Subway and Streetcar Operators
Subway and streetcar operators operate subway or elevated suburban trains with no separate locomotive, or electric-powered streetcar, to transport passengers. They may handle fares.
Subway and streetcar operators operate mass transit trains used in public transport. They generally work on pre-determined schedules and follow given routes. Depending on the place and role, their title may be a light rail operator, rapid transit operator, transit operator or trolley operator.
Responsibilities in a streetcar operator jobs include monitoring lights, operating controls, driving rail-guided transport, reporting delays and problems, regulating speed, making passenger announcements, responding to emergencies, directing evacuations, attending safety meetings, greeting passengers, and collecting fares.
For careers at subway, one needs a high school diploma and the relevant license. Previous experience operating public buses or other transit vehicles is beneficial. Subway operator jobs require operators to hold a valid operational license, which can be acquired after extensive training and examinations. In addition, one should have a working knowledge of the local language, transportation, public safety, and customer service.
Jobs at subway pay in accordance by the local standards of public transportation and government. Streetcar operator job are usually employed by the government or transit operators. Prospects may work under experienced operators to learn their trade.
To be successful in subway train operator, one should have operations, monitoring, communications, judgement, decision making, coordination, and time management skills.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- Diploma Electrical Engineering
- ITI Course Electrical Engineering
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, 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 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 to learn ways in which job performance might be affected.
Progression Routes
READY FOR MORE?
Subscribe to our Premium package and you'll unlock a wealth of extra information about your favourite careers and gain access our library of immersive 360° VR careers experience.
As a Premium user you'll find out more about the day-to-day demands of any career, what you could earn and, importantly, receive expert advice on study routes, preparation expenses, and where & what to study to fulfil your potential.