. Of course, train operators within the Bart Area Rapid Transit (BART) system, and serving many sections of San Francisco, also receive among the best transit salaries in the country.
Despite the potential for a competitive salary, Muni bus and rail operators need to be at least 21 years old and posses a minimum of a GED or high school degree in order to apply. Other requirements to apply include a good driving record, a California Class C driver's license and a Class B license or permit. Yet with the prospects of a great paying career with outstanding benefits, including health and retirement, it's not surprising to find local bus operators, who possess a college degree.
It's not just bus operators that fare well financially in the local public transportation sector. Other occupations within San Francisco Muni also do very well, such as mechanics and maintenance workers, in addition to workers in other departments, including finance department, legal, HR and information technology and all backed with solid worker's unions. On the high-end of the local transit salary spectrum are management positions, including Muni's general manager and chief counsel.
Many of the city's residents heavily rely on San Francisco transit service, including students, senior citizens and people living with disabilities. Without an efficient public transportation service, congestion would be out of control and many residents will lose a vital service to the rest of the city. With the extension of Muni's light rail service currently underway and increased public demand, a career in San Francisco public transportation sector seems very bright.
Randy Yagi is a freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. In 2012, he was awarded a Media Fellowship from Stanford University. His work can be found on Examiner.com Examiner.com.
