MarkGuy

On 2/9/2024 at 4:08 PM, AfroG97 said:

I'm sure you know how "slow" the BSC is in time sensitive communication. I'm assuming you emailed them, I'd recommend calling them as you're more likely to receive a quicker response than emailing. They screwed quite a bit of people back when I took the exam in October. The BSC didn't send a whole bunch of candidates the LE Key responsibilities form in the invitation email and alot of guys didn't find out till the day of the test...

Yes; I tried email. I will try calling the MTA BSC tomorrow. Thanks.

So just got an email for the initial test with the 22nd as the only available one, but I can't make that date. Tried contacting them yesterday. No response.

21 hours ago, Kamen Rider said:

Give an example of such a circumstance. was working the Alpha a few weeks ago. 

Passengers rush past me at beach 67th as I start hearing loud music. 

I turn and look through the cab door window into the passenger area and there is man standing there making a fuss. I open the door a crack, and politely ask him to turn the music off.

Argumentative behavior ensues from him.

"Just do you job." he yells... alongside a lot more colorful language... 

"Sir... I am doing my job. I am, if you'd like, the 'captain' of this train. I am asking you to turn that off. If you choose to ignore me, I will have to get the police involved."

More fussing...

I sigh, closed down and called control. 

he was running his damn mouth all the way till Euclid until the cops took him off. 

I would have kept the train there, refused to move until he turned it off, and told him we aren't going anywhere unless you do so.

Ofc, also tell Control you cannot safety move with this man distracting with his music, even with their signal en route nonsense.

I've refused to move my train for a smoker in my cab last year and Control had to reroute service onto the local as a result. But I won in the end.

7 hours ago, danielhg121 said:

For vacation, if I heard correctly, I believe it's 2 weeks for the first 5 years and then they add another week every 5 years for a maximum of 5 weeks of vacation time so it's about the same as you guys. 

We fall under railroad retirement which is sorta hard to explain so I'll link the presentation: http://arsa.mnrr.org/doc/MTA_definedPensionPlan.pdf

Begins at slide 12.

No I'm aware it's the same amount, but wr accrue much sooner than MNR.

5 hours ago, danielhg121 said:

I have three T/O’s from subways in my class. They all say that the environment is better here and management loves to pin everything on you in RTO regardless of your fault. Not sure how the vacation compares nor sick time but I think we’re relatively reasonable. Overall, I think they agreed the pension here is better.

One thing I did hear is subways gives you a year off if you hit someone if you request it. Here, it’s usually 3 days off and then back to work unless you make a good case to EAP.

Yes and no...I've had minor incidents where nothing really happened to me. Though the other side of what you said also has some truth.

If I hear correct, it's 10 years for 4 weeks vacay. If so, then we have you guys beat bc I have that already.

You get 3 days for a fatality. You can go out IOD for trauma for that here.

So I'm  a current Train Operator with NYCT with almost 5 years in...just applied to the latest Engineer posting.

I love operating here at NYCT. But at the same time part of me wants a different challenge and I've wanted to say I operated a passenger locomotive.

Some things are better at Metro North. But I'm not liking the horrible vacation accumulation and 8 years to top pay. I suspect the sick time accumulation is also worse than at Transit.

And I have too many questions about the pension.

It's hard to say what I would do tbh.

26 minutes ago, Harlem said:

I have two questions. Any help will be appreciated: 

- Has anyone lived in upper Manhattan and worked in the B Division? Did they attempt to keep you close to home while you were XX? Was it difficult? I'm asking because I'd prefer to pick the B Division next week. 

- Do conductors in the B Division usually get to pick a job faster than conductors in the A Division. There are more lines in the B and thus more conductors but that may not mean seniority moves more quickly in the B than the A. Does anyone have any experience with this?

 

Thanks.

Doesn't really make much of a difference which division you are in when it comes to picking jobs sooner.

What matters is the number of jobs added or cut and how many people are terminated, move up, retire, etc.

1 hour ago, Godsfavorite said:

Yes. For you. If you are already in transit fine. But for someone who isn’t it is a good job. Which also comes with 3 pensions. At the end of the day you have to do what is best for you.

Def...by all means if one has nothing else going on.

8 minutes ago, MarkGuy said:

Which doesn't matter in my case, because I'm already down here. And I can't tell Transit that I need them to not give me jobs and report times that don't correspond with those two days. On top of all the studying.

Which in retrospect is another moot point, since I, in all likelihood, would have to resign from NYCT to go to LIRR. 

5 minutes ago, Godsfavorite said:

I mean you only go in twice a week for the 6 weeks.

Which doesn't matter in my case, because I'm already down here. And I can't tell Transit that I need them to not give me jobs and report times that don't correspond with those two days. On top of all the studying.

43 minutes ago, Djf22 said:

The hardest part is the pay cut for 2 years I got in and left couldn’t afford the pay cut. They do have a good gig there but it really is not much better than what we have A LOT more responsibility for not that much more in pay. Their version of school car is 14 months long. Our health insurance is better they pay more in union dues and pension contributions than we do. So while the grass may look greener on the other side I didn’t think it was that much greener 

Agreed. I actually received a letter to go down there for orientation a few months ago. Looked at the benefits sheet in the email and pay scale and realized it wasn't worth it.

That, and you go unpaid for 6 weeks.

On 2/14/2023 at 3:14 AM, trackerjack said:

ladies and gentlemen - please.....just chillax and enjoy life.....smell the roses....cuz you can!!
cuz we can't....inside the tunnel it's very very very toxic, and this is proven, and it's killing RTO.....

count your blessings you are free......

anyways....for what it's worth.  they aren't hiring anymore as i've heard.  they "paused it" since the new late Dec/Jan class
for whatever reason.....only those who pay grades are 10 steps above us knows why.

I actually wanna know why too.....they has been a major reshuffling in School Car

oh and.......we don't even have a new work program!!! lulzzzz  

 

Speak for yourself....I still manage to have a life beyond operating trains...was still able to even when I was xx.

45 minutes ago, Biggie said:

TA already decided on their exam schedule for the first quarter of 2023. There may or may not be a promotional by the end of the year (June to December) but definitely this list would have to be terminated next year in 2024. So anywhere from the mid point of this year to 2024  there may be a new filing but it will have to be a promotional test first. As for the whole open competitive no longer being available theory that may entirely be false considering how promotional exams in TA have been going for the last few years especially after the giant disaster with the TSS exam.

I keep on hearing people down here say that "Oh, this will be the last o/c t/o exam." And I'm like, "Well, how do you know what TA is going to do, unless you see something official in writing?"

And keep in mind, they would be losing a lot of free money going back to promotional only testing. They know that most people either won't pass the test or won't score high enough to ever get called. But guess who keeps your exam fees regardless?

6 hours ago, trackerjack said:

so you can get fired for having high blood pressure or diabetes?
If that's the case.....so much for job security!!!!!!!!

Oh btw......we do get paid for visiting the MAC right???

WTF???? Who said anything about getting fired? 

Anyways they can't fire you for that. Even if you are found medically unable to perform the duties you were originally hired for, they would just reassign you to another title (something non safety sensitive for T/Os)

Bro, not to single you out, but it seems you go into panic mode whenever someone here posts anything about some possible downsides OTJ.

Please, try to relax and not have that mindset...it won't help you in the long run.

7 minutes ago, NewOP718 said:

I appreciate all the info you and a few other T/O’s provided over the last year or so. (The Positive Info btw) My 1st appt was 8/24, 2nd appt (Medical) was 11/2 and final processing was 11/18. Start date is 12/26.

To all those reading this message, just have patience and forget about it. I too was bitting my nails awaiting emails. They will get to you, and the anxiety is real. Thinking back it wasn’t that bad (aside from getting skipped by random TA employees taking drug test 😆)

my question is, the NOE stated starting pay was $32 Something back in 2017. Naturally that went up twice, because even the heading rate (34.) is incorrect. They’re starting everyone at $37+ some can anyone confirm current top pay assuming it has gone up the same?!

thanks and I wish everyone the best!

Current top pay is $39.82.

On 11/15/2022 at 9:18 PM, Amonroe90 said:

WHOA, how does a whole class get canned for failing signals 👀

If a whole class failed signals, that's more than likely gonna be on the TSS'es teaching. Of course, one or two will fail in classes here and there.

But all? Can't just be that the students don't want to apply themselves.

After reading some of these comments, it's clear schoolcar has scared the heck outta a lot of new guys coming down.

3 hours ago, RTOMan said:

Now understand one thing Folks regarding signal overruns...

They Do downloads with these signals  when there is a incident and if one is operating a Tech train, so be aware if the Signals or tech train  says anything other than what is said on the radio...

Expect a trip to PS 248 or 2 Broadway, remember they burn one for a cover up more than anything. 

Oh and be very mindful with station timers because RCC can "see" if there is  a train right in front of you that "posted speed" argument wont get one far.. There has been a few incidents where that was said on the radio and there was a train directly in front.

Yeah in this case you damn well better know for a fact it was on ST and you were going at or under speed. If you are less than 100 percent sure, best to not go down that road.

18 minutes ago, TOSironi said:

What should we say and how on the radio? "I approached at posted speed as per rule and it didn't clear"?

Essentially a variation of that, yes.

"My train contacted with the signal at the posted speed: signal not working as designed.

Let me also be clear: you don't have to follow what I'm saying here. If you want tk approach timers at 5 mph or more under the posted speed, do that if you prefer. Nothing wrong with that.

4 hours ago, Jay-Oh said:

He/She can, but I believe they’re also still under probation. It’s probably best to avoid testing timers until they’re fully past probation.
Yes, you’re right - optimal operations bulletins will save you if you hit slow timers, but that’s if they believe that you weren’t speeding. If they don’t, they’ll send the Speed unit out to test the timer and replicate the speed at which you hit it. 

If you said you were doing posted speed, they will do posted speed; and if they don’t hit that timer, they’re gonna discipline you. 

It’s also best practice to do 2-5 mph under the posted speed not just because of some timers being slow, but because the speedometers can sometimes be calibrated differently. If it says you’re doing 25, you could actually be doing 27. 

At the end of the day, you’re not going to lose time doing 2-5 mph less than the posted timer speed.

"If you said you were doing posted speed, they will do posted speed; and if they don’t hit that timer, they’re gonna discipline you."

In this case there's a good chance either the operator had a faulty speedometer and didn't notice it....or was flat out lying. 

In the former case you weren't hiding anything but still not paying attention. If you indeed did hit it at posted speed and you are 100 on that, AND you say the right things on that radio, you will most likely be ok.

I hit a station timer near West 4 Street earlier this year on SMEE equipment...doing 18 when it said 20.

I knew what to say and how to say it....months later no discipline.

Granted though, its harder to test ST for obvious reasons.

But that being said....if you want to get through probation without much fuss...approach however makes you feel comfty.

2 hours ago, trackerjack said:

yea i hear u man.  those pesky GTs!!  rare moments where i'll be CRAWLING and it won't clear.  smh. can't take that chance though.

Yes you can. Long as u were doing at or below the posted speed, you make that clear and you should be exonerated. 

Optimal Operation bulletins.

1 hour ago, trackerjack said:

ok bro......no one else is going to say this as harsh as me. so.... imma just say it RAW.

bro.....STAY. IN. YOUR. JOB.   For the love of you and ur family and the anything remotely holy.....STAY!!!   Train Op job is trash. 
"so why are you staying in transit when you hate it so much??" you may ask me?  WELP! just like my other fellow colleagues....i have no where else to go.  I'm not good enough nor skilled enough to have a better opportunity out there.     ( please hire me for your company!! )
no other jobs are calling me back after my interviews with them.  it's just how the cookie crumbled and it's the hand that i'm currently dealt with.  but i'm not giving up.
what i would give to have a job like yours!!!  your benefits and lifestyle perks are amazing .   remember it's not the money but it's also THE TIME you have.  TIME you cannot get back.

many of a time....i seen it too much.....my classmates and other T/Os would miss their children's events.  I know my classmate admit it that he regret not being there for his son......heartbreaking...and for what?  (S)crew office doesn't care.....they don't even say THANK YOU!!!! they never appreciate us.  you will learn that A LOT OF FOLKS have disgusting nasty petty attitude down here!

don't listen to these senior guy/old cats (much respect to them!) who says this job is what u make of it and if you can't handle it, you're weak.......put in the effort for 20 years and u'll finally get the JOB you dreamt of!....
NO~! this is NOT the old generation.  what worked and what was the norm back in the 1980s don't fly well with us new generations.

A lot of times......transit is what IS FORCED UPON us.  they make your life a miserable living hell.  Imagine reporting to your work office.....for 5 hours then ur boss tells you to stay to an extra 9 hours to complete a project.....and then u go home.....only to have enough time to shower/eat/sleep then wake up to do it all....over.....again....the next....day.  Did I tell you not even a thank you??
also if you make a typo at work......yup!   And you get banged in and disciplined.  a few disciplines later. you are fired (if you're a probationary) or you get your pay cut as a punishment (if you're out of probation).  imagine that stress on you for the rest of your life?? until you retire.  That's if you're lucky.......   Some poor soul just died this week.........guess where the Retirement money goes to?......yup. BACK to Transit!

bro don't do this to yourself. you don't need Transit with what you got now.  don't fall for the trap.  Diversify your porfolio. LEARN the markets.  Or hire a reputable investment advisor and let him/her to THEIR job to advise YOU how you can have a retirement porfolio that's WAY Better than our Tier 6 pension plan from Transit.  I have a college buddy who is a private investment advisor and he does extremely well just educating his clients and building/managing their wealth.  HIS career is to MAKE others wealthy and secured.  so you may want to find an advisor for you.  

now that being said.....if you can take 1 year off your job......just to try Transit. then yes do it.  come here to see if you have fun at least.....cuz there is nothing to lose. 
But if you are at any risk in losing your job. DO NOT COME HERE!!!

this rant is over.  DM me if you want more brutal honest review of this "Career".

 

 

I'll say this much. I have a little over 3 years down here.

Yes, the job schedule can suck; yes, you will have to report to all manner of locations at all manner of times.

And yes, with the analogy of a boss telling you you have to work an extra 9 hours (the analogy references being on board, where you report to a predetermined location and wait on call to pick up an operating job), can be rough.

But also, I'm sorry to say, some of the above is also exaggeration. A lot of what is being discussed here mainly applies when you are super new. 

Even will the sparse time I have, I don't have to deal with super random report locations and times or being on board anymore. That usually lasts but a short time here.

Hell, I know guys with even less time than me who will be able to pick jobs this pick and have a steady life.

As far as discipline.... There have been improvements in that area.

Under more recent bulletins, things like small station and automatic overruns aren't even cause for punishments, depending on circumstances.

But yes, more needs to be done on that front.

A number of people die on retirement...yes. but look at a lot of them and one thing becomes apparent: they didn't take care of their bodies while working. 

One one hand, people here will let themselves go and eat McDonald's like they breathe.

On the other hand, I've personally met train operators who've been collecting pension checks for over a decade; you gotta put in the effort to keep yourself in the best shape possible.

The job is tough and it is for everyone and it's very thankless. This is very true. But for me it's also very rewarding in of itself. If arestab isn't willing to deal with the hectic scheduling, then staying where he is at may be best.

On 10/25/2022 at 9:48 AM, texassubwayfan555 said:

Will anyone answer my question about SMEEs on the last page?

SMEE's definitely have dynamic breaking, contrary to what has been said here.

SMEE stands for Self Lapping Mechanical Electrical Equipment. What that references is the train's ability to set itself up for dynamic braking when in the coast position for the master controller.

Essentially what happens when you put the M/C into the off/coast position, the traction motors reconnect as generators to create electricity for the dynamic braking. The heat from this gets discharged via the train's resistor grids located under the car body.

Any errors here, anyone who has also operated down here who can spot them, please let me know.

12 minutes ago, nipaaaa said:

#569x got a letter to go in next thurs

You did? 

1 hour ago, StepInStandClear said:

My neighbor received a phone call  and email from MTA to report to 180 Livingston. About a year ago, they suffered a amputation is currently in rehab on the road to recovery with a prosthetic leg.

Would having the prosthetic instantly disqualify them ? or since the job is mostly sitting while using your hands mostly, would that not be a factor ? I told them to still go, cause in the email, it stated that ....."Where appropriate, a reasonable accommodation will be provided for a person with a disability to enable him or her to take the examination, and/or to perform the essential functions of the job"  What is the MTA hiring process for ones with disabilities ?

That's rough. We have a TSS down here who came as a c/r with a partially missing arm. So no, a disability wouldn't disqualify you off the bat. Not to mention running afoul of established laws against discriminating against the physically handicapped.

But as a train operator you will have to climb up and down trains and between them as regular duties. And walking the structure is way more common. It's tricky.