The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announced the addition of more than 160 new employees to help fill positions in Bus Operations, Bus Maintenance, and Rail Station Management, according to the agency's news release.

Among those who recently graduated were a total of 133 new bus operators, who either recently started or will enter service this week, after having completed training in operations, safety, troubleshooting, customer communications, and more.

“We remain committed to improving our services, which is why over the last year we’ve been pulling out all the stops to remain competitive and welcome these new bus operators, mechanics, and rail station personnel — who play a critical role not just here at CTA, but in ensuring the City of Chicago keeps moving,” said Dorval R. Carter, Jr., CTA president. “We recognize there are a lot of opportunities out there, but few organizations are offering the immediate and long-term benefits that CTA has to offer. We look forward to welcoming even more new employees in the coming months thanks to our ongoing, intense recruiting efforts.”

Throughout the pandemic, CTA said it has continued to hire and train bus operators. Following a series of recruitment marketing campaigns, the CTA has recently announced new starting wages, along with new hiring and retention bonuses in an effort to attract top talent. These new measures are a part of CTA’s healthcare and pension benefits, paid training (including which includes CDL training and licensing), as well as offering locally-based career growth opportunities in the transportation industry.

The CTA added it has also collaborated with its unions to make adjustments to existing work rules. Previously, bus operators would begin their careers at the CTA in part-time positions and work their way up to full-time positions. However, this year’s new hires start immediately in full-time bus operator positions.