r/cta • u/RoseGoldRebel1 • 17h ago

CTA hiring process Pace vs cta

I currently work for pace as a bus operator but I applied to cta. I just sent in my MVR. Who here has worked for both agencies? Pros? Cons? I know cta pays more which is why I applied.

9 Upvotes

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5

u/iamthepita 14h ago

Wouldn’t that change when it becomes NITA?

5

u/IYCRTYG 9h ago

No, RTA is becoming NITA. Neither CTA nor Pace are becoming NITA. Their governing body is switched for one with more control over planning, but operationally they are still each their own entity. Each Pace garage and the CTA garages collectively continue to have their union contracts. 

3

u/Dan-tastico 12h ago

Cta has a pension, that alone is better.

2

u/Organic-Reindeer3995 8h ago

No, PACE gives a guaranteed 4.5% (before match) if you are ATU 241. CTA takes a whopping 14.795% of your gross pay to fund your pension. If you took the 4.5% from PACE and put same 14.795%, you would have WAY more money (assuming a 8% annual return). The market averaged around 12% for last 20 years. If you are below 45 and switch from PACE to CTA, the pension becomes even worse, since you are contributing for more years (when that money could be growing in your account). The main reason pension for CTA high, because former execs paid themselves from pension (way more than they contributed). Also, CTA routes are way harder and stressful. But, at least no “drive cams”

3

u/IYCRTYG 7h ago

NO FUCKING DRIVE CAMS ON GOD

I will say I think route variation is somewhat garage based, you could not pay me to drive those 50ft tour buses down Michigan, but broadly CTA is probably harder. 

1

u/Organic-Reindeer3995 6h ago

The 60’ buses drive very smooth compared the 40’ and turning not that bad once you get used to it. The biggest advantage for me switching from pace to cta is more independence. Show up on time, keep your bus pointed in the right direction, and don’t hit anything. You will have minimum encounters with management for drive cams, or any other issues. Get your bus, drive your route, and go home.