1. Potential Measles Exposure

    Please review the public health announcement from Public Health Madison & Dane County.

  2. Credit & Debit Cards Accepted on Buses!

    Pay for a single-ride $2.00 adult fare using contactless Mastercard, Visa, or Samsung, Apple, and Google virtual wallets at any fare reader.

Metro Transit
City of Madison
Two buses parked side by side, left has new branding while right shows older style

Metro Congratulates Newest Drivers

Metro drivers undergo an extensive training program, including behind-the-wheel instruction and hands-on job shadowing, to learn everything they need to know to safely move people throughout the community while providing excellent customer service.

Metro Transit training class that graduated January 2026.
Metro Transit graduating training class of January 2026. 

Classroom & Behind-the-Wheel Training

Overview of what our new drivers learn and do before hitting the road.

  • Orientation & Prep

    Drivers begin in the classroom, completing practice tests to earn their Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) as they work toward obtaining their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

  • Behind-the-Wheel Training

    Drivers gain hands-on experience in defensive driving, pre-trip inspections, service stops, turning, backing maneuvers, and on-the-road training with our certified CDL instructors.

  • CDL Testing

    New drivers must then pass a CDL driving test before progressing to training with different bus types and learning how to navigate different routes.

  • Passenger Service & Equipment Use

    Drivers learn farebox operations, how to interact with passengers, understand the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and mobility securement, radio communication, and how to navigate routes.

  • In-Service Training

    Drivers practice real-world driving on local and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes, including nights, weekends, and split shifts.

  • Final Prep

    Training concludes with guest speakers, final checklists, and a celebration with Metro Transit instructors.

Job Shadowing

After graduation, all new Metro Transit drivers spend an additional two weeks job shadowing experienced drivers before operating a bus on their own.

This hands-on training period helps new drivers become familiar with routes, and learn how to navigate real-life situations on the road.

It’s also a chance to observe passenger service’s best practices and ask questions as they observe things firsthand in their new workplace.

By the end of the two weeks, new drivers are ready to take on shifts on their own.

Congratulations again to our new drivers!

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