Good benefits, poor management - Transit Operator King County Employee Review

2.0
Apr 23, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Driving a bus is fun, you're outside and get to be with the scenery. The pay is decent, full time benefits are pretty good, no cost health insurance. You will start out driving downtown routes either at night or split shifts during the day with weekdays off, but that will improve over time if you can work through "paying your dues" as every operator there has. Once you pick up a few years of seniority you can start having some flexibility in your schedule. I enjoyed the many different people you meet on the buses, most of them are actually pretty nice and appreciative, you get to work independently, theres rarely anyone breathing down your neck. If you just want a good paying job, this will do, if you hope to move up, it can be difficult.

Cons

Unfortunately our city and county leaders along with upper management turn a blind eye to riders to smoke, do drugs and are abusive on the buses. They talk all safety but don't act on it. The top manager rarely comes out to talk with operators, has his own self serving agenda and appears very out of touch with whats actually going on. Promotions lean towards who you know, then Diversity, and if they are running out of options, they might promote the person who's actually qualified. Discrimination and favoritism is very prevalent here. Just don't expect upper management to care about you in any way, they are too busy promoting their family members and close friends to care about you.

Explore other reviews about King County

5.0
Jan 2, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great work life balance Off-site team building yearly if not more Health insurance is top Tier Pay rise yearly

Cons

No room for growth in some department

4.0
Mar 10, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Came to Rail from another division in the county, so much better than certain customer facing divisions. Work like balance and hybrid model are great. Lots of room for advancement in the admin world if you want it.

Cons

Can feel like you’re being micro managed or watched from the top at times but middle management is usually good at mitigating this.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All