T/O Exam #6704 (Promotion)

[jaydubs36]

I know I'm a B/O but really thinking about taking the promotion test for T/O, filling starts in September.

 

Does anyone out there have any tips, study material etc...that would help me with the exam?

 

I have the Train Operator Test Prep Study Guide, but I'm sure there's other material that I can study to increase my score.

 

I would appreciate it greatly!

 

Thanks

[Etrain]

I know I'm a B/O but really thinking about taking the promotion test for T/O, filling starts in September.

 

Does anyone out there have any tips, study material etc...that would help me with the exam?

 

I have the Train Operator Test Prep Study Guide, but I'm sure there's other material that I can study to increase my score.

 

I would appreciate it greatly!

 

Thanks

I don't know about this new test coming out since this is the first time that TA is giving it but the last test was pretty much reading comprehension, you would also need to know where places in NYC are  and maybe how to get there nothing crazy.  If this is what you want good luck with it but If you been a bus driver for over 5 years you would be giving up your seniority and down here we don't get as much overtime and those crazy runs you guys get.  This must be something you must really want because you will give up a lot to come underground brother.

[IronboundNJT]

I don't know about this new test coming out since this is the first time that TA is giving it but the last test was pretty much reading comprehension, you would also need to know where places in NYC are  and maybe how to get there nothing crazy.  If this is what you want good luck with it but If you been a bus driver for over 5 years you would be giving up your seniority and down here we don't get as much overtime and those crazy runs you guys get.  This must be something you must really want because you will give up a lot to come underground brother.

I'm thinking strongly about it as well. I can't speak for every operator but these high paying runs unless I get one of those 1 trip into Manhattan 1 trip out which I cant it's blood money.

[Tricknologist]

 

...If you been a bus driver for over 5 years you would be giving up your seniority...

 

If for whatever reason any promotional hire does not like their new job, they can always go back to their former title as long as they do so within a year w/o losing seniority. I think it's case by case if they go beyond the probationary period.

[jaydubs36]

Hey thanks for the feedback fellas, I really wanted to become a T/O from the beginning. I took the C/R exam and B/O exam the same year and did well on both but the Bus called first. I mean I'm about to hit 5 yrs soon and if I do loose all my seniority that would suck. I'm TA working in an OA depot and the runs in the Bronx are awesome. At Gun Hill and Kingsbridge there are 65 hr runs!! Right now I have a run that pays 49 hrs. with Sunday and Monday RDOs. 

 

But I'm already starting the hate that seat on the surface. 

 

How is it underground?

[barsmen]

Question..... I have 3 months on the road as a Conductor, am I eligible to take the Promotion Train operator exam or the open competitive ?

[jaydubs36]

To my understanding you are eligible to take the exam barsmen. The last Promotion to Train Operator test given was back in 2009 through DCAS. Exam No. 8562

 

Here was the eligibility then in 2009:

 

ELIGIBILITY TO TAKE EXAMINATION:

 

This examination is open to each employee of the New

York City Transit Authority who on the date of the multiple-choice test:

 

1. is permanently (not provisionally) employed in, or appears on a Preferred List (see Note, below) for the title of Conductor, Tower Operator, or Bus Operator; or

 

2. is permanently (not provisionally) employed in, or appears on a Preferred List (see Note, below) for, a competitive class title in the NYC Transit Authority and who has satisfactorily completed the NYCT Transit Certificate Program for Train Operator, and

must have three years of satisfactory full-time work experience including at least one year of work with the NYC Transit Authority; or

 

3. is employed in a labor class or non-competitive class title in the

NYC Transit Authority, and who has satisfactorily completed the NYCT Transit Certificate Program for Train Operator, and must have three years of satisfactory full-time work experience including at least one year of work with the NYC Transit Authority; and

 

4. is not otherwise ineligible.

 

I know that MaBSTOA and MTA Bus are not eligible.

 

I'm assuming the eligibility rules have not changed since, so I beleive you can take the promotion test barsmen.

[stepurgameup]

@imarahall1279 why was he on stress hold I don't understand what that is ? Please explain. What does he have to do to qualify now? How long will that take? Please let me know

[KNYNE]

@barsmen:Take the Promotional exam NOT the Open Competitive. You should have long ago completed your 1 year probationary period by the time they call you for the position. That way if you wanted to return to being a Conductor you have up to a year to do so. However, if you had taken the Open Competitive then it would be up to the Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent to recommend to Assistant Chief Track Officer whether or not you could return your original position. FYI, I received this information was given directly by Track Division Chairman for Local 100. Feel free to verify with your Union Representative but it's one and the same. Believe it or not, I passed the Train Operator - Open Competitive exam before I was hired as a Track Worker and was due to report this past Wednesday. I ended up turning down the position because I didn't want to take the risk. Now I'll have to apply for the Promotional Exam in September. Oh well...smh

[Tricknologist]

I'm assuming the eligibility rules have not changed since, so I beleive you can take the promotion test barsmen.

 

Using the requirements from the last promo:

 

All C/Rs and B/Os must have completed their probationary period no later than the date of the exam. If he only has 3 months on the job(hired in April or late March) and assuming the promotional test will take place in Jan. or Feb. of 2016, he will not be eligible for the promotional exam. He can apply for the open competitive as long as he meets the requirements.

 

KNYNE: Track Workers(alongside Cleaners, Station Agents and other NYCT rank and file titles) are not eligible to promote to Train Operator directly. They would first have to complete the union's Transit Certificate Program and have 3 years of working experience(with 1 year of work w/ NYCT) to be eligible.

[KNYNE]

Thanks Tricknologist! You're right! Just checked Notice of Examination. I don't know maybe it's not meant for me to be a Train Operator because initially I took and passed the Open Competitive exam before I was hired by Transit. I was informed by Union if I accepted position then if I wanted to return to Track it would be up to Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent to inform Assistant Chief Track Officer to decide whether or not to all loo w my return. Basically, they were saying it was at my own risk. Of course, I told them then I would turn down the offer and apply to take the Promotional Exam instead at the end of this year since I had the option to return to Track within one year. Unfortunately, they neglected to inform me that I needed to take the Union's Transit Certificate program. I dunno know maybe they forgot or s something. I'm thinking ahead about the future because physically I know I can't work 25 years on the Track. Will call the TWU Training Program to inquire about Power Distribution Maintainer course since I'm interested in that too. I should be certified before they give another exam. I wonder if Training has to be in close proximity to time you're scheduled to take the exam. Nevermind, I'll ask them.

[transit bx]

I don't know about this new test coming out since this is the first time that TA is giving it but the last test was pretty much reading comprehension, you would also need to know where places in NYC are  and maybe how to get there nothing crazy.  If this is what you want good luck with it but If you been a bus driver for over 5 years you would be giving up your seniority and down here we don't get as much overtime and those crazy runs you guys get.  This must be something you must really want because you will give up a lot to come underground brother.

Thanks for the info because I'm really thinking about taking the promo exam as well, but the OT in surface is crazy as Jaydubs stated I'm too TA working out of a OA depot. I think I'll take the exam and weigh my option when that time comes around. But any more info from the guys underground can put out would be great so I can get a more inside idea on how it works.

[Etrain]

Thanks for the info because I'm really thinking about taking the promo exam as well, but the OT in surface is crazy as Jaydubs stated I'm too TA working out of a OA depot. I think I'll take the exam and weigh my option when that time comes around. But any more info from the guys underground can put out would be great so I can get a more inside idea on how it works.

I think you and Jay should take the exam, its always good to take all promotional exams available to you since you never know what your situation is going to be in the future I just want you guys to know what's at stake if you do take the position.   The good thing is as Tricknologist said is that you can go back after 1 year and not lose your seniority in buses if you don't like the job.   I just want you guys to know that money could be made down here but just not as much as you guys make in buses and if you enjoy decent days off and the tour of duty of your preference you will give that up for a  couple years until you can pick a job and then wait years to have a piece of the weekend.  You will be XXtra for a couple of years, meaning you are assigned a job, days off and tour of duty  by the Crew Office and they can assigned you to work at different terminals and boroughs.  From my personal experience I was able to pick a job after 1 year don't know how it would be for you guys but I do believe being a Train Operator is a lot less stressful than being a Bus Operator.  Good luck guys and if you have anymore questions feel free to ask.

[jaydubs36]

Thanks Etrain, I agree that you should always take a promotional exam when it's offered. I didn't take the TA SLD exam and upset that I didn't. I always say "you never know what the future holds." I'm gonna take the exam for TO because I don't think my sanity will last over 25 years! LOL. The OT is awesome on the surface, nice paying runs, especially in OA depots. But that seat at times can be crazy stressful.

 

The one question Etrain I had was if i do take the promotion, if offered, would I have to wait 3-4 years to reach top pay or do I start at top pay from day one?

[Etrain]

Thanks Etrain, I agree that you should always take a promotional exam when it's offered. I didn't take the TA SLD exam and upset that I didn't. I always say "you never know what the future holds." I'm gonna take the exam for TO because I don't think my sanity will last over 25 years! LOL. The OT is awesome on the surface, nice paying runs, especially in OA depots. But that seat at times can be crazy stressful.

 

The one question Etrain I had was if i do take the promotion, if offered, would I have to wait 3-4 years to reach top pay or do I start at top pay from day one?

They start you at Yard rate  while you are in school car which  right now  is $32.5 /hr and next January it goes up to $33.15/hr then after you come out of school car you get another raise of about .60 cents more an hour and then after school car  you have to work 231 road days in customer service to reach top pay which will be by next January $34.5/hr.  So you wont be in top pay right away but you looking at maybe 1 year after school car to reach top pay.  You will still be making more an hour as a Train operator in school car than you would be making as a Bus Operator that has reached top pay.

[barsmen]

@barsmen:Take the Promotional exam NOT the Open Competitive. You should have long ago completed your 1 year probationary period by the time they call you for the position. That way if you wanted to return to being a Conductor you have up to a year to do so. However, if you had taken the Open Competitive then it would be up to the Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent to recommend to Assistant Chief Track Officer whether or not you could return your original position. FYI, I received this information was given directly by Track Division Chairman for Local 100. Feel free to verify with your Union Representative but it's one and the same. Believe it or not, I passed the Train Operator - Open Competitive exam before I was hired as a Track Worker and was due to report this past Wednesday. I ended up turning down the position because I didn't want to take the risk. Now I'll have to apply for the Promotional Exam in September. Oh well...smh

Thanks for the info Knyne! Promotional it is! So far i like being a Conductor, but my goal is to become a T/O.

[transit bx]

They start you at Yard rate  while you are in school car which  right now  is $32.5 /hr and next January it goes up to $33.15/hr then after you come out of school car you get another raise of about .60 cents more an hour and then after school car  you have to work 231 road days in customer service to reach top pay which will be by next January $34.5/hr.  So you wont be in top pay right away but you looking at maybe 1 year after school car to reach top pay.  You will still be making more an hour as a Train operator in school car than you would be making as a Bus Operator that has reached top pay.

I was going to ask the same question what jay had ask you he beat me to it, but so far I like what your talking about and I bet it's less stressful in TO VS being in that seat, most of the times I really don't let ppl get to me cause at the end of the day it's not my bus or farebox. The only thing I may hate is giving up the hours, the set run I have and going back to the xx list. The info that you just provided for the most part will make me put in for the exam and I think me and jay have a good advantage espacally when it comes to distenation points thur out the city question on the exam since we operators, well I know I do I was at MTA Bus for 2 years, 1 year in queens LGA and did a year in EC doing the express lines, now I'm with TA going in 3 years so I know my way around the city. I was called for conductor but turn it down about 2 months ago due to the fact I'm already in surface but for TO ill def put in for it due to the knowledge I got for you. Question?? I heard the pension is 30/62 now, will I be put under that pension plan or will I remain under the 25/55 since I'm already in TA ????

[Etrain]

I was going to ask the same question what jay had ask you he beat me to it, but so far I like what your talking about and I bet it's less stressful in TO VS being in that seat, most of the times I really don't let ppl get to me cause at the end of the day it's not my bus or farebox. The only thing I may hate is giving up the hours, the set run I have and going back to the xx list. The info that you just provided for the most part will make me put in for the exam and I think me and jay have a good advantage espacally when it comes to distenation points thur out the city question on the exam since we operators, well I know I do I was at MTA Bus for 2 years, 1 year in queens LGA and did a year in EC doing the express lines, now I'm with TA going in 3 years so I know my way around the city. I was called for conductor but turn it down about 2 months ago due to the fact I'm already in surface but for TO ill def put in for it due to the knowledge I got for you. Question?? I heard the pension is 30/62 now, will I be put under that pension plan or will I remain under the 25/55 since I'm already in TA ????

They didn't change it, it's still 25/55 the only thing now is who ever started I believe after April 2012 is placed in tier 6 and has to pay more into the pension.  You still will be 25/55 and the time you have been in TA will count towards that 25 years.  What tier are you now?  

[transit bx]

They didn't change it, it's still 25/55 the only thing now is who ever started I believe after April 2012 is placed in tier 6 and has to pay more into the pension.  You still will be 25/55 and the time you have been in TA will count towards that 25 years.  What tier are you now?

 

They didn't change it, it's still 25/55 the only thing now is who ever started I believe after April 2012 is placed in tier 6 and has to pay more into the pension.  You still will be 25/55 and the time you have been in TA will count towards that 25 years.  What tier are you now?

 

Ok that's good to know I'm under tier 6 pension.

[Etrain]

Ok that's good to know I'm under tier 6 pension.

You are good kid, good luck with the test maybe you'll post with me one day.

[Fcoral05]

I too turned down Conductor a couple months ago since i'm already a B/O and it would of meant a drop in pay but dam this T/O thing is sounding to be a sweet deal so i too will have to keep a close eye for when the promo test comes out and take. Thanks for the info Etrain.

[Will-Bx-718]

I was going to ask the same question what jay had ask you he beat me to it, but so far I like what your talking about and I bet it's less stressful in TO VS being in that seat, most of the times I really don't let ppl get to me cause at the end of the day it's not my bus or farebox. The only thing I may hate is giving up the hours, the set run I have and going back to the xx list. The info that you just provided for the most part will make me put in for the exam and I think me and jay have a good advantage espacally when it comes to distenation points thur out the city question on the exam since we operators, well I know I do I was at MTA Bus for 2 years, 1 year in queens LGA and did a year in EC doing the express lines, now I'm with TA going in 3 years so I know my way around the city. I was called for conductor but turn it down about 2 months ago due to the fact I'm already in surface but for TO ill def put in for it due to the knowledge I got for you. Question?? I heard the pension is 30/62 now, will I be put under that pension plan or will I remain under the 25/55 since I'm already in TA ????

The new Tier 6 pension won't affect you, since you're already Tier 4. As long as you had an account open before the new tier took place, you're locked n it for life. Only way that would change is if you ever closed out your account. Or you stopped working in city service for more than five years.

[MsHottieWithBody]

Using the requirements from the last promo:

 

All C/Rs and B/Os must have completed their probationary period no later than the date of the exam. If he only has 3 months on the job(hired in April or late March) and assuming the promotional test will take place in Jan. or Feb. of 2016, he will not be eligible for the promotional exam. He can apply for the open competitive as long as he meets the requirements.

 

KNYNE: Track Workers(alongside Cleaners, Station Agents and other NYCT rank and file titles) are not eligible to promote to Train Operator directly. They would first have to complete the union's Transit Certificate Program and have 3 years of working experience(with 1 year of work w/ NYCT) to be eligible.

Wrong. To be eligible for EXAMINATION you just have to be a permanently appointed Conductor, Tower Operator or Bus Operator, even if youre in probationary period. You have to be out of your probationary period to be PROMOTED. Probationers are absolutely eligible and strongly encourages by TSS's to take the promo exam as long as they hold a permanently appointed title. By the time they get canvassed to be promoted theyll have been made it out of probation already.

[Tricknologist]

Wrong. To be eligible for EXAMINATION you just have to be a permanently appointed Conductor, Tower Operator or Bus Operator, even if youre in probationary period. You have to be out of your probationary period to be PROMOTED. Probationers are absolutely eligible and strongly encourages by TSS's to take the promo exam as long as they hold a permanently appointed title. By the time they get canvassed to be promoted theyll have been made it out of probation already.

 

Just re-read the old promo filing and you're correct. A permanant employee is one who is not hired provisionally. I interpreted a permamant employee as one who completed their probationary period. So as long you are not hired provisionally and are in one of the titles mentioned, you can take the promo test. To be promoted, you must've completed your probationary period.

[SubwayGuy]

Permanent Employee = when you were hired for the title you are in, HR marked the box "permanent" (and not "provisional") on your paperwork.

 

If so, you are good.

 

All T/O and C/R are permanent employees once they start, even if the only day you worked was yesterday, and all you did was sit thru orientation...congrats! You're a permanent employee.