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SubwayGuy

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Posts posted by SubwayGuy

  1. I can believe it but i doubt they will. Simply because there isn't a whole lot of people who goes thru with becoming a T/O. A lot of the forums and treads i've read there is people who get on the promotional list get into the schoolcar and say the hell with this and go back to there position.

     

    It's not saying "the hell with this". A lot can't pass the training, and give up before the system would weed them out.

     

    Training is not easy and you have to apply yourself. Apply yourself for a few months and the reward is a career where the checks never bounce, with job security, with good healthcare, and with a pension at the end. Some people can't, or won't do that.

  2. I understand that part but let's say 1000 people passed the promotional test does the agency have to get to all 1000 before they move on to the open competitive.

     

    The agency must consider all 1000 for promotion before they move onto the open competitive.

     

    It does NOT mean all 1000 will be hired, but Transit must consider them all before they consider the first Open Competitive. Transit (or any agency), by Civil Service Law, is allowed to disqualify people for various reasons, but it must offer employment (or promotion) to 1 of the next 3 candidates on every eligible list (1 in 3 rule...can't skip 3 in a row). Other factors can disqualify someone too - anyone with an open disciplinary or court case, for example, is ineligible for promotion. Also, many people decline the promotion, which doesn't count against Transit for purposes of the 1 in 3 rule. So the list moves fairly quickly. A class of, say, 40, may go through 50, 60, or even 70 names on the list.

     

    Once all 1000 promotionals have been considered, then the first Open Competitives will be called. Often, there is overlap, so it isn't uncommon for the last of the promotionals to be mixed in with the first of the Open Competitives, both in processing and once the class actually starts.

     

    Rest assured you have nothing to worry about if you scored high on the Open Competitive test. 1000 promotionals may sound like a lot, but the list goes very quickly. Remember, they're up to over 6000 on the current O/C list, and previously, most O/C lists went up to 3000-3500. The high scoring Open Competitives always get called.

  3. When you guys yard post do you do it for the entire day or does it end up like 3 hours yard post and 5 hours hammering the subways. I tried to visualize everything. Sounds like hard job alot of times. Moving trains early in the morning and then boom you're operating the q train all the way from Brighton beach to the city.

     

    Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

     

    All posting as a student for Train Operators, you will be assigned to a trainer, and work your trainer's job under their careful observation for the entirety of the run. So minimum 8 paid hours. During that time, you will also be able to ask questions, and the trainer will go over certain things with you. Specifically regarding yard posting, your trainer should take you out to walk around the entire yard to familiarize you with the layout and any important physical characteristics, as well as the locations of towers, crew rooms, the barn, the car desk, key switches, and where the various yard leads will take you. They can also answer any questions you may have about the equipment in that yard.

      

     

    I don't know when they started but it covers all types of revenue trains (A and B division), work trains and what problems you can encounter with them. Not a fair test if you were never trained on both divisions and work trains. It's not held against you though.

     

    Odd...this is different than the questions in the simulator, I assume. Why make newer people take tests with work trains questions on it when they were never familiarized with it? Doesn't seem to serve much purpose...

      

     

    I don't know when they started but it covers all types of revenue trains (A and B division), work trains and what problems you can encounter with them. Not a fair test if you were never trained on both divisions and work trains. It's not held against you though.

     

      

    See above.

     

    As far as I know, he's done. He mixed a low home and a marker signal. They ain't trying to hear excuses.

     

    Next week is the final test and road ops practical. Feeling pretty good but the ecams are THE WORST! LOL! Took 3 trips for me to get the hang of it. I'm pretty sure our test is gonna be on that equipment. SMH....

     

    If you are talking about the 62s, that's hands down the best equipment in the system when you get a hang of it. Take a light brake, wait for it, and hold it. Those are the best braking trains in the system, so if you need more you can grab more and you'll get it. Feather down to release to smooth out the stop at the end. Never go all the way to running release and you'll be fine. Don't dip below 20 pounds at high speeds (>10 MPH) and you'll avoid lurching the train.

     

    Only train in the system you can fly into a station at 40 MPH and make a smooth stop without grabbing more than 40 pounds of air at any point.

    So I hope that school is redundant when it comes to practice. How do people practice a move and then 3 weeks later expect people to remember what they learned. On top of that learn signals by eye sight and definition by verbatim? Its amazing. Not trying to sound like a know it all. I don't know anything. But I can tell alot of people make mistakes in this field when they're not paying attention. If you got ADD you're definitely challenged in this field.

     

     

     

    Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

     

    Signals are less complicated than you'd think, we see them all the time and eventually it becomes second nature. The important thing is knowing what to do when you see a signal. Plenty of people can tell you what a yellow signal means, but will you slow your train to such a speed that you won't hit the red signal you didn't see hidden behind that box or cable? Or will you be the guy sitting on your hands on the famous bench at 2 Broadway talking about ("I slowed down, but I didn't see the signal")?

     

    Route familiarization is just like driving. It takes time, but eventually you learn where all the "turns" are, which "lights to avoid", etc. In the beginning it will seem overwhelming, just carry route guides, respect your yellows, and before long you'll know where all the signals are.

  4. Thanks for the quick response. 

     

    I've also heard that the A division has more of an updated RR system.. "Automatic way's to trip up and get called downtown"  A division would be ideal because of where I live.. As opposed to the B division where you can cover up a missed signal.  The T/O's on the A division have been VERY vocal in person about missing signals which lead to the obvious retention rate of the 2016 maturation process from school car to the end of 1st-year probation.  Does this hold any merit?

     

    Don't let people saying that jam you up. There are plenty of places in the B Division that it can be seen if you've hit a signal...also you never know who is riding your train and may report or question it...and many signals have event recorders that will say if they've been passed while at danger.

     

    Don't ever assume no one knows. Learn to respect the yellows and not hit signals.

  5. Today was the final signals exam. Everyone passed except one person. They're being real strict with the rules now. We also took the YX exam. EVERYONE failed that. Highest score was a 71. I somehow got a 69. Start road operations next week.

     

    As a note, be VERY careful when moving trains! Follow the rules or be a victim of them!

     

    220 days til permanent.

     

    What's the "YX exam"? Haven't heard of that one. Is that something new they're doing with you guys for practice now?

  6. Sounds like the new contract made it so all of us get the pass now

     

    But until it's ratified, or if it's not and the contract goes to arbitration - until the arbitrator rules and chooses to include this provision - the benefit won't be provided just yet. So I'm providing the current info.

     

    If the benefit is realized, the specifics of how it will work (separate commuter pass or just use TA pass, all agencies or you have to choose one) can be provided at that time, but if I tried to do that now it would be speculation.

  7. If you are applying for a TWU position...

     

    Right now:

    You will get your choice of Metro North or LIRR commutation pass that you will apply for, and you will be eligible for this benefit unless you live in NYC. That pass will be good for only the commuter railroad you elect, you cannot choose both.

    NJ Transit is a different agency (non TA) so you would get nothing for Jersey.

     

    This may change if the tentative contract agreement is ratified by the members or the commutation pass provision is added in binding arbitration if the contract goes to arbitration. Details would be provided at that time, as it's too early to say without seeing the full text of the new agreement to be voted on.

  8. If this was correct, the employee turnover rate for T/O's would be 100% about every 13 years, and that's definitely not the case.

     

    It's true. Remember, many fail during schoolcar. And it's not just retirements, you have Train Operators that take resume positions off the road, go to TD, and go to TSS.

  9. Of course not. Any post to that effect would be pure blind speculation. The promo list hasn't even been established yet. It's impossible to speculate on how people did on the test until the results come out. Then at least you'll have a ballpark of how many people would need to be considered before they'll move on to the OC list.

  10. Just think, 2 and half years from now and you will be doing what I did 3 weeks ago........picking a job. Here's my bit of advice, unless you are in a crew room, outside, or not in uniform, don't even think about touching your phone. I wasn't even on the clock, walking to the CRC to sign in, was only putting my phone on airplane mode, when wham, TSS saw me and started going all ape shit on me. Just don't do it. 2nd, I'm in B Division, and now that I have a pick job, I will be taking on students. I think the students need someone who still follows school car rules to teach them. Not that the senior guys aren't good at teaching, it's just that the new students have been picking up bad habits waaaaaay to much and the B division has been seeing a lot of incidents involving students and instructors. Not a good thing for 248.

     

    The problem isn't people with time or people without time. It's people who don't know what the hell they're doing showing shortcuts or methods of operating equipment that they don't themselves understand, and people with bad attitudes who are lazy / don't give a damn. I've seen people with wet stripes on their uniform shirts doing both, and I've seen people that have been here long enough to know better doing both.

     

    The biggest skill you can pick up as a new transit employee is learning who is full of shit and who is not.

     

    As for that TSS, he needs to calm down. If you're not on the clock, and simply turning your phone off before you sign in you are well within your rights to pull out your phone, even while in uniform, to put it on airplane mode.

  11. I realized today that there are gonna be days where it seems like everything clicks and I have it all figured out. Then there are gonna be days so overwhelming that I'm gonna feel like I'm making the biggest mistake going thru all this.

     

    The best analogy I can give to make sense of this crazy cycle is School Car is a scavenger hunt. Grab EVERYTHING they give you (knowledge and hands on experience), then sit quietly somewhere and piece it all together. It WILL come together if you're paying attention. I'm realizing that now.

     

    312 days to perm.

     

    Yup and don't think for a minute learning stops when you pass schoolcar. If anything, it's just beginning. You need to keep learning until the day you retire. Things will change after you learn them too. No one here...NO ONE...knows everything. So keep learning and beware of anyone who claims to know everything...they always don't.

  12.  

    After trying to figure out what the document REDVIPER90 linked us, i was able to obtain the following information for conductors;

     

    1)    "The 2017 increase is mainly the result of additional coverage required to meet intensified track repair work at NYCT and training of locomotive engineers and conductors at MNR. In later Plan years, across the Agencies, year-over-year changes are modest and consistent with wage growth assumptions and changes in operational requirements. "
     
    2)   Concrete Safety Enhancements that promote safe operations and safe work practices included:
                 "Continuing Locomotive Engineer, Conductor, Rail Traffic Controller, and Yardmaster rightsizing initiatives to appropriately balance/limit fatigue risk, shift coverage, and overtime use."
     
    3)    Proposed Additional Investments:
         "Train and Engine (T&E) Block Training Extension from 3 to 5 Days - block Training is the period of time during the year when the approximately 1,400 Metro-North Engineer and Conductor (T&E) crew members fulfill their periodic training requirements. It takes a full year to process these employees through their annual block training exercise. This two day extension, which is being instituted to more efficiently train the crews on new state and federally mandated topics as well as PTC, will enable Metro-North to more effectively cover the cost for coverage of

    service while employees are completing this additional training."

     

    4) "Human Resources continues its aggressive hiring efforts to fill vacancies, especially for critical, must-fill maintenance positions in all areas and crafts. Human Resources is also working closely with Transportation to right-size the Locomotive Engineer, Conductor, Yardmaster and Rail Traffic Controller ranks."

     

    5) "Provide for a more efficient process for scheduling mandatory train engineer and

    conductor training, enabling MNR to provide better service coverage utilizing straight-time rather than overtime."

     

     

     

    That all concerns Metro-North, not NYCT Subways.

     

    NYCT subways personnel needs for operating personnel are largely based on retirements and promotions, which are expected to remain at elevated levels for the next several years.

  13. If the medications are prescribed, you are usually OK, although there are some drugs that are an absolute no no that will even get an established employee restricted to No Work Available.

     

    Bring the prescription bottles and be sure to mention them when you fill out the questionnaire on the computer, and also to the screener and the doctor if you are asked about medications you take.

     

    As long as the prescription is not one of the ones that is a no no, you will be fine.

  14. People getting excited about R32s on the (B) makes me feel old, I remember riding them here and there on the (B) to and from High School which I attended from 06 to 2010. Freshman year when the 160 order was in the early stages at least one set of 32s was on the (B) and when the Brighton station rehab started a few years later 1 train set of 32's returned to the (B) , it even broke down on me once at Sheepshead Bay with a door problem and the train had to be taken out of service  :lol:

     

     

    To me, seeing the R42s on the (B) would be  :drool:  as I never saw or rode them on the (B) other than the one car in the WillyB pair.

     

    Wow, that's really not at all long ago.

     

    Even though you're extremely young (but perhaps not as young as many of the children on this board), 42s on the B was a really common thing until the CI rebuild 42s were retired in the mid 2000s (maybe 2007?)

     

     

    As for the other posts questioning the validity of info in this thread, it's fun to watch foamers fight. I've seen and heard all I need to and posted a fair amount about the cars. Endless mindless speculation about not finalized plans for equipment swaps frankly bores the hell out of me, and I don't really give a damn since it's subject to change anyway. Nothing on the internet is truly infallible, consider the source, not the site. There are things I and a small handful of others post on here that you can take to the bank, and there is mindless speculation by the masses. The same is true at those "other" sites but I don't waste my time with them because most pictures and videos of transit are nothing more than mundane, every day nonsense with no fresh ideas or artistry, and at least here there is the career forum to help out would be employees, and all of the pics and videos are sorted out so I don't have to waste my time clicking through the mess.

  15. Is that because that's the side you can't see at the time? And is there anything that keeps conductors from opening that side by accident?

     

    The left door open is designed for T/O's in OPTO service to open the offside from the console. It is NOT for the conductor.

     

    Current policy is for OPTO T/O's not to use it. It's also unclear exactly how it works (as a procedure), because there is no associated close control other than turning the key which is a complete no no.

  16. I can post the pictures if you send them to me via email. 

     

    :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

    Here is the cab for anyone interested: (Although i made this for the Openbve simulator, this is what it looks like IRL)

     

    (pic)

     

     

     

    Compare it to the 160 cab and you can see the new PA on the left , new TOD and some buttons got shifted around and the CBTC select box on the right got integrated into the TOD dash

     

    (pic)

     

    Seeing as I've been in the train and walked around, I'm not too concerned about what somebody made for BVE...

    I am not stating anything. I hadn't heard anywhere that it was CBTC-equipped, I only thought that they would be CBTC ready. This is a new user and therefore I am skeptical.

     

    They are set up for CBTC with all relevant controls, circuit breakers, secondary TOD screen, and ATO start. Whether or not they are "equipped" is a software issue not visible to the naked eye on a just delivered train.

     

    One of the more interesting things I never can understand with these things is why, despite the fact we are forbidden to use the "left door open" controls on the console, they continue to be included on all new orders. Wondering if this is a standard feature on most contracts for non-NYC, and if the manufacturer insists on including it to keep costs down.

  17. Heheeee... the buffs going crazy over this.

     

    FWIW there are plenty of changes as compared to a 160, or even a 188, mostly inside the cabs. But not posting any pics, mostly cuz I'm lazy.

     

    Correct:

    -speedometer and air gauge locations swapped

    -new style buttons on the communcations panel and radio consoles

    -R188 style "ergonomic" controller

    -new style cab door latches

    -only one air vent on the offside of the cab

    -new style conductor's emergency brake

    -several operational components in the cab have been moved around and the buttons and switches on the console have been moved around.

    -new style cab seat

    -much more visible "door fault lights" next to each individual door panel inside the car. Probably the biggest difference in the passenger area.

    -new truck design

    -new resistor grid design (for dynamic braking)

    -new brake package design (for friction braking)

     

    If you guessed these, you win...absolutely nothing! Carry on with the great debate.

  18. Well one guy was drunk today and got sent to 180

     

    Probably the last time you'll see him. They should have explained this the first week. Caught drunk on the job while on probation = you are done. He was sent to 180 for a breathalyzer and drug test at the MAC, if he tested positive...

     

  19. Scary. Hopefully this is a lesson to all of us who enjoy using our smartphones for so many things.

     

    I'm thinking the best tactic is to turn off the phone (not put it on silent mode, shut the damn thing off) whenever going into the yard or on the train. And have it zipped into your bag, not your pocket.

     

    Question - is phone use acceptable while waiting for an assignment? Can you be on your phone while other people are watching TV or socializing?

     

    Or is it better to just have the phone off whenever you're on the clock?

     

    Totally fine in the crew rooms...just avoid situations where you are in the public eye. That means on the platform in uniform, put it away. On the train is a complete no no.

     

    Just remember to turn it off or put it on airplane mode (and vibrate) before you get on that train. You don't want the appearance of you operating the train and the phone you forgot to turn off rings. Even if you ignore it, it looks bad, and these days all it takes is 1 person to say something.

     

    Pocket is fine for your phone, you don't have to put it in your bag. But the key phrase is out of sight. If you have one of those belt holsters for your phone, that's not good enough as the phone is still in view.

  20. It was some terrorist defense type training.

     

    I always keep snacks with me. Always have. I stay away from the junk now. Fruits and stuff. I'm trying to stay healthy.

     

    On a crazy side, the safety TSS supervisors spoke to us today. They fired a c/r for using a tablet as a phone while in service last night. He HAD 15 years on the job. SMH......

     

    Oh and WTF with these books and tools?!?!?!!!?!!?? LOL! I weighed my bag and its 25lbs!!

     

    360 left.

     

    The quickest way to lose this job is to get caught with that phone while in service.

    Quicker than hitting not one but two home signals.

     

    Quicker than running out of not two but three stations.

     

    Quicker than cutting a train when you forgot to take down the safety chains.

     

    Quicker than splitting a switch.

     

    Seriously. They are not playing with the phone violations. Read the bulletin on distractions. Penalty can be termination for a first offense.

  21. Too many redundant posts in the same threads, so I figured I'd put this together. Mods please close this to replies and sticky it.

     

    It only applies to RTO, not buses, not MOW, Car Equipment, etc. so if you're applying to those titles this info does not apply to you.

     

    EXAMS

     

    I'm not sure about (piece of information) concerning the exam, where do I look?

    Read the Notice of Examination for the exam you are planning to take. It will be made available once the filing period starts. It covers everything from who is eligible, what types of questions they will ask, when the test is, to the responsibilities of the position the exam is for.

     

    I've filed for the exam, what happens next?

    You will receive an admission ticket in the mail before the exam telling you where and when to report. You must bring this with you to the test site to take the exam. If you don't receive an admission ticket, follow the instructions on the Notice of Examination to get one.

     

    I took the exam, how do I find out how I did?

    Hopefully, when you took the exam, you filled out the Candidate's Record of Answers. You can check this against the proposed answer key, which will come out a few weeks or months after the exam date, to determine a possible (not final) score. Generally, this is the lowest score you could have gotten on the exam.

     

    A question wasn't fair, now what?

    On the Candidate's Record of Answers, there will be information about the protest session. You will be provided a copy of the exam and must detail in writing what about the question makes it so that your answer should be correct. It will be reviewed, and if a committee agrees with your protest, your answer will be accepted. You do not have to submit a protest to get credit for a protested question. If the question is protested successfully, anyone who took the exam who put an answer the committee determines to be correct will get credit for that question.

     

    When will I get my final score and list number?

    When the list has been finalized and all exams have been graded. You will receive your score and list number in the mail.

     

    Why is my list number higher than (so and so's)...we got the same score?

    There are tiebreakers applied to scores (the most common involves a random number followed by the last 4 of the applicant's social security # to generate a 5 digit tiebreaker number) to determine list number.

     

    HIRING

     

    When will I get called?
    When they get to your list number. It goes in order from 1 until they kill the list (minimum 4 years). If they don't get to your list number before they kill the list, you aren't getting called. So keep taking tests while you wait to hear back.

     

    I got a notice in the mail to come in for medical. What will happen next?

    Congratulations. They got to your number. That said, you aren't coming in for medical. You are coming in for a drug test. Fill out the 6 page booklet, and report as per the instructions in the letter. Make sure you can detail your employment history, and account for gaps in employment with information such as how you supported yourself or why you weren't working (IE if you were in school). Upon completion of taking the drug test (lab results will take a few days to come back, so you're not out of the woods just yet), you will receive a 21 page booklet to complete by your next visit.

     

    What happens after the drug test?

    If you pass the drug test, and there is an opening in an upcoming class before the drug test you took expires, you will receive a phone call to come in for medical and (if you're lucky) final processing. The phone call is the only reminder you will get of this appointment so do not forget it. Make sure you have the 21 page booklet filled out completely correctly.

     

    What happens if my drug test expires?

    You have to take another one, and hope you get called back for medical before that one expires too. Otherwise you'll be taking it a third time.

     

    What kinds of things do I need to put in the 21 page booklet?
    All of your personal information, job history, addresses you've lived at, how you supported yourself during period of unemployment, arrests/convictions, educational history. Pretty much just about everything except sealed records or transit adjudications as a minor (IE if you hopped a turnstile when you were 12 and the record was sealed).

     

    What happens at the medical?

    You will turn in your 21 page booklet and move on to medical. You will fill out a questionnaire about your health history including any medications you take, will be tested for blood pressure, EKG, physical strength, vision, and hearing. Be prepared to have your doctor's number in case you need him/her to sign off on something for you if it's something in your history. If you aren't able to resolve everything with the medical, you will be placed on medical hold until you can get something from your doctor stating they see no reason why you can't work for the TA in your title.

     

    If I pass medical, then what?

    Then, if there is a spot in an upcoming class open to you, you will move on to final processing. An HR specialist will review your file with you, ask you to clarify any discrepancies, and if everything checks out, you will be sworn in. You will also be fingerprinted for your background check, your photo will be taken for your employee pass, and you will enroll in the pension system. You will be given a start date, and an info packet with where and when to report.

     

    Background check?

    An independent company hired by the TA will do a thorough background check on you during your first year of employment. Make sure that everything you filled out is accurate as much as possible. Just because they hire you doesn't mean you're good. If they catch you later they will pull you out of the class whenever they find out. And they will find out.

     

    What if I have an issue during final processing?

    Then you will be on hold and need to resolve it. Pay those parking tickets, and get proof they are paid (or whatever it is).

     

    NEW EMPLOYEES' FIRST WEEK

     

    Where do I go the first day?

    That info packet you got when HR processed you will have the info (time and location) on it. Be there or be square. No one is going to call and remind you. That's why they give you the paper. Welcome to life as an adult, this is how things will work in TA. Go.

     

    What happens the first day?

    You will go through orientation. HR and the union will go over a lot of different things with you, mostly concerning benefits. You will likely be mixed in with a lot of other new hires in various titles (including non-RTO) the first 2 days. Pay attention to everything, but pay special attention anytime you hear anything about your title.

     

    What happens after that?

    Most of the first week is to get you acclimated. On the second day, you will find out where you will be going - Subdivision A (number trains and Grand Central Shuttle) or Subdivision B (all other letter trains). One of 3 things will happen - either your class will all be going to Sub A, your class will all be going to Sub B, or your class will be split. If your class will be split, some of you will be going to Sub A, some of you will be going to Sub B. There will be a designated number of spots for each. Based on your list number, your entire class (believe it or not) will have already been assigned seniority (hence why it's better to score higher on the test and get a lower list number!) Once one particular option has "sold out" any remaining employees in your title will be assigned to the other subdivision. Hopefully you got to pick first! All employees will also pick their pay location. This is where you will get your paycheck every 2 weeks (unless you set up direct deposit), and it is also where you will get your W2 every year.

     

    Should I go to subdivision A or B if I get the choice?

    Up to you. Based on your personal circumstances.

    Sub A: Pros - less equipment to learn, smaller so easier to get around to all locations as a whole, also easier to learn. Cons - trains run close together so more congestion and tight schedules, more signal types to learn and encounter often (you will have to learn all the signals regardless of which subdivision you pick, however). Neutrals - most reporting locations are uptown or in the Bronx, can be good or bad depending on where you live

    Sub B: Pros - more space between trains, less of a high pressure environment, and less crowding on trains. Only have conventional signalling (not old IRT). Cons - much more equipment to learn and many more locations and lines to learn. Travel can be difficult because it is so much more spread out. Neutrals - most reporting locations are in Brooklyn or Queens, can be good or bad depending on where you live.

     

    Remember, if you live in the Bronx 3 blocks from the D line, it might sound good to pick Sub B because the D belongs to it, but expect to go to Brooklyn/Queens often if you choose Sub B. Even though the D doesn't belong to Sub A, you might be better off choosing Sub A because you'll get the nearby 1,2,4, and 5 trains, and won't have to deal with being assigned jobs at Coney Island or Far Rockaway. The opposite would be true, say, for someone who lives in Brooklyn close to the 2/5 lines.

     

    Also remember, when you complete schoolcar, you will be extra extra which means the crew office will decide where and when you report to work. Any location in your subdivision is fair game. And your hours of work will vary, sometimes very greatly. So make the best choice possible.

     

    Uniforms?

    You will get fitted for uniforms sometime during the first two days which *should* arrive in the next couple weeks but not necessarily. Until they arrive, continue to dress as per the dress code outlined in the packet you received from HR when you got hired. Don't stress too much about shoes, as you will be taken to the shoe truck to get TA footwear before you ever set foot on the tracks. So wear something that meets the description but don't go out and drop $150 on expensive safety shoes you're probably only gonna wear for a week (unless you're into that on your days off)

     

    After the first couple days, then what?

    Follow the instructions of the orientation leaders. More likely than not, you will be directed to report to the Learning Center in Gravesend, Brooklyn (aka "PS 248") for the last 3 days of the first week. There are more orientation type activities scheduled as well as several required trainings. From Day 3 on, you will be under Operations Training, not HR. By your second week, your induction group will be split into smaller classes which will become your "schoolcar class". You should also meet your instructors, if not you'll meet them the 2nd week when you split up into your smaller classes. Now you will begin to learn the ins and outs of your job, as well as the various reporting locations in your subdivision.

     

    BENEFITS

     

    When does health insurance kick in?

    The first of the month following 90 days of employment at TA. Hired January 15, 90 days is somewhere in April, you will be covered starting May 1.

     

    How does the pension work?

    Unless you have previous civil service, you're going to be coming into transit as NYCERS Tier 6. To vest in the pension, you must reach 10 years of NYCERS credited service to TA. That will set up a pension benefit that you can begin collecting at age 63. This is the 63/10 plan, and it's considered partially vesting your pension. To fully vest your pension, you must reach 25 years of NYCERS credited service to TA. That will set up a pension benefit that you can begin collecting at age 55. This is the 25/55 retirement plan. Anyone who attains less than 10 years of NYCERS credited service before leaving is entitled to have their pension contributions plus interest refunded to them, but will receive no other pension benefit.

     

    Tier 6 employees contribute a minimum of 3% and a maximum of 6% of their earnings into the pension system to pay for their future benefit, depending on their earnings. Go to the NYCERS website for more information about the pension tiers, this is intentionally quick and dirty.

     

    Do I have to join the union?

    No, but dues will be taken out of your check anyway (NYCT is a "closed shop"), so join the union. It affords certain perks that not joining doesn't. The union should be telling you about these when they make their presentation to you new hires.

     

    Do I have to decide which benefits to sign up for my very first week?

    No, you have time. If you want to talk things over with your spouse, go right ahead. Don't let anyone pressure you into signing up for payroll deductions without thinking things through...they are perfectly happy to start taking things out of your paycheck later as they are the first day. But in all seriousness, do your research. The only thing you should be definitely deciding the first week is which health insurance you want, and even that you have time to decide.

     

    Last but not least

     

    What's the best advice you can give me?

    -Get your rest

    -Come to work and be on time

    -No excuses, play like a champion

    -Ask questions when you don't understand something, and ask them of the right people (HINT: your instructors...not your classmates!)

    -Avoid know it alls. They usually don't. That said, definitely don't be one.

    -Crack a book when you're off the clock. It actually helps a lot if you do the reading on your own time, class will be a review and for clarification rather than trying to memorize new concepts cold.

    -Take notes, especially when you "post" on the various lines. You will forget a lot of things and it's good to have them written down somewhere in case that happens.

    -Study and practice. Learning is a two way street...let your instructors know if you're having a hard time with something. They are here to help you.

    -Learning doesn't end when you complete schoolcar, it begins.

    -Stay humble, or you'll find out the hard way why you should be.

     

    GOOD LUCK.

  22. I agree...I think it's done at 180 Livingston Street...when I was there in late 2013 and early 2014, they were calling people by list number into a special room...they spoke for a couple of minutes, and that was it.

     

    Oral test was never a requirement before. Those people were pre-appointment (passed drug test & medical), they had to review their paperwork and answer any questions with an HR specialist before being sworn in.

     

    List results take about a year from the date of the exam to complete and will be mailed to you.

     

    More than likely the oral exam will take place sometime between being called (they reached your # on the list), and being sworn in, down at 180 Livingston, but as this is a new procedure, this is only speculation on my part based on knowledge of how similar things have been done in the past.

  23. I have another question about qualifications for T/O:

     

    The education and experience requirement asks for 5 years of paid full-time work, with part-time work being pro-rated, and with up to 4 years of college being able to substitute for the work requirement (30 credits for each year of work to be substituted).

     

    So suppose I have 76 credits. Could that count as 2.5 years?

     

    And if so, let's also suppose that I have about 2 years of work-study in college, which is part-time. There were about maybe 2-3 months in those 2 years when I wasn't working.

     

    In total, I would have about maybe 4.5 years or so of combined work/education. Would that be sufficient to satisfy the 5 year requirement?

    Or put it another way, do they allow rounding off years and months? Say, 4.5 into 5? And would they "pro-rate" the part-time work experience?

     

    4.5 is not 5, so no.

     

    2 years of work study must be paid. If wages were not earned that were taxable to you at the end of the year, it doesn't count. If doing work study was a condition of attending college but was never compensated, it doesn't count.

     

    If it was compensated, you will receive part time credit based on a full work week. So if you worked 20 hours a week, 2 months of work study at 20 hours a week = 1 month of full time work.

     

    Those must be added together to get 5 years, not 4.5, not 4.99.

     

    If you don't have that by the cutoff date, you will be disqualified.

  24. My main concern is the traveling and getting to work on time potentially. As of right now I live within 10-20 mins from any of the three A division terminals in BK, but traveling to the BX if I were to get hired and assigned to the A div would be crazy. Oh well, cross that bridge when I get there, right? Haha. 

     

    I'm anxious to get my list #. I have a little ways to go in earning my Associates degree so that'll put my mind off of it, and by the time I'm finished with school hopefully they'll be midway through the promotion to conductor exam. I think things are going to get crazy with hiring in these next few years, like you said alot of people are moving up or retiring and like you said they're adding service. The timing of 6601 seems much better than 8094, looks like we'll just have to wait and see how things play out. 

     

    It's also funny that you brought up waving haha, one time I was on the platform and my train was pulling in and this lady had her toddler was waving at the this female Operator (literally one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen, let alone working for the MTA LoL.) 

     

    Thanks for your insight and reassurance, I appreciate it and look forward to being a coworker of yours in the near future.

     

    If you live anywhere in the city you can walk to a subway station that connects to a bunch of different lines, you will be fine.

     

    If you are dependent on buses, live outside of NYC and are dependent on a car, or live in SI and are dependent on the ferry, a car, or buses, then it will be an uphill battle for you. One that can be completed, but it will be much harder than if you can just walk to a subway station.

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