The Life of a Conductor? for those on the job

[tprashad0719]

my list number for the 8094 exam is 65xx so I might have a shot of getting called for this and if they do I would like to prepare myself for what I am getting myself into..i am currently working at the hospital for 10 years now doing patient billing but the job can get to me due to sitting all day behind a desk which can be mentality frustrating. if I was to be called for the conductor position I would just honestly do it for the pension package they offer.

 

my question for those who was called for this position and now on the job, what is your everyday job look like? are you liking this job? what is the HARDEST part of the job ? what is the common mistakes? how was your school car experience?

[R10 2952]

This might help: http://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/Subway_FAQ:_A_Day_in_the_Life_of_a_Transit_Worker

[Will-Bx-718]

my list number for the 8094 exam is 65xx so I might have a shot of getting called for this and if they do I would like to prepare myself for what I am getting myself into..i am currently working at the hospital for 10 years now doing patient billing but the job can get to me due to sitting all day behind a desk which can be mentality frustrating. if I was to be called for the conductor position I would just honestly do it for the pension package they offer.

 

my question for those who was called for this position and now on the job, what is your everyday job look like? are you liking this job? what is the HARDEST part of the job ? what is the common mistakes? how was your school car experience?

I'm no Conductor, but a TA employee and I can tell you the job will be extremely different from anything you've ever done. It'll have its good and bad days like everything else. But be prepared to give up your normal life for ten years at least. No weekends , holidays or summer vacations. But also I don't mean to be the bearer of bad news, with a list number in the 6500"s you will not be getting called for the job. Usually they get as high as the 3000's and by that time the list will almost have been expired. In fact they just gave the last promotional exam last year and the open and competitive exams were just given a few weeks ago. I can only say I hope you took the latest exam as well. If not you can be on the lookout for the next Train Operator's exam.

 

 

Station Supervisor Level I

[tprashad0719]

people in there 5xxx are getting called as we speak and the list don't expire till feb 2017 so there might be a slight chance, yeai figured your life wont be the same ,that would be my only fear regarding the jon especially when there is young kids involved

[Will-Bx-718]

Is that so? Ok well good luck then.

 

 

Station Supervisor Level I

[lisandrojosh9]

Tprashad how far have they reached for the June class? What list number did they reach?

[tprashad0719]

bumping this thread, 65,xx was reached and I would like to get school car experience for those who are or were conductors...

 

what are the practicals and written test like compared to a T/O sign exams and practicals?

 

dot he practical consist of someone operating the train and you come to a station stop and pointing at the conductors board? cutting a door? troubleshooting ?

[Bruticus]

I did 4 years as a Conductor from what you said about working in the Hospital scene you know that this system runs 24/7 365 days.  Being a Conductor for me in the beginning was fun and rewarding as I always wanted to work on a railroad but this is a subway system.  

 

The training was pretty simple and straight forward I think the hardest part of training for Conductors is maybe remembering the proper procedure in cutting out a door the right way and remembering the circuit breakers were a bit tricky for me.  The rules and regulations are pretty simple to remember and follow as well the tests were easy as long as you study the materials.  Ask questions to whatever you don't understand your Instructors are there to help you.

 

The first practical will be in the yard with door cut outs and I think I did like 4 pretend station stops then they hit me with the door problem lol.  The second practical you will actually be going down the road with an out of service train where you will simulate a few station stops and then they will hit you with the station where the train operator stops the train short of the proper car stop marker.  The next one will be the station over run and the Instructor will tell you ok what do you do if the train operator over runs the station?

 

I think the hardest part of this job for me was the dealing with the Crew Assignment while on the Extra Extra list when I got hired I had no option and was put in the IND/BMT (B Div).  I lived close to all IRT lines but I did not complain and waited until it was time to pick to transfer the heck outta the IND/BMT.  Also trying to get a day off for important things when you request a day off we have to put it 20 days in advance and then you will have to check the bulletin board for the day to be approved.  Sometimes that important day may not get approved and lots of people get upset about this procedure so be prepared. 

 

As for the customer service part we deal with a lot being the conductor you will hear lots of griping from customers specially since you will close the doors of trains as you were trained and get cursed out by customers.  They will be really confused when weekend GO's are running so make sure you make those service change announcements.  I can't tell you how now I am a Train operator and I worked with some special conductors who DON'T make service change announcements that gets me so mad, but I will make them instead so that we don't get complaints.

 

In the end the job has good pay, and great benefits I hope my story helped and good luck.

[tprashad0719]

thanks a lot man , it really helps..i was in school car for T/O for 5 months but I resigned due to personal reasons, I can always go back as a t/o but I would have to start back from the very beginning..i wasn't expecting my name to be reached on the conductor exam but I am still debating because with my daughter and working 8-4 with weekends off it would be so hard to get use to the mta life style..i can really use the good money so I am still debating as we speak..

[lisandrojosh9]

How is being a conductor in terms of the physics aspects of the job? Is it tiring? And do conductors often get forced overtime?

[Bruticus]

How is being a conductor in terms of the physics aspects of the job? Is it tiring? And do conductors often get forced overtime?

I mean if you don't get your proper rest it can be tiring.  Only when certain issues arise we may get stuck doing overtime depends on the situation its not like 8 hours of forced overtime maybe 1 or 2 hours like i said it depends on the situation.

[Jchambers2120]

I did 4 years as a Conductor from what you said about working in the Hospital scene you know that this system runs 24/7 365 days.  Being a Conductor for me in the beginning was fun and rewarding as I always wanted to work on a railroad but this is a subway system.  

 

The training was pretty simple and straight forward I think the hardest part of training for Conductors is maybe remembering the proper procedure in cutting out a door the right way and remembering the circuit breakers were a bit tricky for me.  The rules and regulations are pretty simple to remember and follow as well the tests were easy as long as you study the materials.  Ask questions to whatever you don't understand your Instructors are there to help you.

 

The first practical will be in the yard with door cut outs and I think I did like 4 pretend station stops then they hit me with the door problem lol.  The second practical you will actually be going down the road with an out of service train where you will simulate a few station stops and then they will hit you with the station where the train operator stops the train short of the proper car stop marker.  The next one will be the station over run and the Instructor will tell you ok what do you do if the train operator over runs the station?

 

I think the hardest part of this job for me was the dealing with the Crew Assignment while on the Extra Extra list when I got hired I had no option and was put in the IND/BMT (B Div).  I lived close to all IRT lines but I did not complain and waited until it was time to pick to transfer the heck outta the IND/BMT.  Also trying to get a day off for important things when you request a day off we have to put it 20 days in advance and then you will have to check the bulletin board for the day to be approved.  Sometimes that important day may not get approved and lots of people get upset about this procedure so be prepared. 

 

As for the customer service part we deal with a lot being the conductor you will hear lots of griping from customers specially since you will close the doors of trains as you were trained and get cursed out by customers.  They will be really confused when weekend GO's are running so make sure you make those service change announcements.  I can't tell you how now I am a Train operator and I worked with some special conductors who DON'T make service change announcements that gets me so mad, but I will make them instead so that we don't get complaints.

 

In the end the job has good pay, and great benefits I hope my story helped and good luck.

 

Thanks for the insight, so do you enjoy being a Train Operator more than a Conductor? I'd like to do both I don't meet the requirements for Train Operator so that'll be down the line if I ever get hired within the MTA, but according to the preliminary results of 6601 I only got one wrong. Unfortunately it seems like the last exams were given in July so us O/C people have a bit of a wait to receive our official scores and such.

 

The only thing that concerns me about being a Conductor or a Train Operator is the extra extra list and getting to work on time, traveling 2 hours potentially just to get to work by subway doesn't make me excited to say the least lol. Other than that I have no responsibilities such as children and I'm still very young and in good shape so I figure my body can adjust better than someone in their mid 40's.

 

I'm still debating this over other city exams that I've taken though, but this is what I really want.

[Bruticus]

Thanks for the insight, so do you enjoy being a Train Operator more than a Conductor? I'd like to do both I don't meet the requirements for Train Operator so that'll be down the line if I ever get hired within the MTA, but according to the preliminary results of 6601 I only got one wrong. Unfortunately it seems like the last exams were given in July so us O/C people have a bit of a wait to receive our official scores and such.

 

The only thing that concerns me about being a Conductor or a Train Operator is the extra extra list and getting to work on time, traveling 2 hours potentially just to get to work by subway doesn't make me excited to say the least lol. Other than that I have no responsibilities such as children and I'm still very young and in good shape so I figure my body can adjust better than someone in their mid 40's.

 

I'm still debating this over other city exams that I've taken though, but this is what I really want.

I love being a Train Operator more than a Conductor for sure less time dealing with the public is always a perk.  How don't you meet the requirements to be a Train Operator the test is Open Comp.  I will say being a Conductor first then moving to Train Operator has it's perks as you already know the rules and regulations of NYCT and have knowledge.  So if you were in a class of people from the Open Comp list you already have a good lead on stuff..

 

Well I have a car I made sure I was prepared because I do live all the way uptown on the 2 line and when I was put in the B Div I definitely did not wanna sit on the train for two and a half hours if I got sent to Far Rock.  You can save up for a hooptie like a good 4 cyl car lol.

 

Just keep taking all those exams you never know what can happen.

[Will-Bx-718]

I love being a Train Operator more than a Conductor for sure less time dealing with the public is always a perk. How don't you meet the requirements to be a Train Operator the test is Open Comp. I will say being a Conductor first then moving to Train Operator has it's perks as you already know the rules and regulations of NYCT and have knowledge. So if you were in a class of people from the Open Comp list you already have a good lead on stuff..

 

Well I have a car I made sure I was prepared because I do live all the way uptown on the 2 line and when I was put in the B Div I definitely did not wanna sit on the train for two and a half hours if I got sent to Far Rock. You can save up for a hooptie like a good 4 cyl car lol.

 

Just keep taking all those exams you never know what can happen.

Remember you're taking a risk driving to work. TA doesn't care if you're late due to traffic or your car breaking down. Because they'll just say that's why we gave you a pass, because you're supposed to be using the system to get to work. Lots of folks drive to work including me. But you take a risk in doing so. I'd suggest he wait until being off probation before driving to work.

 

 

Station Supervisor Level I

[Bruticus]

Remember you're taking a risk driving to work. TA doesn't care if you're late due to traffic or your car breaking down. Because they'll just say that's why we gave you a pass, because you're supposed to be using the system to get to work. Lots of folks drive to work including me. But you take a risk in doing so. I'd suggest he wait until being off probation before driving to work.

 

 

Station Supervisor Level I

Its a risk all the time when you drive, but TA doesn't wanna hear that it took you 3 hours to get home late night after getting off from Stillwell to go back home in the Bronx to get only 5 or 6 hours sleep.  Only to wake up not well rested to go do that early PM job somewhere just as far being Extra Extra specially in the B Div is rough when they send you to locations far away from home.  Just plan accordingly I am always at work an hour early even to this day I got a pick job I am still an hour early.

[Jchambers2120]

I love being a Train Operator more than a Conductor for sure less time dealing with the public is always a perk.  How don't you meet the requirements to be a Train Operator the test is Open Comp.  I will say being a Conductor first then moving to Train Operator has it's perks as you already know the rules and regulations of NYCT and have knowledge.  So if you were in a class of people from the Open Comp list you already have a good lead on stuff..

 

Well I have a car I made sure I was prepared because I do live all the way uptown on the 2 line and when I was put in the B Div I definitely did not wanna sit on the train for two and a half hours if I got sent to Far Rock.  You can save up for a hooptie like a good 4 cyl car lol.

 

Just keep taking all those exams you never know what can happen.

 

It's open competitive, but I graduated from HS about two years ago. I'm almost 20 years old and I'm enrolled as a student in college, but I won't have the five years of work experience or 120 credits + a year by the time the application filing period starts.

 

I've been told by some current employees that I should be good to go with my score on the conductor exam, but i understand what you mean about never knowing what can happen and I plan on taking other exams that I qualify for.

 

On the last part I think I'll just deal with taking the train if I were to get hired. I'd rather save that money up for a Dodge Charger instead of a hooptie lol.

[Bruticus]

It's open competitive, but I graduated from HS about two years ago. I'm almost 20 years old and I'm enrolled as a student in college, but I won't have the five years of work experience or 120 credits + a year by the time the application filing period starts.

 

I've been told by some current employees that I should be good to go with my score on the conductor exam, but i understand what you mean about never knowing what can happen and I plan on taking other exams that I qualify for.

 

On the last part I think I'll just deal with taking the train if I were to get hired. I'd rather save that money up for a Dodge Charger instead of a hooptie lol.

Be smart with your money I made that mistake of getting a Muscle Car when I could have put my money into better use like saving for a house.  I had a student T/O recently and he had already bought a brand new car lol.

[Will-Bx-718]

Be smart with your money I made that mistake of getting a Muscle Car when I could have put my money into better use like saving for a house. I had a student T/O recently and he had already bought a brand new car lol.

Just save your money PERIOD! Make sure you open up your 401K/457B. You'll be down here a long time. So a car and home will come. But don't be so quick to put yourself into debt with these items. Build your wealth, so by the time you retire you will be able to do so with ease.

 

 

Station Supervisor Level I

[SubwayGuy]

Be smart with your money I made that mistake of getting a Muscle Car when I could have put my money into better use like saving for a house.  I had a student T/O recently and he had already bought a brand new car lol.

 

You'll see. A lot of people down here can't manage money. 20+ years and still living paycheck to paycheck, and you wonder why so many can't afford to retire. When that time comes, that won't be me. But they're driving around a luxury car....

 

When you first get the job, the worst thing you can do is sign up for big long term debt like a car or house. Get through probation. Worst thing that could happen is you lose the job and now you're on the hook for money you don't have coming in anymore.

[Xentor]

The life of a C/R is a good one. You may have some rough work days, but you DONT have to bring absolutely anything about it home with you. Unlike some of my previous employment history. When it ends it ends and you go home, and sometimes come right back quickly. There are hundreds of people for you to meet, including riders, it's not like being in an office. You have the benefit of never being stuck to a particular place or time slot for too long. You have the benefit of promoting to another job without spending another 4 years in college and getting into debt as I did. The life of any TA worker is basically the same, you have your responsibilities, you perform then go home. In the broad scheme of things, you aren't special and no one is more special than you. You're just the next key or break handle or broom, just a number and as long as you're working out no one is breathing down you're neck. In fact no one even wants to have to breath down you're neck, it's extra work. Do the job the way you're being asked to do it and pass go and profit for 25 or more years. The job has it's caveats of course but absolutely everything comes with the territory, I've yet to do anything on this job I would classify as unfair, whatever I didn't like I kinda expected it anyway. I rode down on 2 hot cars today, whatever, stand clear to closing doors please!  As for the original OP's questions, those things are just better left to be experienced on you're own as they vary from person to person. Everyone Else's advice above is phenomenal.

[lisandrojosh9]

Did you stay as conductor or move up in the ranks?

[The Saniter]

The life of a C/R is a good one. You may have some rough work days, but you DONT have to bring absolutely anything about it home with you.

How is it being in the tunnels all day? My concern if I were to ever be a NYCT C/O is being underground all the time. I love seeing the sunlight or being outside. Also to think about the health hazards like steel dust etc...I mean I guess the $$$ would probably make up for it but those are just some of my concerns. You have any of those concerns?

[SubwayGuy]

You don't have to figure out your entire career before you start.

 

Get hired, take promotional tests, if you hear back, then decide whether or not you want to move up.

 

The longer you're here the more you'll learn about various titles. Talk to people in those titles, don't just go based on what you "hear" through the grapevine from people who haven't worked that title talking about their opinions of it.

 

Best way to do that is to meet people on the job who work in that title and hear it from them. But by taking the tests, at least you keep your options open. That title you didn't want when you took the test, you may want when it calls. And that title you swore you had to have, you may walk away from when it calls. You never know so keep the options open.

 

Just please come down here with the attitude of wanting to learn your job, learning your job, and being confident in your abilities once you've gotten to that point of knowledge (but real knowledge, not "know it all" knowledge) while still recognizing you can learn more. Nobody likes working with or for jumpy/nervous types who don't know their jobs. And nobody likes a slacker, or a person with a lousy attitude. Honestly, that's probably 1/2 of the battle down here. And the other 1/2 is coming to work.

[tprashad0719]

hey guys, what are the common mistakes conductors are doing now a days? how many trips do conductors do normally ? how often do conductors contact RCI or Dispatchers?

 

if things change such as a work train ahead or stalled train and now the train has to go Express ..does the T/O get notified? or the conductor? how do the conductor know whats the next stop if something like this happens if the T/O don't communicate something like this or make his own announcements to help the conductor?

[tdevon2012]

hey guys, what are the common mistakes conductors are doing now a days? how many trips do conductors do normally ? how often do conductors contact RCI or Dispatchers?

 

if things change such as a work train ahead or stalled train and now the train has to go Express ..does the T/O get notified? or the conductor? how do the conductor know whats the next stop if something like this happens if the T/O don't communicate something like this or make his own announcements to help the conductor?

I would assume both would be notified. The Conductor has to make that announcement for passengers. Both conductor and train operators have two way radios.