Occupation · SOC 53-3053
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs
Drive a motor vehicle to transport passengers on a planned or scheduled basis. May collect a fare. Includes nonemergency medical transporters and hearse drivers.
Median wage
$36,670
$27,490–$52,910
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
229,630
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
84 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningCritical ThinkingMonitoringOperation and ControlOperations MonitoringSocial PerceptivenessService OrientationSpeaking
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceTransportationPublic Safety and SecurityEnglish LanguagePersonnel and Human Resources
Technology & tools
Data base user interface and query softwareMap creation softwareMobile location based services softwareWeb page creation and editing softwareSpreadsheet software
Representative tasks
Test vehicle equipment, such as lights, brakes, horns, or windshield wipers, to ensure proper operatCheck the condition of a vehicle's tires, brakes, windshield wipers, lights, oil, fuel, water, and sComply with traffic regulations to operate vehicles in a safe and courteous manner.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Pre-trip vehicle inspection checklist — complete under supervisor direction by checking lights, brakes, horn, and windshield wipers before each shift.Tire pressure and fluid levels — verify and adjust following written procedures at a depot or staging area.Traffic regulations and posted speed limits — observe and follow under direct guidance while driving assigned routes in familiar local areas.Passenger safety rules — communicate basic seat-belt and boarding requirements to riders using scripted prompts provided by the employer.Scheduled pickup and drop-off stops — navigate using a printed route sheet or GPS app while completing supervised runs on a fixed neighborhood circuit.Vehicle malfunction indicators — recognize dashboard warning lights and report observed issues immediately to a lead driver or dispatcher.Wheelchair lift operation — activate and secure the lift mechanism under direct instruction when transporting passengers with mobility devices.Fuel and routine fluid top-offs — perform basic maintenance tasks such as adding gasoline, oil, and washer fluid at a company fueling station.Dispatcher instructions — receive and confirm trip assignments via radio or mobile device using clear, concise acknowledgment responses.Customer service interactions — greet passengers and respond to simple inquiries with courteous, scripted language during introductory supervised rides.
developing
Full pre-departure safety check — conduct independently, inspecting tires, brakes, lights, wipers, oil, fuel, water, and safety equipment before every run without prompting.Route timing adherence — manage pickup and drop-off sequences on regularly scheduled neighborhood routes, adjusting pace to maintain strict timetables with minimal oversight.Traffic law compliance — apply state vehicle codes and company policies routinely across varied road and weather conditions without direct supervision.Passenger safety enforcement — monitor rider behavior throughout a trip and address seat-belt or boarding violations using practiced, professional language.Specialized mobility equipment — operate wheelchair lifts and secure mobility devices correctly and efficiently for passengers with special needs on routine assignments.Vehicle defect reporting — document malfunctions using the company's maintenance log or database software and follow established escalation procedures.Routine maintenance tasks — regulate tire pressure, replenish fluids, and perform minor upkeep at scheduled intervals, recording actions in the fleet maintenance system.Navigation tools — use GPS and map-creation software to identify alternate routes when road closures or traffic delays affect scheduled service.Passenger conflict de-escalation — apply social perceptiveness skills to detect tension among riders and resolve minor disputes calmly during transit.Shift documentation — complete daily trip logs, mileage records, and incident notes accurately using office suite or spreadsheet software at shift end.
proficient
Complex pre-trip inspections — perform thorough, autonomous safety evaluations across multiple vehicle types, identifying subtle mechanical issues before they become service failures.Dynamic route management — adapt pickup sequences and timing in real time using mobile location-based services software when schedule disruptions or passenger needs arise.Safety regulation mastery — apply traffic laws, ADA transportation requirements, and company safety protocols consistently across non-routine situations without supervisory input.High-need passenger transport — coordinate safe boarding, securing, and disembarkation for passengers with diverse mobility and cognitive needs using specialized equipment and calm judgment.Proactive maintenance oversight — monitor vehicle condition trends over time, initiate repair requests early, and verify that reported defects are resolved before vehicles return to service.Emergency response execution — assess and respond to roadside breakdowns, medical incidents, or accidents by following safety protocols and coordinating with emergency services independently.Passenger experience management — read social and emotional cues to anticipate rider needs, adapt communication style, and deliver consistently high service across culturally diverse passengers.Scheduling data interpretation — analyze trip logs, on-time performance records, and fleet usage reports using spreadsheet tools to identify inefficiencies in daily operations.Regulatory compliance assurance — self-audit driving practices and documentation against current state transportation laws and company policy, correcting gaps without prompting.Mentorship support — guide newly hired drivers through route familiarization, safety check procedures, and customer service standards during initial on-the-job training periods.
advanced
Fleet safety program leadership — establish and oversee pre-trip inspection standards, maintenance schedules, and reporting protocols across an entire shuttle or chauffeur operation.Driver training curriculum development — design structured on-the-job training programs covering vehicle operation, passenger assistance, and regulatory compliance for all incoming drivers.Service quality strategy — set organizational benchmarks for on-time performance, passenger satisfaction, and safety outcomes, using operational data to drive continuous improvement.Regulatory and compliance governance — interpret evolving state transportation laws, ADA requirements, and public safety codes, translating them into enforceable company policies and procedures.Specialized transport program management — lead the planning, staffing, and equipment procurement for paratransit or executive chauffeur services that serve passengers with complex needs.Technology integration oversight — evaluate and deploy GPS dispatch systems, fleet management databases, and mobile location-based software to optimize routing and driver accountability.Incident investigation and risk mitigation — lead root-cause analyses of accidents or service failures, develop corrective action plans, and present findings to senior leadership.Workforce performance management — conduct driver evaluations, deliver coaching conversations, and make personnel recommendations that build a dependable, safety-focused team culture.Stakeholder and client relations — represent the transportation operation to institutional clients, municipal partners, or corporate accounts, negotiating service agreements and resolving escalated complaints.Operational budget stewardship — oversee fuel, maintenance, and staffing expenditure for a transportation unit, identifying cost efficiencies while sustaining service reliability and safety standards.
Also known as
36 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Airport Apron Bus DriverAirport Shuttle DriverAirside Transfer Bus DriverBus DriverCar DriverChauffeurCorporate DriverCourtesy Car DriverCourtesy Van DriverCrew Car DriverDriverEscort Car DriverExecutive ChauffeurFamily DriverFuneral Car ChauffeurFuneral Car DriverHearse DriverHotel Shuttle DriverLimo Driver (Limousine Driver)Livery Car DriverMotor Coach ChauffeurMotor Coach DriverMotor Pool DriverNonemergency Medical TransporterPatient Transportation DriverRehabilitation DriverShuttle Bus DriverShuttle DriverSpecial Client Bus DriverSpecial Needs Bus DriverTransportation DriverTransporterVan Delivery DriverVan DriverVehicle OperatorWheelchair Van Driver