Jay-Oh

People who go to work trains do one of two things. Either they never go back to the road, or they go back to the road immediately. It’s not for everybody.

It’s fine, you have plenty of time. They tend to deliver the boots pretty quickly too, so as long as you order when your bsc / pass becomes available, you’ll be good.

They’re generally very lenient on your first day and will tell you what kind of pants are needed. However, you should definitely get the TA provided safety boot asap. You can get away with dark colored work pants or chinos. I’ve seen people wear jeans to induction, but I wouldn’t recommend that. If you don’t have any pants at all that would fit that criteria, you could go get a few pairs of something relatively inexpensive. From gap, old navy, Macy’s, etc.

You will be issued work uniforms. Don’t spend the money yet. Make sure you intend on staying in the job first. Then, if you enjoy the job, I would suggest dickies.

Morning and night. AM’s are AM’s. PM’s are essentially overnight shifts.

I’m good, the problems are the partners I’m with.

Please no, I’m sub-c this pick.

So I just wanted to caution you and anybody else regarding interpretation of this rule. I'm not going to tell you that you're wrong, because almost everybody has a backpack down here. However, it needs to be said; know the rules you're breaking. If a manager or supervisor were to give you trouble or approach you about your backpack when working the yard, and you want to argue about it....you don't really have any ground to stand on, because it's in writing. Bulletin 102-21 states, in part: "Bags must be carried by hand when entering the trackway (including yards). Carrying bags that are equipped with wheels or non-detachable shoulder straps on the trackway is prohibited (e.g. bags with wheels, backpacks, etc.). Bags with detachable shoulder straps must have the shoulder straps removed before carrying the bag onto the trackway." Remember; bulletins supersede the rulebook. That being said; it is a rule that is very loosely/infrequently enforced. Just be aware that it IS in writing and they COULD give you trouble about it, that's all I'm saying. The kaka bag, which is a schoolcar staple, is very good for this because you can use it as a backpack and hide away the shoulder straps when it comes time to walk the tracks.

I’ve received mixed reviews. Some people said they were great, others said they were horrible.

I found the Wolverines and the Rockports were the most comfortable. Rockports have a more durable shell vs the Wolverines, especially walking in the yards - the wolverines will get scratched up something fierce by the ballasts. So I’d say Rockports, though I have heard good things about the Avengers. Avoid the Caterpillars, since they changed the model we can order; it’s super heavy compared to the others.

Yes overtime is anything over 8 hrs for the day.

Yeah that’s why I said “usually”. Most of the time for road posting, they want you to do ‘full jobs’ instead of trip & a half or whatever the case is. The reasoning is that you get more experience if you do 2 full trips vs 1.5. However; because not everyone takes students - you ended up working the trip & a half jobs. Regarding Broad & ENY; you’re not going to drive and park at Broad St anyway. Switching at Broad guarantees a clear at ENY, so for that job it’s better to spot your car at ENY beforehand.

If you go strictly by the rule; the back straps needs to be able to be removable, otherwise they’re technically not allowed at all. However, it is a gray area in a sense that people down here don’t really follow that rule by the letter. I tell new people to be fully aware of any rules you’re breaking, because at any point a brand new supervisor/manager can say that you can’t bring your backpack onto the tracks, and you can’t really argue it since there’s a bulletin out on it. (91-20 for those of you curious.)

During Schoolcar you will usually start and end at the same location, same for YX and road posting. When you get released to the crew office, you’ll get assigned jobs that start at one terminal and end on the other. However, you can mitigate this and spot your car if you look up the job & applicable general orders (service change) in advance. Generally you will know your assignment 1-2 days in advance - well, it’s supposed to be 2 days, but the crew office can be slow with the assignments sometimes. Depending on the job deadhead will be built into it or you’ll have to put in an overtime sheet to get it. Deadhead basically will pay you for the travel time between two locations if you end somewhere other than your start location. Sometimes this works out in your favor; sometimes it doesn’t. The deadhead time paid will generally always be less than your actual travel time though, because it’s based on an idealized schedule where there’s no train traffic or disruptions of any kind. You’ll become very familiar with it during XX due to the days on board. You cannot get paid deadhead and get paid to travel back to your start location at the same time (double dipping).

I’m not to familiar with current schoolcar curriculum, so I can’t say how long you’ll be in the classroom only. You will have a lot of yard time, that’s where you’ll learn about the trains and how they work. Shoes: You’ll receive information on how to order TA approved footwear via safgard. Bags: You can get any bag that you’re comfortable with carrying approximately 30lbs worth of gear & books. It can have straps, but when you’re on the tracks you will be told you can’t have it on your back, so make sure it has a handle. Sounds like a dumb rule, but it is written in blood. No roller bags, doesn’t matter what you see with the senior people. Lunch: Depending on your financial situation; bringing your own food is very beneficial. You’ll gain a lot of weight down here if you only buy lunch on location, and it’ll be pretty taxing on your pockets. Of course - if you’re like me, you can try food from all over the city here and there. I always found a way to get some trini food whenever I went to Lefferts blvd. Definitely bring snacks. Transportation: Don’t drive everywhere in the beginning, it’ll be very beneficial for you to learn how to navigate the system via train, especially if you haven’t really traveled to certain boroughs. Flu season & Covid: Protect yourself and your classmates / TSS’ how you see fit. Boost your immune system by eating properly. You’re going to be in enclosed spaces with your class & instructors. If you feel sick or anything of that sort; wear a mask as a courtesy. During schoolcar, my entire class, instructors included, caught a bad case of the flu and it sucked. Misc: Be careful of the advice you hear from other employees. Study the rulebook so you know how to cover yourself. The crew room lawyers won’t be there to defend you if you get sent down for discipline.

Ask your TSS. Generally though; you need to fill out an application and have a yard/barn superintendent sign it.

There is no real dress code for pre-employment. Business casual, but be comfortable I guess?

I don’t know how they do it nowadays; but I don’t recall them interviewing me when I came in 4 years ago. So either they didn’t do it or it wasn’t anything significant. I just remember swearing in and being given a bunch of papers.

Don’t worry it’s just a common joke that the higher seniority cats like to say.

Damn they still picking?

Could be that they’re in the A division.

The way the board looks nowadays; I’d say fresh XX people should be able to pick in maybe 2 years? Might not be something they want, but it’ll be something.

There’s always 2 pick per year for people to cycle assignments. You’ll know when it’s happening because it’ll be announced in some way, shape, or form. You’ll also get call sheets which tell you what date and what time you pick. Don’t expect to pick for the first 1-3 years. If you have a pick date at the end of the picking process; you can fill out a preference sheet at any terminal and sending it to the crew office, because you’re not going have any jobs to pick. You will not have to worry about any kind of pick while in schoolcar.

You’ll remember it all eventually. Especially when you pick a line that regularly runs on Broadway local. At some point everything becomes autopilot and the real challenge is staying focused.

That’s true, I would hope he’s not over speeding to that extent, but you’re absolutely right.