Late Clear

8 hours ago, RTOMan said:

A Div Yards are easy very simple (with the exception of Westchester yard with its loop tracks).. Cut the train go up the lead bring it back to the barn or another track.

Most B Div yards that's not the case also there's usually layups or washes coming in as well lots of traffic.

Station Switching? I wont even get into that...

Food for thought though... WES yard might be big and complicated, but I always thought it was the easiest yard.  You can loop and bury trains all within the yard.  Same with COR.

E180 & Unionport are probably the most complicated in the IRT.  Lots of moves across the mainline.

17 hours ago, RTOMan said:

They Yard and station switching post before they start YX (usually right after) so its not like they never seen that move before...

Yeah I know, but they see tons of stuff and the majority of it is irrelevant too, so how can you expect them to retain everything when they're taught to walk around on pins and needles the entire time.  

I still think that YX should eliminated and more time should be dedicated to hands on posting in the yards and on the road on every tour.   Let's say they post AMs in the yard and now they're YX with a switching job out of a terminal on the PMs and expected to layup trains, it's completely different. 

On 3/10/2022 at 8:48 AM, RTOMan said:

To those who are YX now..

Please dont tell the Dispt "Oh I'm not to comfortable doing that"

Especially if its JUST a move where one has to take a train change ends and take it back to lay up behind another train..

Seen two of them Use this excuse at 179...

 

I actually kind of like this.  They rush their training and hold them accountable for everything.   

2 hours ago, trackerjack said:

Ok guys i'm losing sleep over this problem I'm having.

So I already passed drug/medical/and got sworn in for class. But now I realized I messed up on the pre-employment application.

I have 
1) literally forgot to put one job on there (was a really long time ago, part time job, but i got paid in check and was taxed)
and
2) I wrote down a Job I had previously worked at in the Day 1 pre-employment job history section BUT i did NOT put write that job in the Day 2 pre-employment job history section.

So basically Am I screwed?  Will they catch this and fire me on the spot on anyday between now and end of my Probation period?  or even worse....Fire me even after Probation when they finish their Investigation on my background?

I'm a nervous wreck now!!! if anyone can shed some light on this, thank you~

 

Highly highly highly doubt it.  

You're human, we forget and you're not trying to hide a criminal charge or something mischievous.   

I wouldn't loose sleep over it.

11 hours ago, MarkGuy said:

The membership has been demanding that; people (including yours truly) regularly critique the union's efforts at monthly meetings, but ultimately they are in bed with management, given they struck a deal with them in the most recent contract to have us come to work more frequently and share the savings amongst themselves.

That's why they have no vested interest in fighting to get us more time off for the things we endure down here. Or why we still had to fully come to work during a global pandemic. 

And about what I said about racism, just look around at the decrepit conditions wee have to work in.

The lack of toilet paper/paper towels; dirty,  unmaintained ventilation, literal sewage in some cases, disgusting urinals. Supervisors will say it's our fault but never mention how this company greatly reduced cleaner slots and outsourced it instead of hiring full-time unionized ones. Is this really the same trearment in the majority white LIRR and Metro North?

The discipline we face; when a union opposition member exposed how one LIRR crew opened up without platforms a few years ago and only got a reprimand while there are people here who've been slapped with DANS for dropping the handle one time while the train was barely moving. There's no way skin color doesn't play some role here.

I won't get into that aspect too much more on this forum. But I had to speak my mind on it.

 

You're correct about discipline but who's job is it to grieve and argue discipline.  The union, it sells out the membership.   It can be argued that the union favors a certain race over another and I certainly believe there is prejudice there.  The membership collectively needs to demand change.

  

16 hours ago, MarkGuy said:

It can take a toll on your health, yes. But to be honest, a large part of that is because people down here allow themselves to fall into a sedentary lifestyle. 

Ask anyone down here who knows me and they will tell you that I always carry around my gym clothes to put in that work after work. And I've basically managed to keep my weight the same since coming down here.

Too many people in RTO are basically blimps; of course that will impact your health moreso. 

Agreed with much of what you have said here though.

The management is horrible and (though I know some people here will not agree with what I'm about to say) racist; the other sections of the MTA with a more white workforce do not get treated as badly as we do. 

 

Some people down here with time ego trip (i.e. the cats who see u in "their" chair and ask you to get off of it); others in that same position don't though.

This has the potential to be one of the best jobs in the country. If only some things were changed.

You're right about the sedentary lifestyle.   I also have managed to stay healthy and it took a tremendous amount of discipline and lifestyle changes.  I always tell new folks to bring their own lunch, keep it healthy, and avoid buying food at terminals if you can.  It's really easy to meal plan and you don't have to make it complicated.  You'll save money and maintain your health, it's a no brainer.

As far as gyms and physical activity are concerned, you can find a blink fitness pretty much on any line in both divisions, I highly recommend a membership.  It's not easy though, especially if you're not driving and you're XL or XX to carry all that gear with you and your gym clothes.  

As far as racism is concerned, I believe this department and agency get treated worse because of the lack of negotiated rights and job protections by the labor union.  It's really up to membership to demand that.  We all pay union dues. 

 

1 hour ago, BrooklynN said:

Anyone here already a T/O? How would you describe this job? Stressful or not that bad? Too much workplace politics or do you job right and they left you alone? Would you recommend this job to your best friend? 
I am just curious. Lol. 

Personally speaking, I wouldn't.

If you have other options I strongly suggest to go and pursue them.   

The job takes a major toll on your health and family life.  It will consume you especially your first 5-10 years.  Morale is nonexistent, from supervision down to your coworkers.   

The labor union will not help you, not because they don't want to, but the powers that be have essentially disabled them from doing so.  It's too far gone.

Sure there are good people on the job, but you'll notice they're few and far between.

The major handicap in this institution is not the work itself, but the management.  The organization is severely flawed and within a few weeks on you'll realize why they have such a high turn over and struggle to motivate people to come to work, which for some odd reason, they do not get graded on, otherwise they would have all lost their jobs years ago.

Also remember to factor in the current climate of this city, as a RTO or surface employee, you often become overwhelmed with dealing with people and situations that have totally nothing to do with your job description.   

Throw in random reporting locations, erratic schedule changes, complete violations of seniority without additional compensation, and complete lack of support from the union and your coworkers.  You will quickly become complacent and disgruntled.

Not too many candidates are cut out to tolerate this sort of work environment, and quite frankly, why should they.  Employees are leaving this department and agency in droves.  

On the flip side, the job does pay well (although not enough in my opinion), pension is still decent compared to other titles and city agencies (not as good as the uniformed forces obviously but better than administrative employees) with decent benefits.  

The decision is ultimately yours. 

4 hours ago, MarkGuy said:

I have heard about that here as someone posted it. Yx is useful provided they have you going to a variety of places and making you actually work. But that does not always happen in theory. 

It doesn't because of the way it's implemented. 

The incompetent CAS has a field day assigning people with no rhyme or reason just to fill vacant jobs day to day and it's not really the learning experience it was designed to be.  Some students will never see the yard, filling switching jobs while others will spend the entire time in a yard working with a disgruntled senior person who doesn't want to be bothered setting a poor example  or under a careless yardmaster assigning them work that they shouldn't be doing.   

If anyone learns anything through YX it's purely by coincidence.   

On 6/24/2021 at 2:11 AM, nipaaaa said:

nah, it's a waste of money

It's not in case you have to go out on disability.  

Step in your shower the wrong way and if you slip throw your back out then what.   Short term disability is a joke in NY.

1 hour ago, STtoMTA said:

Also, why aren’t they just assigning runs like hold downs to extras. Like basically a VR would do but for the extras if they’re all actual operators that are out full time.  

People have been trying to figure out the method to their madness for years.  One thing is for sure, whatever they're doing, doesn't work.  

 

1 hour ago, Jericho said:

I did an extra trip this morning. One of the dispatchers said there were 80+ open train operator jobs in the B division for the day. 

This is how it's going to be until they change something.   This is bold but I think the local and the TA need to come together and revise the work program and pick process contractually. 

Something has to give.   

They have employees, their issue is employee availability.   Post pandemic they're working the people they have to the ground and the rest are retiring.  They can't motivate anyone to actually come to work, especially on weekends.   If you look at their XX rosters it just keeps growing in both divisions and titles. 

43 minutes ago, Brytstar said:

Hey guys, I am scheduled to go in tomorrow for medical. I have a question about the money order for finger printing. I wasn’t able to get a one of the three money orders they stated on the letter they sent me (us postal, American Express of travelers express); was only able to get a western Union money order. Think they will accept it?

No.  Go get the right one.   Go to the post office. 

On 3/7/2021 at 10:09 PM, SeanH525 said:

I have a good feeling they’ll be hiring soon to fill vacancies. Between retirements, covid deaths, and the influx of cash they’ve received from the federal government, I’d say it’s coming sooner rather than later. Hold tight.

It's my opinion they will no longer fill this title and eliminate it through attrition.  

I always suggest it's good to be optimistic but important to be realistic.  Take other exams, keep your current job, make long term plans, and don't put all your eggs in one basket.   

Technology is eliminating this title through OMNY.  

 

On 2/17/2021 at 7:10 AM, Dave2836 said:

Like wise, as insubordinate as it sounds, read the signals as far as you can before leaving a station.  Why move the train on a yellow aspect when you have to stop with atleast one car or even the entire train itself can't clear the block? Now you are stuck between stations and your follower can't even breach the platform.

Especially important for new train operators.    Stop chasing yellows. 

12 hours ago, STtoMTA said:

So you’re saying more along the lines of “lay of the land” 

Exactly.  

Learning line ups isn't as hard as they make it out to be.  

You have to think outside the box.  Focus on learning the track layouts.  Whenever I passed a switch I would think about why it was there.  You have to be patient.  You guys have track schematics, etc.   

You can memorize all the proper line ups and it still won't help you when there is problem on the road and you get rerouted or during GOs.  School car doesn't really prepare you for these scenarios it takes a little initiative and some experience.  

When you're posting, especially with a experienced T/O, ask that person, what are common ways this line gets rerouted when things go wrong, where do they turn trains, etc?

To all you hopefuls and choosing divisions, if given the option, your choice should be based solely off location and commuting.  

 

Let's see what they learn from this order moving forward.

Both divisions will be desperate for more equipment within the next 5 year window.   SMEE trains in both divisions are closing in on 40 years old.  Hopefully the next delivery will be that of a more durable product. 

2 hours ago, staffspm1 said:

see in the UK we would never be heading at a red signal expecting it to clear so I don't think I could ever get used to your system. 25 feet is not that far ahead of you to hope its going to clear properly, no wonder you all travel at much reduced speed!

Exactly.

On 7/4/2020 at 9:39 AM, staffspm1 said:

thank you all for your insights.

 

SO when you see ST20, in theory if you are travelling at 20mph it should clear. What is the difference between GT and ST? I have seen signs that have just T on them, what would you do here.

 

Sorry for the rules exams!

The purpose of station time is to bring you into the station or close to your leader train.  It will only be in effect if you are following a train.  

Grade time is used to enforce speed in area such as a curve or grade.  Once you encounter a "T" you are entering a grade time area.  

These signals are supposed to clear within 25 feet of your train if you are entering the grade time/station time area at the posted speed.  

From your experience you will realize the majority of these signals are flawed and with time you will learn how to navigate these areas.  

As a new train operator you will be extra extra.   I do not suggest you challenge these signals and follow your school car instructions on how to handle these areas.  

15 hours ago, MarkGuy said:

Yes, quite a few of our timers don't work as designed. In schoolcar largely for this reason, we're taught to approach them at less than poated speed and let them clear in front of you. 

You especially must take caution with the red automatic/approaches with lunar whites.

(For your reference, an automatic signal is governed by train movements; an approach signal is an interlocking signal-one of three diff types in the system-that is controlled by both train movement and tower operation)

I was recently approaching one of those aforementioned reds with a lunar white at less than posted speed. And it still didn't clear. Even after I stopped it took some time to clear. Since then, I don't challenge timers. Save for a select few ones. 

The signals are faulty don't challenge them.  

One shot timers specifically are counter intuitive of optimal operation.  

1 hour ago, MarkGuy said:

Im finding that last part is the truth-especially about leadership. Im def not even close to wanting to quit.

The other factors you mentioned I've found ways to work with. Just the tour is causing issues. Ill see what can be done.

It's a adjustment process.   Takes awhile. 

Like I said, it's what you make it.   

Give it time, you'll find stability.   Everyone is different.

4 hours ago, MarkGuy said:

I appreciate the advice. But honestly my body is not cut out for midnights and its causing me health issues. Looking for ways out.

Ask them to switch your tour, see how that works out for you... doesn't hurt to ask.  

You'll reason eventually that this line of work is bad for your health unless you're proactive.   

Long days of monotonous work, trains that are most likely giving you motion sickness you just don't realize it yet,  lack of hydration due to limited bathroom availability, poor work-life balance that will impact your family and socially isolate you from the world, all while being surrounded by disgruntled coworkers and leadership that have no business in this line of work. 

It's what you make it.  

13 hours ago, MarkGuy said:

Im trying. I am getting more sleep but hunger wakes me up like 5 hrs in. Then i get back to sleep. Not everyone is built for that shift and the body naturally isn't. I try working out before sleeping and taking melatonin as well.

Let's say you have 00:00 report.  

Eat a hearty lunch. 

Get home around 9-10 AM.  

Have a light breakfast, such as maybe yogurt and fruit and go to sleep.

Wake up 6 PM.  

Work Out.  

Have a snack, nuts or something light.  

Get ready to go to work and repeat.  

My advice is that if you are on PMs or midnights, plan on waking up 5-6 hours before your report going to work and getting 7-8  hours of sleep after you come home.  

I know being XX or XL the report times aren't always stable and this can be difficult but I guarantee you can stick to this regimen at least 3 times a week.   

It is my opinion that PMs as a XX C/R or T/O is the most difficult tour to work because it is the longest.  

On 6/28/2020 at 10:44 AM, MarkGuy said:

Been taking passengers over a month now solo. Love it so far. Don't love the straining midnight hours and am having a hard time adjusting no matter what I try.

But I'm hoping it will get better soon.

The midnight tour is what you make it.   Some people love it.  It depends on your outside life.  

If you have the luxury, plan on getting 8 hours of consistent sleep each night.  Blackout curtains and some sort of ambient noise (perhaps a fan, for example) drain out distractions.  

Pay attention to your diet.  Heavy meals will make it difficult for you to sleep and will be detriment to your overall health long term.