NYCQuietStorm

17 hours ago, jmksi said:

Does anyone know if there was an October Class for Train Operators? If so, when did it or does it start?

Yes, there is a class set for October 28th according to Ms. Vargas at 180 Livingston.  

1 hour ago, BrookylnBorn said:

I would like an inv to the slack class, and also info on this Kaka bag

Hey BB, once you are in the Slack group, go into the general area and you will see all the posts about the different Kaka bags.  

3 hours ago, kev2112 said:

I wouldn’t mind a link to this as well. Would be very much appreciated 

I cant send DMs here because im still considered a new member.  ALBMTA has to do it.  He is a senior member.  

22 hours ago, ALBMTA said:

For those of you in the Nov 26th class. This is just a suggestion. Start reading the first 38 rules in the Rule book. Then read Train Operator and Conductor as you need to be conversant in titles that are similarly engaged in the movement of trains. I will be going around the induction class asking everyone to join a Slack group that I created. It will help with sharing info as pertains to our induction group. I will then make class groups which will help with studying and comparing notes. 

Can you also send me the link for this in a PM?  I am interested.  I appreciate this.  Thank you.  See you on the 26th.  

5 hours ago, Imhim said:

My induction class was 70, we had 4 B division classes and 3 A division, honestly I was called up maybe halfway through the class and I got the option, everyone always says oh A division is filled by the time you get to the bottom but I think everyone in my induction class picked. We were actually shocked it was more B division classes than A, cause everyone says A is easier but I’m glad I went B because I live in Brooklyn. The material is more but again you’re gonna get it if you put the time in to study! 

Do more people go for A division or B division?  I know B is harder and more equipment to learn.  I personally always wanted B division.  

8 hours ago, Imhim said:

Good morning, they said it takes 48 hrs to update your name in the system, if it’s not by 3pm today just do it Monday, you have to have the boots by the time you go to school car, not orientation. You’ll be fine, the boots are shipped priority, they get to you super fast once ordered and your size is available. Again during orientation week, you can bring your book bag or duffle but keep in mind the books and tools you will be getting are super heavy and you have to have them everyday! Look on amazon for a “Kaka” backpack. It’s real good, it’s a backpack that can store the straps when crossing tracks. You’re not allowed to have anything on your shoulders when crossing tracks. It’s like $35-$50 depending on what type you get. That’s all out of your pocket, lol

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.  

Hello again everyone.  So for the T/Os who are starting school car on November 26th, remember we have to order our boots.  I tried a few times and it says invalid account information MTA.  Maybe it's still too early and I am not in the system yet.  Has anyone been able to get in and order their boots?  The paperwork says we need to have our boots by T/O induction on November 27th.  Also, I notice it says no backpacks or wheel bags allowed in class.   All I have is a backpack right now.  Is there a recommended bag that meets the MTA guidelines? Do they provide the bag, or is this out of our pockets?   If there is anyone in here that has been in school car, I appreciate any information you can give us.   

5 hours ago, BrookylnBorn said:

Start class on the 26th

 

list #4xx

 

Medical was done yesterday

 

Did second Pre employ last Monday on the 5th

Congrats!!  See you in School Car!!

Today I was sworn in and will be starting with the November 26th class.  Im am so excited.  I always wanted to operate.  Just want to thank you all.  This group here is awesome and you guys helped answer so many of my questions and made me feel at home.  From the bottom of my heart, thank you all.  And for those still going through the process, good luck, stay positive, and ill see you in the trenches.  

So I have a home blood pressure monitor and I'm getting around 145/90 which is slightly high and considered hypertension.  When the MTA doctor takes my pressure, are they going to consider that a medical issue if it's that high?  I know my BMI is under 35, but very close.  Right now with light clothes on, I am 220lbs, and my height with no shoes is about 5'7".  That brings my BMI to 34.5.  Do they weight you with all your clothes on?  Do they make you take your shoes off when they measure your height?  Even the smallest thing can have an effect on that BMI number.  I'm just trying to get an idea of how they are testing.  I'm right on the edge with everything.  And to boot, my neck is exactly 18 inches.  I always had a fat neck.  Its a mission to find dress shirts that aren't too tight.  Went through that all my life.  I heard they make you test for sleep apnea if your neck is 18 inches or larger. Just curious, is it a home test, or do they make you sleep in the hospital?  If anyone has more detailed information on the actual medical procedures, that would be awesome.   I wish everyone good luck on their PE and Medical coming up.  Thank you all for all the information and positive words.  

4 hours ago, bajan said:

Hello everyone.  For those of you on here concerned about having high blood pressure and BMI over 35.  You will be put on medical hold until you have a sleep study conducted, just to rule out sleep apnea.  If you have sleep apnea and reads AHI of 15 or more than you should be concerned because you will be put on short term medical hold (30 days) until you show your CPAP compliance report of 70% or more.  If you have less than 15 and no other medical conditions you will be cleared.  I'm speaking from experience.  I was put on medical hold because of the same thing but my report should AHI of 6 and I was cleared.  I recently was placed into the November 26th class.  list number 1**.  Just maintain your medication regime and juice (fresh vegetables and fruits) for 1 meal and it surely will help with weight loss. TRUST ME!!!  Have faith and stay focus you will get in in due time.  Good luck  to all those that are going through the pre-employment/employment process.  Congratulations to those that have made it through the employment process!

Thank you for this info.  About the blood pressure.  What does the MTA consider high?  What is their threshold before they put you on medical hold?  I appreciate the info.  

I just got the email.  I got called in for medical on Wednesday, November 14th and I'm being considered for the November 26th class.  I'm list 38x.  That is awesome news.  I see some of you also got called.  Good luck to you all and hope to see you there!!

18 minutes ago, nipaaaa said:

33x, everyone calm your butts. I did my pre-employment nov 2 and i haven't gotten an email for medical yet. It's all random...or I failed the drug test. If it wasn't random, I should've gotten an email to go in nov 7 like Rush1982

 

Brookylnborn - 41x, pre-employment nov 5th, no medical email
NYCquietstorm - 3xx, pre-employment nov 5th, no medical email
Rush1982 - 31x, pre-employment nov 2nd, medical on nov 9th. 5 business day gap
rcabrer1 - 23x, pre-employment nov 1st, medical on nov 7th. 4 business day gap
 

Or they don't like us Bay Ridge candidates, lol.  Thanks for the compilation of info there.  

1 hour ago, rcabrer1 said:

Thanks man! My pre-employment was on Nov 1st which includes the drug test. Got an email on the 5th to come in on the 7th for medical. Did my medical and was sworn in the same day. Literally only a week window.

Thank you for that info brother.  That's exactly what I was trying to see.  I did my pre-employment and drug test on Monday the 5th, and haven't received any email as of right now.  It may come possibly any time now.  Good luck again !!!

26 minutes ago, SeanH525 said:

Hey, I was also there (one of those 12 people) and I can confirm I didn’t get any call or e-mail yet either. Hopefully we’ll hear something by Friday.

Yea what a day.  Im sure we spoke to each other at one point.  If I hear anything i will let you know.  

16 minutes ago, rcabrer1 said:

Passed medical and got sworn in and appointed for the Nov 26th class. I'm list number 23*

Hey congratulations man!!  How long did it take them to contact you from the point you took the drug test?  And what pre-employment date were you at? Just trying to get a time frame on it.  I appreciate it.  And once again congrats and wish you the best in your new journey as a Train Operator!

20 minutes ago, Fredman0220 said:

What did the pre-employment consist of? Did they look or ask for anything specific?

It consisted of a lot of waiting. Lol. I got there at around 7AM.  We had to wait on line to get a ticket to see someone at the main counter.  Once at the main counter you give them your pre-employment letter that they sent you and they give you a brown envelope with paperwork you have to fill out at home, and a drug test release form to fill out right there.  I gentleman came out with a speaker and microphone and helped us to fill out our paperwork and to make sure we were doing it correctly.  Then Ms. Vargas took 12 of us into a conference room and we had an hour or longer info-session in which she explained things about school car and the job and we were able to ask questions and talk to each other.  It was very informative.  Make sure you have all your stuff like HS diploma, passport, drivers license, and your application that you received.  Make sure you do not have any parking tickets, or DMV moving violations, or any DMV court dates for tickets you are fighting, they will make you go to DMV and pay them in person.  You cannot pay online.  I was done with all my paperwork before 12 noon.  I basically waited till after 6PM to get my urine test.  The problem was the lab was backed up severely.  MTA employees who are pulled in for randoms have first priority over us pre-employees and there were a lot of MTA employees there for randoms that day.  There was no medical at my pre-employment.  After the drug test we were allowed to go home.  It was just about a 12 hour day for me.  Be prepared to wait.  Make sure you bring your phone charger or better yet a USB battery pack so you dont have to rely on an electrical outlet.  Good luck to everyone.  

12 minutes ago, msmcmillan said:

I believe it takes anywhere from 3-90 days. There are a lot of people that took the urine test one than once for this exam.

They never called me back for the medical in June after I did the urine, but I received another pre-employment letter. So, if I go I have to take another urine. 

Train operator holds a lot of weight being it is also used as a promotional title, don't be surprised if you have to do a few urines and another pre-employment!

Thank you.  Im hearing different things.  Ms. Vargas in the info-session told us that we should possibly hear something in 1 to 3 days by email and that this would be for a possible November 26th class, and that there are definitely another 2 classes in the works but they haven’t announced dates.  

Anyone get a call back from Monday November 5th’s pre-employment?  I was there all day for 12 hours.  My list number is 3xx.  Thank you everyone.  Good luck!

I did my pre-employment Monday the 5th.  I was there all day.  The lab was backed up and I didn't get to pee until after 6PM.  How long does it take to generally get the email stating weather you passed or not?  At around 6PM today, it will be 48 hours.  I haven't received any email or call yet.  I appreciate any info you guys have.  Thank you.  

Just now, LIRRMedford said:

correct

Guess i should pay it right now so I dont even have to deal with it.  Thank you for the info.  

44 minutes ago, LIRRMedford said:

If the ticket is pending they are gonna tell you plea guilty and take the fine then put it on your application otherwise you will have to wait until the court date.

SO basically if I don't pay right now,  they are going to hold up my application process until my court date in July of 2019?

I report to Livingston Street tomorrow for the pre-employment process.  In June, I got caught up in one of those NYPD traffic ticket blitzes in Manhattan on 57th and 2nd Ave.  They had about 7 cars pulled over for not completely stopping at the flashing red signal.  Whatever the case, I plead not guilty.  My DMV court date is in July of 2019.  Are they going to make me change my plea  to guilty and pay the $250 fine, and get 3 points on my license?  What if I would have beaten it at the time of my hearing?  Is this considered pending?  I just really don't want to pay that fine and get those points if I have a chance at beating the ticket.  What is your guys take on this?  I appreciate any info you can give me.  Thank you.

I actually got the letter to report at 7:30AM on November 2nd.  Reading this makes not want to have anything to do with the MTA.  I have an excellent job right now as a system engineer in the IT field.  The one bad thing about a corporate job is you're only relying on your 401K and your social security  when you retire. There is no pension, and  no medical coverage once you retire in my company.  I always had an interest in operating a train.  I am really finding this to be a most difficult decision to make.  Right now I come and go as I please, have no issues if I want to take off, or call out sick, or use the bathroom, or take a break.  Are all these things in this post true?  It sounds like working in a nightmare.  Do I leave my cushy IT job and take a 6 dollar an hour cut in pay to go work in hell, just to hope I survive the 20 years so I can get that pension?   I was hoping to see some positive posts by other operators, but I don't.  Even the friends I have that are operators have nothing positive to say about the job.  The main thing I keep hearing over and over again is that the supervisors love to make your life a miserable hell.  Why is that?  Does anyone have anything positive to say about this position?  Does anyone actually enjoy operating?  I am thinking of forfeiting my position.  My list number is in the 300s, so I know I would most likely get a position If I pass all the prerequisites and medical testing.  I do realize that this post is coming from someones point of view, and not everyone's experiences are the same.  Is this a good job, or is it a job that you take just to get a pension and be miserable for 20 years?  I don't know.  Maybe someone in here can say something positive.  Thanks.