National
| Median wages (2008) |
$25.59 hourly, $53,220 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
7,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Average (7% to 13%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
3,000 additional employees |
53-4041.00 - Subway and Streetcar Operators
Operate subway or elevated suburban train with no separate locomotive, or electric-powered streetcar to transport passengers. May handle fares.
Sample of reported job titles:
Train Operator, Light Rail Operator, Rail Operator, Combined Rail Operator, Streetcar Operator, Transit Operator, Trolley Operator, Light Rail Vehicle Operator (LRV Operator), Bus Operator, Rapid Transit Operator (RTO)
Tasks
- Operate controls to open and close transit vehicle doors.
- Drive and control rail-guided public transportation, such as subways, elevated trains, and electric-powered streetcars, trams, or trolleys, in order to transport passengers.
- Monitor lights indicating obstructions or other trains ahead and watch for car and truck traffic at crossings to stay alert to potential hazards.
- Direct emergency evacuation procedures.
- Regulate vehicle speed and the time spent at each stop, in order to maintain schedules.
- Report delays, mechanical problems, and emergencies to supervisors or dispatchers, using radios.
- Make announcements to passengers, such as notifications of upcoming stops or schedule delays.
- Complete reports, including shift summaries and incident or accident reports.
- Greet passengers, provide information, and answer questions concerning fares, schedules, transfers, and routings.
- Attend meetings on driver and passenger safety in order to learn ways in which job performance might be affected.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Diesel passenger locomotives — Diesel powered train engines |
| Door openers — Door opening controls |
| Electric passenger locomotives — Electric train engines |
| Rail switching systems — Track switches |
| Streetcars or tramway cars — Streetcars; Trolleys |
| Train braking systems — Deadman pedals |
| Train defrosting or defogging systems — Railcar defrosting systems |
| Two way radios — Portable two way radios |
| Vehicle horns — Trolley bell foot pedals; Whistle pulls |
| Wheelchair ramps — Wheelchair exit or entrance ramps |
