The former Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen pioneered the organization of interstate bus operators, and then aggressively expanded its coverage by offering union protection to many commuter-charter, interstate, intrastate, city and suburban bus lines. In later years, the Bus Department expanded to include many Canadian bus members.

In 1939, a Bus Department was established at the International, and in 1960, a Vice President was assigned to head the department. At the 1964 convention, the Bus Department elected its first Alternate Vice President, and itssecond Alternate Vice President was added at the 1983 convention.

The United Transportation Union's Bus Department has shown steady growth and achievement since its beginning. This has been possible because of labor union spirit and the dedication of bus department members and officers with the support of the International. Many of our members have brought recognition and prestige to the union through their achievements in committee work, legislative activity and in various aspects of public life.

The Bus Department represents members under thirty-seven (37) contracts and has bus-member locals throughout the United States, and two in Canada. Several bus locals represent workers employed in light-rail, trolley and high-speed line service. The department also represents school bus operators, mechanics, office and clerical personnel, dispatchers and operations personnel.