Railway conductors supervise and coordinate the activities of passenger and freight train crews to ensure that the train runs efficiently and on schedule. They are in charge of the entire train and its crew. Brakepersons, also known as train persons, check brakes and other systems and equipment on trains. They assist the conductor in his or her duties.
A passenger train conductor or a freight train conductor is responsible for the train, and its contents. It's your job to get the train to its destination safely and on time. You ensure that the train operates efficiently and stays on schedule. You receive orders from your supervisor and explain them to the train persons, locomotive engineer and other crew members.
You must have full knowledge of the physical aspects of the train. Your responsibility is to ensure that the train is carefully inspected and that all brakes, hoses, couplings and other mechanical equipment are working properly. You walk the length of the train and oversee the work of your crew.
When a breakdown occurs, you are responsible for dealing with the problem and getting the train moving again as quickly as possible. This could involve fixing the problem yourself, instructing the crew on the necessary repairs or calling for assistance by radio.
You signal the locomotive engineer when it is time to depart. Using radios, hand signals, and whistles, you communicate with your crew. Another part of your job, if you are a passenger train conductor, is to deal with passengers. You collect tickets and fares, answer questions and assist the passengers on their journey. If someone becomes ill or unruly, you deal with the situation or contact the proper authorities by radio.
You must prepare train run reports, noting such things as the number of passengers, time taken for the run, and reporting any breakdowns or delays.
A freight conductor doesn't deal with the transportation of people, but with goods. Instead of collecting tickets and dealing with passengers, you inspect the freight and keep track of waybills. Like the passenger train conductor, you must make out detailed reports on your run.
A train person assists the conductor in ensuring that the train runs safely and on time. You check equipment such as brakes and brake hoses, air conditioning, heating and lighting prior to a train run. Part of your job is to watch signals, observe track conditions and open and close track switches, set and release hand-brakes and connect air brake hoses to couple and switch cars. You also have to make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, wheel-bearing boxes and other parts of the train. In addition, it is your job to assist the conductor in collecting tickets and in dealing with passengers or freight.
Railway conductors and train persons must be physically fit. You must possess a certain amount of stamina and coordination to walk the length of a moving train. You sometimes have to step on and off of the train while it is in motion. You must be able to make repairs which may involve heavy lifting at times.
Since you have to see hand and railway signals, good eyesight is important. You also have to have full colour vision to interpret light signals correctly.
A conductor's job can be stressful, especially when a breakdown occurs. It is your responsibility to get your train moving again so that your passengers or freight arrive at its destination on time and safely. If an accident occurs, the conductor must be accountable to the investigating authorities.
A conductor and train person frequently work nights, weekends or irregular hours. Often, you don't return home at the end of your shift, since you may be many miles away.
Train technology has changed over the years and a conductor must be constantly learning in order to keep up. Conductors now must understand computer print-outs and more sophisticated operating systems. Training and updating is done by the company that employs you. You must regularly pass a test that meets federal standards in order to receive authorization to work as a conductor or a train person.
The job of conductor can be very satisfying. You have the opportunity to travel and see many new people and places. You are out-of-doors a good deal of time, since a lot of your job involves being outside of the train to do inspections or repairs.
Generally, you are paid by the mile or by the run.
A successful conductor must be able to work well with people. You are in charge of your crew and must have the leadership qualities to give orders and make sure that they are carried out. If you are a passenger train conductor, you also deal with the public. You must be courteous and diplomatic, even when dealing with difficult passengers.
Excellent communication skills are very important in this job because you have to give accurate directions to your crew as well as write reports and keep records of your run.
A good conductor remains calm and level-headed in emergencies. The well-being of the train and its contents often depends on a rational decision.
Mechanical skills are a big asset to a conductor. You are required to understand the workings of a train and be responsible for any repairs that must be done during your run.
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