BART to give hiring preference to job-seeking veterans

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) has adopted a new policy that will give hiring preference to military veterans starting Jan. 1.

Under the new policy, which BART's board approved last week, external job candidates who show proof of active status of at least 181 days and receive a passing score in the first phase of the hiring process will receive a 5 percent increase to their scores.

"Military veterans have a strong work ethic as well as the team building and problem solving skills that translate well to BART leadership and technical jobs," said President John McPartland in a prepared statement.

The new policy does not apply to dishonorably discharged military members or staff currently employed at BART.