MarkGuy

24 minutes ago, Milano said:

What are the best suggestions for new conductors in communication with you guys? What do you want to know from them and what do you want to hear or not hear from them when working together?

All I'll say is, before jumping to pull to pull cord, please try hitting me up on the IC first. That often fixes a lot of issues.

11 hours ago, Schecter said:

Yeah no it definitely is especially when you haven't worked for transit before like myself when I started I was like this school car experience is intense, but now when I look back I'm like it's not too bad. I just hate how the TSS instructors put conductors against train operators, having them pull the chord for any little thing smh it's bad...

Honestly, that's why I don't like rule 9.01. We need our c/r's and they play a critical role, but I can't help but feel annoyed sometimes that they are considered "in charge" of the train when in revenue service.

As train ops, we already have to do most put ins on our own, prepare the c/r position on our own, set them up to even be able to open door and unlock the doors for them. We move the train, but we aren't in charge of it?

I know it comes from the railroad way of doing things. But still, it's silly to me.

3 hours ago, beanz said:

U would think it would be something they think about but no. Most people with time down here don't want it to be easier for u because it wasn't easy for them. Nevermind that when they were xx the crew office probably did everything with pen and paper and it was harder to keep track of who lives where, but with all the technology we have nowadays there's no excuse. I'm sure there's a variable we don't know shit about but still, theyve been better in the past so i see no reason they can't be just as fair now.

Facts. I hate the line, "We all went through it."

The hell we did. There are people down here who picked on probation, so that's straight cap.

And the idea that we should just suck it up, buttercup, is horrid. They'll say wanting time with friends and family is not paying your dues and juat being too individualistic.

But leisure and recovery time is a crucial part of one's mental health. How can I properly operate a train when I'm too worn out from not giving my brain time to recover and see those who make me happy and are my support?

It's amazing, man.

On 6/17/2022 at 12:43 PM, beanz said:

 

 

Don't underestimate that Apple...i could do 1 to far rock and 1 to lefferts no problem but 2 to far rock 4 out of 5 days a week is no joke, especially when most of what u will operate is r46s. That master controller takes a serious toll on your right shoulder if your posture isn't right and those seats are so old that they are very difficult to adjust for the right posture. I am 6'3 and a lot of times the seat can't move all the way back for leg room so I'm cramped up and sitting low for an hour and 40 minutes. Thankfully i was able to pick and instead of 9 trips to far Rockaway and 1 to lefferts per week, i will only be seeing the rock 2 times a week next pick. Can't wait til they retire those 46s. The vanity wore off quick for me 😂...nice train when it's working and very easy to operate but I'm over it.

46s have never caused me any physiological issues. But I'm admittedly not the tallest guy around.

On 6/24/2022 at 2:30 PM, Mikepro6 said:

No I meant TSS , he said they’re having new TSS classes because they need them for school car and the issue might be not enough available to have more T/O classes

About 3 months or so. It's short because you already know large parts of the job as a T/O.

On 6/17/2022 at 12:43 PM, beanz said:

 

 

Don't underestimate that Apple...i could do 1 to far rock and 1 to lefferts no problem but 2 to far rock 4 out of 5 days a week is no joke, especially when most of what u will operate is r46s. That master controller takes a serious toll on your right shoulder if your posture isn't right and those seats are so old that they are very difficult to adjust for the right posture. I am 6'3 and a lot of times the seat can't move all the way back for leg room so I'm cramped up and sitting low for an hour and 40 minutes. Thankfully i was able to pick and instead of 9 trips to far Rockaway and 1 to lefferts per week, i will only be seeing the rock 2 times a week next pick. Can't wait til they retire those 46s. The vanity wore off quick for me 😂...nice train when it's working and very easy to operate but I'm over it.

Wait...you got off probation earlier this year. And you were just able to get RDO Relief like that?

You mentioned before being let go sadly. When that happens, and you are rehired, as you were, your senoriry is basically brand new again. At least according to rule 9a.

That huge gap between the last huge class hired before the pandemic in 2019, and the current hiring blitz, def came in handy, it seems.

2 hours ago, MarkGuy said:

What's annoying is that they talk as if only O/C T/O's keep messing up, but there are countless stories of T/O's hired before the O/C exams dropping the ball and only getting away with it bc people didn't use camera phones then.

And yes, there are numerous examples of O/C guys screwing up. But I know a promotional T/O in my induction who has a worse record than I do.

I've met a C/R who had gone to T/O and demoted himself back because he couldn't stop from hitting multiple homeballs.

There's the C/R who split multiple switches in CIY as well.

I took a promotional T/O with over 20 years as a student reposting on his pick job recently, and how he operated through flagging made me almost flip out.

It's not always as black and white as they show it.

 

 

And let me make something else clear: I've had my fair share of noticeable errors on the road too. But just b/c we are open competitive doesn't mean we're just all screwups.

39 minutes ago, RTOMan said:

If some folks keep screwing up(consistently) they'll do their best to keep it that way...

Getting past Schoolcar for new hires should be the hardest thing if you ask me...

Oh that and getting up to go to work lol...

What's annoying is that they talk as if only O/C T/O's keep messing up, but there are countless stories of T/O's hired before the O/C exams dropping the ball and only getting away with it bc people didn't use camera phones then.

And yes, there are numerous examples of O/C guys screwing up. But I know a promotional T/O in my induction who has a worse record than I do.

I've met a C/R who had gone to T/O and demoted himself back because he couldn't stop from hitting multiple homeballs.

There's the C/R who split multiple switches in CIY as well.

I took a promotional T/O with over 20 years as a student reposting on his pick job recently, and how he operated through flagging made me almost flip out.

It's not always as black and white as they show it.

43 minutes ago, RTOMan said:

Well the Next CR Exam is promo Only...

 

Yes but it could possibly go to an o/c test later on too. They hire promotionals first anyways.

10 hours ago, Schecter said:

I heard the next test is promotional only 

People keep saying this, but there's no definitive proof that it will be or they will switch to promotional only going forward. 

Transit always changes its mind; I wouldn't be surprised if even they don't know for sure. 

Let's just wait and see rather than just asserting that will be the case.

3 hours ago, trackerjack said:

so say.......i win a bid......then the original TO came back......i will lose the Bid job and i will go back to the bottom of the barrel for XX?  meaning, my seniority starts from the bottom again?  or did i read what you wrote wrong?  i hope it read it wrong cuz that sounds really bad  makes me not wanna bid

Your xx number will briefly go up but will reset itself to what it would have been once a new pick starts. 

5 hours ago, FilippoSironi said:

I prefer SMEE, R46 personally. New tech is a little to easy to operate. Maybe cuz I'm new tho, after a while I might actually start liking the comfort of the new tech trains. CBTC seems very boring to me tho...

Same way I feel. But I got a few years down here and that view hasn't changed for me.

On 4/12/2022 at 9:48 PM, Schecter said:

Preference 🤷‍♂️

Yeah I know. Just expressing my disdain for ntt. You like what u like. 

2 hours ago, Schecter said:

NTT all day everyday

Eewww. The hell with that. 

On 4/3/2022 at 6:37 PM, trackerjack said:

trust me on this......when ur on XX ur body will break down and won't want to do ANYTHING else after work.  during YX too especially when you switch tours

Yeah...this isn't wholly accurate. Least in my experience.

Been xx for some time and still find time to do plenty after work. Not always, but also not like it never happens either.

Per contract, there are two bids. One before the pick and one after it starts.

I've only won 1 so far in my time down here. 

BTW congrats to @beanz

And @Schecter for finishing b div schoolcar.

9 minutes ago, NextStop said:

Thanks for all the info.

So basically if you're in B Division you can be sent to any of the lettered lines until you have seniority enough to pick. If you're in Division B will you ever be sent to do a tour on Division A?

I know there is a shortage of conductors and t/o but is overtime forced/expected? Or can one do their 80 hours and bounce barring anything like waiting for relief etc.

Not opposed to overtime, nights/overnights or weekends just want to understand the culture.

1. Yes.

2. No; they cannot do that, unless you are actually in that division. You will only be assigned jobs in your current division.

3. See answer to your first question.

4. Very rarely will you get to do a straight 80 hours sans any overtime. Involuntary OT is very much part of this job.

6 hours ago, Tg367 said:

When working for MTA in this position do you need to have residency in the city

Na.

1 hour ago, lizzydriver said:

It's almost X-mas!

1)  Are we allowed to record video using a hidden camera or one of those Go Pros?  (for our safety; so much crime lately is happening) Or is this not allowed? No electronics what so ever?
2)  Are we allowed to wear digital watches that lights up? Or are we only allowed analog old style watches?
3)  When is the current list expired?  This is the 3rd Open Competitive in history I have read. I hope they will have a 4th or continue this Current list so some of us still has a chance.
4)  How many Train Operators is MTA hiring?  It seems like they hired a few hundred but they go up to the current list number now is 3000! 
5)  Is B division going to have all the newest tech and trains like the R211 I see in youtube?  Does that leave A division with the oldest trains?

I hope everyone has a good month and end of the year!!!

1. Hell f***ing no, at least if you mean while operating. I don't even see how that would deter crime at all. 

Technically you're really only allowed to use electronic devices in an approved break area during approved break periods. (though virtually all of us have broken this in some way, shape or form)

2. Depends on what you mean by "digital." No Apple watches or any of that fancy stuff that you can go online with or watch movies. Watches that just tell time with a digital interface, however, are okay. 

3. I think Sept of next year. But they will likely extend it.

4. A lot.

5. Yes, but not for a while. The R211's are currently undergoing extensive testing through the B division. Tentatively, they will be out by summer 2022. 

Even then the A div won't have the oldest cars in the system. Their oldest current cars began revenue service in the 1980s; the R46s debuted in 1975. But the A div will be getting the R262's'-their version of the 211s-in due time. 

12 hours ago, Schecter said:

They gotta test your patience for the real world, they're watching how you react through the stress making sure you're ready for the real deal. But congrats bro or sis you deserve this chance any questions I'm here to help with anything.

Nah; they just have poor organization down at Livingston 

25 minutes ago, FilippoSironi said:

oh ok I got it . I would pick PM as well but I do understand that I might not get it.  Good for you that you were able to get a pick job so soon! So they had a midnight tour at the height of the pandemic even though the subway didn't run after 1 am?

The subway did run. Just without passengers. Only quote on quote "essential" personnel.

4 hours ago, Ricardo924 said:

For training, are polos allowed for training? The paper I have says that the dress code requires navy blue pants and a gray collard shirt. 

Nope. Better follow what the paper says.

2 hours ago, FilippoSironi said:

Oh wow I wasn't aware that was the last competitive test. I guess we are the lucky ones. Maybe that will change in the future?

They've been saying such and such is the last open competitive test for years now. Maybe it is; maybe it isn't. We shall see.

6 hours ago, SevenEleven said:

 

 

Change the T to a B, lol. 

I was actually directly quoting him for @Jericho actually. He just responded to u and him with the same exact message so it may have gotten lost in translation. 

1 hour ago, Mtahopeful2287 said:

Thank you appreciate it good luck in your road to t/o

Um...he's already a T/O.