NYTech2000

15 hours ago, Gherigfan1 said:

Just read a notice of an immediate hiring freeze. Tried to copy and post, but I can’t figure out how. All nonessential OC and Promotional hiring is here by frozen until further notice. “Represented operational positions that are essential to the provision of safe and reliable transportation services to our customers are excluded from this hiring freeze....”

You want the truth? I didn't finish college and I took both exams. Got a 96 on the C/R and 92 on the T/O and I took the exams on a whim just because I wanted to get out of retail. I did not even know there were study guides to them until well after I took the exams and had no clue what I was walking into when taking them. As for reading comprehension granted my reading levels hit college levels once I got to JHS so apparently that isn't typical. That being said there were many people who scored better than I did and got into transit well before me. Those grades will get you called for both titles btw.

The hardest questions for me were what street is the empire state building? What borough are yankee stadium and citifield? I don't really get out much so had little exposure to the landmarks. The rest of the test... well can you read a subway map and be able to tell me the quickest way from point a to point b via transfers? How about some of that reading comprehension everyone talks about. Transit rules are conductors cannot wear shorts but bus operators can. So what if it's hot out it's ok to wear shorts as a conductor right? What about sunglasses? A trick too is look at these questions and think what would a manager look for in an employee. Granted not all questions are just cut and dry easy looking at it that way but for the most part it does help.

Some questions I looked at and thought it was either a trick question or a joke. Really the test is pretty easy. You are working yourself up over nothing. Once you are in the promotion exams are another story you will need to study for them. I took the ATD exam as my first promotion exam and I have to say although it wasn't a hard test, you really need to know what the job basically entails or at least what it involves compared to other titles. That takes time and studying. Granted I passed but not nearly as high as an open competitive exam for the sake of comparison.

I will say though the last batch of tests were handled by DCAS these new ones are handled by MTA and from what I am seeing so far from the NOE's the new tests are looking a little stricter in their requirements but still for an open competitive exam they do not expect you to know anything about transit and all the questions that ask you about any of that there will be the answer somewhere in the exam itself beforehand (like the rules on shorts).

At least that is my honest opinion on a realistic view of the exams. Maybe someone here in transit can give you a better idea what to expect for the exams but that is what I remember from them.

As for your first post example my guess is D. I dunno the answer and to be honest I don't remember much on sentence structure but A seems not quite right, B looks like a run on sentence and C has too many things capitalized (who capitalizes the word city anyway?) Thankfully that has nothing to do with the actual exam.

I know someone who is going for station agent. He is HIV positive, it is under control with medication but he claims it is confidential information and therefore thinks he does not need to disclose it to the MTA. I know it isn't a criminal thing but it is something that fits along the lines of what does and does not need to be disclosed to get the job. How does that work?

I'm not too concerned about medical. I was curious about education history, I have college credits spread out between a few colleges but no degrees. I was thinking of just leaving off any of the college that I did take since I don't have a degree anyway and just random credits here and there. I spoke to one of the people there and she said I should put it in. But I'm not sure if she misunderstood why I was asking to leave it off. Also do you have to provide transcripts?

Put it in anyway, unless you are adamant about staying at this position and retiring which is also fine. If you don't need the credits for this position you will when trying to move up or sideways in the future and might as well let them have your schooling on record and up to date.

Thanks for the information. So I can assume the second letter that stated the starting salary was 20.2591 was just a typo? 

Train Operator rate is most definitely not $20.2591. It is an error. However, you should still question it when you go down to HR because you don't want an error to end up being displayed as your pay rate when you start.

That is most definitely the current starting salary for conductor so the error is either with you and the letter (maybe you also took the 8094 test and were looking at that letter?) or a clerical error on their end where they switched the salaries for positions or something.

I went in for the pre-exam (drug test) today and just got the 21 page booklet. I was curious how much of a stickler are they with dates. I have a rough idea of the dates I've worked and was unemployed, but I may be off by a month or two. Not to mention most of the places I've worked my supervisors at the time no longer work there now. Also what effect does having special skills and abilities, speaking a second language have on being chosen? I'm mean if everything is in order, could I still lose out a spot to a Polygot, computer programmer? Or am I just over thinking things. I just don't want to lose out on a great opportunity just because I said that I left a job in March of '05 when it was really April '05. 

You are over thinking things. Your computer programming skills or multiple languages or whatever special skills won't make a difference when applying to this job. They look for what is stated on the NOE as far as getting your foot in the door.

Once you are in however, they encourage you to move up or around quickly before settling at a position. Those special skills you listed will be factored in when it comes to that. Also the union offers free classes for transit employees so you can expand those skills once here.

When you filled out the paperwork for T/O, you checked all the boxes that say you work for TA now, gave them your pass, and other info right? They should have had you fill out a single update page rather than the 21 page booklet, and they should have asked you if you were off probation.

 

They have deferred people's start dates to allow them to finish probation in one title before accepting appointment to another.

 

You can do it the way Success7 is saying, but it leaves you no room for error. I just want to make sure you know all your options, and also make sure that you've communicated your situation to the folks down at 180 and they know what's going on, since they generally will try to encourage employees still on probation in another title who do not have a title to go back to to defer, especially to accept appointment to Train Operator.

 

Basically just let them know....they have a duty to let you know all your options and what they entail, and then you can make an informed choice.

Did not get that far. They sent me the same paperwork as the first time for the drug test. Does this mean I should go down on the 2nd, take the drug test again and then from there explain things to them? I mean I have not filled out anything at 180 yet that has my pass number and

all that for the paperwork for T/O. When I went last time for the drug test I basically did the test for both positions on the same day.

However Ms. Shivers is likely to advice that he do indeed postpone until his C/R probation is complete. For if something were to go wrong, accepting the T/O appointment after the C/R probation means he can go back to C/R. Possibly with the same seniority or not but at least you can go back to C/R. Those who are taking the T/O position outright have no fall back options except the hard pavement on the street.

Funny, Ms. Shivers was the one who first suggested I go for the C/R position, finish probation on that,then go for the T/O position. At that point I was really considering just waiting out the list and jumping straight into the T/O position outright.

I got the letter to come back down for the medical (same letter to fill out as last time for the drug test so maybe this means my DT expired and just needs to be renewed). So my appointment is Jun 2, however, being that my list # is 244x, they might be up to my number? How do I go about asking to be postponed on the list so I can request to be reinstated later after my probation is finished as a C/R?

Anyone know when the next Traffic Checker exam is going to be? Also the same question for station agent.

For some reason I cannot even find a NOE for traffic checker on either MTA.info nor DCAS's site. I don't know how often they give those tests or even if they still give them.

Actually asking for a friend of mine who is not on the forums since she wants to apply for those positions when the next exams come out.

Ok I'm gonna give you my experience, I wanted B division. So have others In my class also. My list # was 2180's then there were people with higher numbers. When the head of the pick division came in the room, he said we have only 12 slots for the B division, and 30 slots for the A. Haaaa!!! Those slots vanished way before they called my name. But now it could be the other way around next time. Cause I heard the class right before mine all of them got sent to the B. And they were on a PM shift.. I would've been happy. But I still am cause I got a good class, and I've met some really good people. So hey... It's all in gods hands! And I've met a childhood friend who used to take train rides with me from church ave. To 241st Wakefield. On the 2 train. And look... Now we are going to be in the A division where it all began. So hey.... I'm happy still. I'm livings dream thank god

My sorry BH. I should've been clear in my question. I know about picking A& B. My question was more of can we pick AM or PM?

I was there when the last class were told all T/O's have PM classes and B division. Classes are set as the T.S.S.'s are able.

Now for the choosing your shift later on, at the end of schoolcar they give you a wishlist for AM,PM or midnights. Also for your RDO's. It doesn't mean they will honor it. I got the wishlist after the final, I hear they do try to work with you and when calling the crew office my first time yesterday they seemed nice enough to me so here's to hoping lol

There are two pensions at Transit.

 

25/55

The first is 25/55. You must work at least 25 years of service to be eligible for this pension. Then you must be at least 55 years old to begin collecting. Upon retiring with exactly 25 years of service and beginning to collect your pension, you will earn 50% of your "best of calculation" annually.

 

NOTE: I'm not going to specify what comprises the "best of calculation" because it is different for the new people under Tier 6 than for us who are under Tier 4, however, I will say that it generally reflects your highest earning years at Transit.

 

So if in your X best years used for the calculation, you make exactly $100,000, with 25 years of service, your pension will be $50,000 annually, but I'm just making up numbers here to explain the 50% piece.

 

For each additional year of service between 25 and 35 years of service, the percentage goes up by 1.5%. Thus at 35 years of service, the percentage of pension calculation will have gone up to (and maxed out at) 65% of the "best of calculation".

 

So the same example above, assume 35 years of service instead of 25, same other numbers, and their pension is $65,000 annually.

 

Staying beyond 35 years costs you money, as it doesn't increase the amount further. This is intentional, as it drives turnover and makes room for the new people. But some stay beyond 35 anyway.

 

This income will be added to your other sources of retirement income: social security (when eligible), 401k/457, personal traditional and Roth IRAs, and any annuities you've invested into, and that will make up your retirement income.

 

62/5

To be eligible for this pension, you must work at least 5 years at Transit to vest. This money will then be held for you, and you cannot collect it until you are 62. I don't know the calculations for it to be honest, perhaps someone else here does.

 

No Pension

If you work less than 5 years at Transit, your pension money will be refunded to you upon termination. If this is the case, I'd strongly recommend rolling it over into another type of tax deferred retirement account, as if you take it in cash you will be taxed.

How does staying over 35 years start costing you money?

I don't remember them asking for proof of that. Just fill out the previous and current employment history as accurately as you can. They are gonna do a background check so I would assume part of that will provide them the proof they need. Not sure what else they check in a background check I am actually curious about that too.

Two questions: Do you have to bring original documents if so what kind & when? Do you have to come in business attire, if so when?

Honestly the first time you go I doubt it matters so much what you wear. You go there to wait on a line, sit down, fill out more papers, pee in a cup, fill out a little more paperwork and get the ok to go home to fill out even more paperwork than you did before this step. The letter they send in the mail says to dress business casual (when I went I seen people dress all different but it is best to follow instructions so might be best to google business casual so you have an idea what to wear). The letter also states what you need to bring if I remember correctly you need your originals of your social security card, H.S. diploma, birth certificate, driver's license/permit/non-driver's I.D. I forget what else but definitely those things.

Some advice though don't depend on your letter for your list number and exam number. They will take that at the start then give you something to fill out asking those things. Also as others stated here the earlier you show up the earlier you will finish and might be a good idea to drink something before getting there. After the first attempt you have to sit there until you can pee and they only give 3 hours although they will give you water.

I don't know about when you get called back but from what I observed for the first time that is what to expect. It isn't an interview but it is always a good idea to leave a good impression where you can.

OK I went down for my drug test today. They let me do both of them at once since I was scheduled for the C/O today and Wednesday will be the O/P. Ms. Shivers made the call, apparently enough people on this forum recognize her name and tell her about here. I felt bad she has been trying to find this forum I forgot the URL offhand when she asked but it looks like she wanted to join here lol.

Speaking of which she suggested since I am on both lists and the conductor will call months before the operator will that I should take the conductor when they call, then when they call for the operator postpone my name on that list till I get my 1 year probation in for the conductor then reestablish my name on the operator list and take that position. This way I set myself up for if something goes wrong godforbid I have a position to fall back to rather than be out completely otherwise. Makes sense but how would that work anyway?

I am guessing that would put me on another years probation as well as schoolcar again (for the new position) and probably an extra year before getting top pay. Do they fire you for the conductor so you can take the operator position or just let you transfer or what since it is coming in from the open competitive list? That wouldn't make much sense though since if it is a fire and rehire then technically I wouldn't have an old position to fall back on (unlike a promotion). Oh and Ms. Shivers says that the last hired is 1919 on the train conductor list and 1886 for the train operator list as of today.

Also, yeah now that both lists changed their starting pay what is the top pay on both? Actually what is the scale for raises now on both? I know this is the 8098 thread but still asking about both includes it so it should be ok I think.

Just to try to be helpful myself where I can... Mard as a guess I would say you will probably be called at the end of the year or beginning next year based on your list number, the current list number hired, the projected hiring rate of 40 a month on this list from what I read on these forums and a little math. Don't quote me on that though since SubwayGuy is actually more accurate and knows what he is talking about and went through this all already but it's probably the best ballpark figure you can get for right now at least. Allday I heard it is probably a little over $35/hr top pay since the original top pay is $31.87 and since the 1.11 percent payraise after the last union agreement it would bring it up to $35.3757 but by going on that math the starting rates were slightly off so I would expect these to be as well.

When you report this Friday bring both letters!

 

Even though Friday's appointment is for Conductor and you'd rather take the Train Operator position they may still allow you to take the drug test for Train Operator if you explain that's the one you'd prefer to take. Also getting that done and getting the call back for the physical in a week could be the difference between getting into the 2/24 class as opposed to the March class. Everything still will be based on list number order but if you are still within that order then you might as well squeeze your way into the 2/24 class just in case some people who are ahead of you don't respond to their letters.

 

All letters state Yard. That's how they know to pay you at the entry rate for the position. Honestly it has nothing to do with the yards.

 

 

That would be ideal you think they would work it out that way though and allow that? Also, does the process go by that fast after the drug test? I am seeing people post after a few months about going down for a second drug test and still waiting before anything.

Just got the letter in the mail today to go down next week for DT list number is between 2425 and 2450. Now my question is since I have the appointment for the DT for the conductor this friday (less than a week apart) obviously I would rather do this should I just report to both?

I probably will but when the time comes for appointment since both are really close together I would rather take this than the conductor position. How would that work?

Oh also I noticed my letter said for train operator (yard) is this what everyone says on their letters or is this something like the open position I would be going for is to drive the trains in the railyard or whatever?

OK am I reading this wrong or is the T/O list blowing past faster than the C/R list? If so, I am about 21## on the C/R list and 23## on the T/O list does this mean that they might actually call me for the T/O before the C/R or close to the same time? Ideally I would rather be called for the T/O first and just take that rather than take the C/R then go for the promotion from within or if one is right past the other decline the C?R in favor of the T/O right after.

What you may not be informed on is there has been a new contract since you applied for the filling of that test. The numbers you're going by are completely outdated. The numbers being provided to you here are verified to be correct by actual employees receiving said pay.

 

Therefore you can either believe a document created by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (Which no longer run the exams for hiring of job openings for the MTA anymore) back in 2009 or you can take the word of actual union employees receiving said pay. Some who are as new as you would be in a matter of weeks who are the beneficiaries of said salary.

since 2009, transit workers have gotten an 11 percent raise, granted by an arbitrator http://secondavenuesagas.com/2009/12/13/wage-increases-to-cost-100m-after-judge-backs-twu-in-appeal/

 

$26.99 x 1.11 = 29.9589 . After it's compounded a few times, it comes out to $30.0375

Thank you both for clarifying that. It's not that I wanted to believe the old salary and I did know that they had recently renegotiated the MTA contract and that DCAS no longer handles the MTA hiring exams. What I was unaware of was that the new contract affected the starting salary of new hires, so I was going on what I knew for fact at the time which was the quoted rate of pay for the exam numbers that we are on the list for now. When I seen people posting a different starting salary (which is much better btw) I wanted to be careful that it wasn't speculation by people looking to get in like me but rather the information is coming from people who are receiving this rate of pay that are already in the MTA and have gotten paychecks already in that position. That I would also consider official information (or at least enough for my purposes) so that I would know what to expect when they get to my number.

As stated NUMEROUS times in the forum, starting Salary for a T/O in Schoolcar is $30.0375/hr. The MTA can't go and change it due to the Union Contract. 

I am confused about that part. According to the papers when applying for the test starting rate was $26.99 for TO for test 8098

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcas/downloads/pdf/noes/200808098000.pdf

and $17.49 for C/O with max salary of $24.99

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcas/downloads/pdf/noes/200808094000.pdf

so those are the salaries I am going by at the moment unless they tell me otherwise when hiring. It would be much better if it were higher by that time they get to my list numbers