apokeguy

14 hours ago, misslo said:

they required a permit not a license but in the response letter from my first appeal they claim I didn't have either. *shrugs*

14 hours ago, misslo said:

they required a permit not a license but in the response letter from my first appeal they claim I didn't have either. *shrugs*

I just double checked the NOE for #7604, and qualifications are HS diploma or equivalent, drivers license valid in the state of NY and the one year work experience with the same employer. So looks like MTA lowered the required work experience but added the drivers license requirement. 

On 4/5/2019 at 5:56 AM, msmcmillan said:

Kinda makes you wonder why the driver license requirement, anyway?  I don't think the previous T/O test had a license requirement at all.

I wouldn't be surprised if T/O required a CDL license in the next few years! It doesn't make sense, but it seems they are making it harder and more frustrating. 

IIRC, the requirements for the last exam which was held by DCAS were HS diploma or equivalent and five years full time work experience. Seems like MTA lowered the requirements for the most previous exam only requiring a drivers license and one year full time work experience with the same employer. 

1 hour ago, Schecter said:

What does YX mean and what does road ops consist of?

YX means yard extra. You’ll be out on your own working in the yards or station switching for about 2 months. You can use this time to work OT/RDO if you so wish. Whenever a dispatcher asked me to stay, I stayed lol

Road ops you will be back with your class and instructors (may or may not be your original instructors) and operate a different line each day for 2 weeks. One week on midnight another week on AM.  

1 hour ago, Jay-Oh said:

Thank you for your input brother.
Yeah, the practical was surprisingly easy, but I think it was because my TSS' really drilled the procedure into us and had us run all aspects of the practical in multiple dry runs.
If the signal test contains the signals that I'm assuming, then I'm not worried at all, all that remains to be done is to keep studying and take the test.

Yeah like a few have mentioned, the instructors  want you to pass. One wants you to be “warrior status” and wants those signals “platinum” (those who have Lois as an instructor will understand). If you do bad or fail it also looks bad on them. Like my class we still have 9 out of 10... one left for personal reasons 

On 2/3/2019 at 3:31 PM, Jay-Oh said:

I can’t say indefinitely since I haven’t taken mine yet, but from what I’ve been told by upperclassmen, and from studying signals per my TSS’ instruction, it’s supposed to be a breeze. If you put in the work, pay attention, and study, it’s light work.

It’s subjective. If you put in the time, both signal tests will be a breeze. If you don’t, then well, you will struggle. During YX, I just reviewed the material once or twice a week, like while riding the train or while eating (I used a flashcard app on my phone so I didn’t need to take out my rulebook or any index cards.) TBH, just like after my first practical, after my first signal test, I was like whew it’s finally over and wow that was easier than I expected. For me the hardest part of the second signal yet was physical, my hand cramping when writing out all the definitions lol. 

Good luck to all you guys out there. 

5 minutes ago, LIRRMedford said:

I'm looking at it more as an orginizer,just seems easier to track things and make sure you have them if they are together and in view

Gotcha. I’ve seen some folks use a tool pouch or  small toiletry bag (running joke in our class we call that a murse) to keep their tools together so it’s all in one place.  

29 minutes ago, Jay-Oh said:

Yeah man, best believe I’m scrounging through google as we speak. More stuff on my belt is less weight on my back.

When you get assigned your instructors they can assist with getting the leather holster for your brake handle, cutting key and reverser. Some TA guy makes it on the side. Im the opposite of you. I didn’t get one because that’s extra weight on my belt (I use a duty belt) and when I’m on the road I will always have my bag with me. 

29 minutes ago, LIRRMedford said:

They did not say, but mine is 59x ..and I went up about 60% through

Oh I meant the class number when they separated you all into groups of 10. Like TA-9X or TB-9X. Maybe I’m jumping ahead and they didn’t assign you class numbers and instructors. 

5 hours ago, wrong side of tracks said:

So, I experienced my first "character issue" yesterday at 180 Livingston. For the most part, everytime I went down there, EVERYONE has been very helpful and kind. I filled out my application and waiting for medical. Had some questions about my application. I have called and asked about the extra data sheet known as DC-10 on application instructions (Extra sheets to list employment). I asked if I can make a copy of blank sheet or do I need to come down. They said come down. I went down and one of the interviewers was pissed and asked me said that? I didn't get the persons name. She said you didn't have to come down, you could have made the copy. No one knew what a DC-10 is. That was weird. Anyway, that was a week ago, so I don't trust phone calls anymore.

So that brings me up to yesterday. Went on to ask questions. Here are some:

1-Instructions say, type or print. Instructions also say do not remove staple. How can I ride if I can't remove staple?

2-Where unemployed and collected unemployment, I collected weekly checks. The options for salary only give options for annual, hourly or daily.

3-If I'm submitting proof of work history like tax papers and criminal history report, do those count as extra data sheets?

Nothing crazy, just some questions because the instructions were vague on these points. Anyway, I reached Kevin at the front desk, he sent me to counter 3. He wouldn't let me talk. He said "stop, you going to hand me your paperwork or not?". He then starts looking for more paperwork. I tried telling him, I was there in November and I just came to ask some questions. Everytime I tried to talk, he interrupted me. Finally he understood, when he listened and told me "you can't just come down here. You have to be called down." I was like, but I have some questions. He said "to bad, you have to figure it yourself and ask the questions when you are called down here, you can't just skip all these people." I said, I wasn't trying to skip anyone, can I just give you an example of one of my questions? He said no and this went on for about another 30 seconds and I went back to the front desk. I told Kevin and he saw my disbelief. I wasn't angry, just disappointed. He understood I was just trying to do this right as this means my livelihood. Kevin is awesome. This is the second I was there and he went out of his way to help me. He took my application and went to the back. He said, it all depends on who is interviewing you. That will determine the answers to your questions. 

My point, don't get discouraged by the few that may not want to help or may not know the answer or is just having a stressful day. There are people there that are really helpful.

If anyone knows the answer to my above questions (And are 💯% sure, please let us know).

Also, is ok for me to scan the application and upload it here? Would that be breaking the rule of any policy? (I found a bad quality one online) I'm going to scan it, clean it up on the computer so I can print an extra copy if I mess up. I'm also going to create a blank data sheet for work history, then create form fields so you can type the information and print. Would like to help anyone else if I can.

Thanks everyone!

When you were at 180 did you look on the wall to see if they had the work history form? They usually have blank forms on the wall for all kinds of things. But me personally since I needed more work history sheets than what was given to me, I removed the staple, scanned the forms, printed whatever additional sheets I needed, filled in my info, scanned them and placed the staple back in with the extra printed sheets “loose”.  When I handed it in to the HR personnel interviewing me, I just told her I needed more sheets so I made copies and they didn’t say anything. 

1 hour ago, LIRRMedford said:

So 40B and 30A for this class. We chose today.  I got B like I wanted. No sign of Jay or Legacy yet 😝

Congrats! Just curious, what is the highest class number? Wondering if they went into the hundreds or started back in the single digits. 

1 hour ago, njbk said:

100% yes.

A good strategy I have been doing is going to my switching assignments a half hour or so before my sign on time so I can ride along with another person making the move. Most of the switching moves are simple but having the confidence of knowing what you're doing makes a huge difference.

You should do that after you’ve signed on because if anything happens, you could be SOL. 

17 hours ago, njbk said:

Yard posting is basically “pre yx.” You are assigned all around the division to each yard at least once. Posting is 3 weeks, one week of midnights one week of pm and one week of am. 

After posting is finished you are YX for 2 months. The first week or so is yard familiarization, where you will go to each yard and spend the day with a TSS once again going over the specifics of each yard and common moves.

After this you are on your own. The crew office will assign you as needed. You are on your own and can be asked to do anything any other TO can as long as it doesn’t involve moving the train with passengers on it. You can also ask for overtime and call the crew office to work RDOs if you want. If you make any serious mistakes during YX (split a switch, hit a home signal, etc.) you are held responsible and will probably lose the job. 2 people were fired last month for splitting a switch while YX. 

After YX is the second signal exam, then 2 weeks of road ops. Then road posting. 

This is one of the reasons why some dispatchers are reluctant to assign solo work to folks in YX. It’s unfortunate but if you’re unsure or not comfortable ask the dispatcher, TSS or a senior T/O. I’ve encountered a dispatcher where they will just task you the tedious job of changing signs on train(s) because they’re not comfortable with YX folks doing anything else. 

I’m sure you’ve heard this a hundred times but you really are doing yourself a disservice if you don’t take notes during schoolcar station switching, yard posting and yard familiarization... or at any point during your training/career. 

When in doubt, take a full service brake, take a deep breath and reassess. 

On 12/7/2018 at 2:03 PM, AveJoe said:

Thanks for mentioning this. I can imagine how many pple are going to overlook that email.

They will redirect people to Montague if they show up at Livingston. 

On 11/28/2018 at 5:08 PM, kev2112 said:

 

Yeah. I made to the signals and definitions exam...unfortunately I don’t speak 18th century English 

I felt the same way. There was no way (at least for me) that I was going to remember all that material in 3 weeks. An that’s just to get into the phase 1 of unpaid training. 

On 11/20/2018 at 12:27 PM, Lou said:

Thanks for the link. Can you send the link for the bag you bought so i can compare them and see which one i should buy

I got this bag. Just an FYI, empty the bag is already fairly heavy like 4 lbs. But I would use it when I travel as well since it’s got a padded compartment and enough room for a few days of clothes.

https://www.amazon.com/Fox-Outdoor-Products-Jumbo-Modular/dp/B0051OTSN0/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1543559447&sr=8-11&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=fox+outdoor&dpPl=1&dpID=511e7kLFj2L&ref=plSrch

20 hours ago, Lou said:

Just wondering which kaka bag did you purchase?

I didn’t purchase a kaka bag just for that fact. I actually got a tactical bag where the backpack straps can clip on/off and has multiple grab handles.

Not sure if it’s from this particular seller but the kaka bag that people are getting is: https://www.amazon.com/KAKA-Laptop-Backpack-17-Inch-Laptops/dp/B01D4H1BOE/ref=mp_s_a_1_2/144-7951842-1087668?ie=UTF8&qid=1542633317&sr=1-2&refinements=p_89%3AKAKA&pi=SL140_CR0,0,140,180_QL70

I’ve seen people with both types and in green as well. 

8 hours ago, Fredman0220 said:

That Kaka bag is very similar to a regular book bag since it has straps. What makes it much different and acceptable?

The backpack straps can be stowed away and the shoulder strap detached. The bag can be held briefcase style with the side grab handle making it easier when walking the yards or the tracks. You’re supposed to carry your bags by hand and not on your back or even on one shoulder for fear of the straps getting caught on passing equipment and dragging you. If it’s in your hand you can easily let go. Same with the safety vest. They have hook and loop fasteners on the shoulders and waist and meant to easily rip apart if it’s caught in something. Also the safety vest has reflectors shaped like a giant X on the back. So if you’re wearing your backpack on top of your vest it will be covered and train operators will not be tell if you are facing towards or away when approaching.  

In the beginning of school car, I just used an regular backpack and duffel bag (one for equipment and one for books, lunch). I didn’t want to walk around with like 30lbs on my back or in my hands. Most days you will start in the classroom first so you can drop off the bags before walking the tracks. Only a few times I found it inconvenient to carry the backpack by the grab handle when walking the tracks. Once you start yard posting the only book they tell you to carry is the rule book. The others are optional. 

I will eventually need to get a decent size bag to carry my equipment, food/snacks, water bottle and other necessities for the road. 

1 hour ago, NYCQuietStorm said:

 

You are right, I just had to wait a little bit.  I just ordered my boots now.  They are on the way.  Im also going to look into that Kaka bag.  I appreciate the info.  Thank you very much.  

Just a piece of advice in regards to the Kaka bag... especially if you get it in black. Not only will you have one but people in your class may have one, other people in your induction class may get one and countless others in transit have them. Make it so you can readily identify it when you place it down somewhere. Guys in my class (first week that they purchased it) mistakenly picked up the wrong bag thinking it was theirs. Luckily it happened amongst our own class and we were in road ops so it was on our own train but imagine it grabbing the wrong bag thinking it was yours when you’re in crew room, a CRC or elsewhere. 

1 hour ago, Rush1982 said:

Does anyone have a phone number for the 5th floor other then Mrs. Vargas? I am having trouble placing the order for my boots because I am not placed in the shoe company system yet.  I already left Mrs. Vargas a message but was hoping to speak to a live person.  Thank you.

They recommend waiting at least 48 hours after your induction date before trying to order. If you still have issues you can let them know in orientation. 

28 minutes ago, TO legacy said:

Outstanding. 

Did my 3rd PE  Wednesday 11/7. 

Hope to have my medical done mid next week and be in the same class. 

Once again, congratulations. 

Medical email means you passed background and have the job pending bad health. 

Correct me if I’m wrong but I thought the medical email was that you just just passed the piss test not background. From what I heard and read is that NYCT (along with some other city agencies) hires you first then they do the background check. So you can be working for a few years and be let go because they found something during their background check on you. 

2 hours ago, LIRRMedford said:

They could put you on hold until you can work without restriction. You have to be able to climb aboard a train from the tracks. If you have equipment supporting your back this can be difficult

3 hours ago, JaKaMo85 said:

You can postpone as long as you like so long as you reinstate your name and go through the entire hiring process(pre employment,medical) before the list expires on its 4th year.

Is there anything that disqualifies you for the position? I'm having back surgery

As LIRRMedford mentioned you have to be able to climb up/down a train. 

Along with that there are a number of other things that you will have to do. Just to mention some:

- climbing up/down a train not from an end but in between two cars

- crossing the tracks and over the third rail

- walking on elevated structures

- operating hand thrown switches

- taking down and putting up barrier springs while straddling between two cars

- clearing up on the tracks while a train (or two) are passing by you

9 hours ago, aTrainHopeful said:

One small correction. The vision is only offered by the Union. There is no TA offered vision plan. The emblem plan offered by the TA is only a alternate dental plan. Check out the union offered dental through Healthplex first if it covers your needs it probably the best option as it is free.

Thanks for catching that! 

2 hours ago, Djx said:

Can anyone in school car elaborate on what dental plans are available please. 

The “free” dental and vision provided by the union is Healthplex and GVS. If you want to pay an additional premium then dental and vision is covered by Emblem. You can go to http://www.twulocal100.org/ for more info on the union provided benefits. 

13 hours ago, LIRRMedford said:

And did you choose to be a yard T/O or do you have to post to yards for a set amount of time before you can post on the Road/Lines

I’m still in school car so yard posting is part of the curriculum. I’m not on a pick job. After YX comes the YX exam and the second signal.  Then comes road ops and then road posting.  

25 minutes ago, Gherigfan1 said:

No, they will give you everything you need in school car.

Agreed. You’ll get the rule book after you take your oath so you can get a head start from there but all the other books you’ll get from school car. Cause if you start reading material from other resources they may not be 100% accurate or up to date. Even the signal guide that is issued to you in school car there are some discrepancies but the rule book is “absolute”.