MTA Hiring Process: Job Application, Interviews, and Employment

By | July 16, 2023
MTA Hiring Process
The MTA hiring process entails taking and passing an assessment test to prove that you have the skills and knowledge to be successful on the job. Image source: nysubway.

This post provides a detailed guide to help you to successfully complete the MTA hiring process and get employed.

If you are looking for employment with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, MTA, you will be expected to complete its recruitment process, which entails job application and interviews, to prove that you will be effective on your job at MTA.

Please, read on:

MTA Hiring Process

The hiring process at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority consists of various stages including:

MTA Job Application Process

Application for a job position will be accepted via the online system at the careers page on mtanewyork.com.

You must complete all sections of the online application to submit your application.

Please, ensure you have read the instructions on MTA website carefully before completing the application form.

Click on “Apply Online” at the bottom of the page to complete the online application process.

After submitting your application, you will receive an email confirmation from the Company with further information regarding the status of your application.

If you are invited for an interview, please make sure to bring the following documents:

  • A copy of your resume
  • Your photo identification
  • Any other supporting documentation required by the specific position. 

MTA Job Assessment Test

To assess your skills and knowledge relevant to the job requirements, you may take the Metropolitan Transport Authority assessment test.

The MTA assessment test is an open book multiple choice test.

It takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

The results of the MTA assessment test will help determine whether or not you qualify for any positions at MTA.

Tips for Passing the MTA Assessment Test

Here are some tips for passing the Metropolitan Transport Authority assessment test:

  • First, it’s important to understand what the MTA assessment test covers.
  • Second, it’s also important to prepare yourself well for taking the MTA assessment test.
  • Third, it’s good to practice taking the MTA assessment test before the actual exam day.
  • Finally, if you feel like you did not pass the MTA assessment test, don’t worry, you can still retake it.  

MTA Interview Process

The interview process at the Metropolitan Transport Authority consists of two parts.

First part is the telephone screening interview while the second part is the face-to-face interview.

Telephone screening interviews are conducted over the phone while face-to-face interviews are conducted either in person or by video conference.

For both types of interviews, you are required to meet certain qualifications, such as:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien
  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Pass the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority ) assessment test
  • Attain the least age requirement for the role
  • Ability and willingness to work overtime
  • Have no criminal record

Not currently:

  • under investigation by the police department
  • being sued by the government
  • facing disciplinary action by the union
  • suspended by the union
  • serving probationary period

Not currently on:

  • leave without pay
  • unpaid suspension
  • vacation
  • sick leave. 

Passing the MTA Interview

Tips for passing the MTA Interview include:

  • Make sure you know the answers to the questions asked during the interview.
  • Prepare yourself well before the interview.
  • Do not hesitate to ask questions about the job when you are interviewed.

MTA Interview Questions and Answers

Here are some sample questions and answers to boost your preparation for the MTA Interview:

  1. Why do you want this job?

I want this job because I am interested in transportation and have been working in the field for several years now. Also, I think that this job would be interesting and challenging.

2. What is your greatest strength?

My strongest quality is my ability to interact with others. I can easily talk to anyone and get them to understand me. This helps me to solve problems quickly and effectively.

3. Describe where you will be in your career in five years from now?

In five years, I will probably still be doing this job but I hope to be promoted to something more challenging.

4. How would you describe yourself?

I am honest and love helping people in need. I am very hardworking and reliable, and always seek for ways to improve myself.

5. How long have you been working in the transportation industry?

I started working in the transportation industry in 2008.

Hearing from MTA after the Interview

After you complete the Metropolitan Transportation Authority application and interview successfully, you will receive a confirmation email which contains information regarding your application status.

If you have passed the MTA test, then you will also receive a separate email containing the results of the MTA assessment test.

Please note that if you fail the assessment test, you may retake it within 30 days of receiving the first email.

You must provide proof of identity and address in order to take the MTA assessment test again.

The Metropolitan Transportation Agency has the right to verify your identity and residence at any time.

Major MTA Careers and Jobs

The major careers and jobs available at MTA include:

  • Bus Driver

MTA bus drivers are responsible for driving buses and assisting passengers.

Requirements:

It is necessary to be able to read and write English.

Salary: $7.50/hr.

  • Train Operator

Responsible for operating trains and assisting passengers.

Requirements: Must be able to drive a train.

Salaries: $9.00/hr.

  • Ticket Agent

Responsible for selling tickets and assisting passengers.

Requirements: Able to speak English and Spanish.

Salaries: $8.25/hr.

  • Customer Service Representative

Responsible for providing customer service by answering telephone calls or taking orders over the phone.

Requirements: Must have good communication skills.

Salaries: $10.00/hr.

Parking Attendant

Responsible in parking vehicles.

Requirements: Must possess excellent physical condition.

Salaries: Minimum wage 

What to Expect Working at MTA

Working at MTA means having fun while making money, it’s not just about work; it’s about being part of a team.

There are competitive wages, benefits package including medical insurance, paid holidays, vacation leave, tuition reimbursement, 401K plan, life insurance and much more. 

What some Employees Dislike about Working at MTA?

Some employees dislike the fact that they need to work overtime to make ends meet.

They also dislike that their pay is based on how many hours they work per week rather than how well they perform.

Some employees are not happy that there is no job security.  

Company Profile

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is an urban public transportation system serving New York City and its surrounding areas.

They are responsible for operating the city’s subway, bus, commuter rail, and ferry systems.

Their mission is to provide safe, reliable, affordable, accessible and convenient transportation services to all residents and visitors.

MTA agencies currently transport around 8.6 million consumers each day (equivalent to 2.65 billion rail and bus users per year) and employ approximately 74,000 workers.

Conclusion

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority operates the biggest transportation network in North America, servicing a population of 15.3 million people throughout a 5,000-square-mile travel region that includes Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut.

If you are interested in working for MTA, this post has provided in-depth information on the Company’s hiring process to help you complete every stage successfully and get employed.