i live in pennsylvania and i was wondering how i can become a train driver.?

Answer 1

If you really want to be a train "driver", you'll have to move to the UK or India, where train drivers are found.

If you want to stay in Pennsylvania, you'll have to settle for being a locomotive engineer. Kelly A above is quite correct in his assessment, and anyone should do some research into wage and work rules (I am not referring to operating rules).

Of my brethren I have spoken with it seems that those employed by BNSF seem to think that carrier is a good one to work for. If so, then that carrier stands alone. Be prepared to be abused.

That having been said, consider this.

To my knowledge, no class 1 carrier hires engine service personnel "off the street". They draw on the ranks of conductors for promotion to locomotive engineer, even then, it is not a "done deal" if you do get on as a conductor.

Today's freight trains are relatively "high tech". Those who desire to enter training are given many tests. One is a reading/comprhension test. If you cannot read and retain at college level, then you're already in for some trouble.

You will also be tested for basic mathematics skills, logic processing ability, color preception as well as hearing, eyesight and physical condition. You will be subject to pre-employment drug screening as well as ongoing random testing and mandatory testing under certain conditions as specified by the FRA. This includes consent for post-mortem testing when you are killed on duty (yeah, it happens).

Assuming you can pull all of this off then you may actually make it. But, the first step is to get on. Most carriers are hiring now, have been for a while, and will do so for at least the next couple of years. Seniority rosters generally turn-over every 30 to 35 years. This is a phenomonon that is a direct result of WWII, when all the nations railroads hired lots of people for wartime traffic. The average career goes about 30 to 35 years, so we are again into a retirement/hiring cycle, and the next couple of years will be one's best shot at hiring out in any capacity.

So, if you still want to answer the calling (which is what railroading is), then go for it, and the sooner the better. Seniority is the name of the game.

Good luck.

Answer 2

If you are under the age of 25, you can apply to Job Corps. They are a federally funded training (no pun intended) for youth 16-25. You can then look in to the TCU course of study.

TCU is a training program, in conjunction with Job Corps, that is partially funded by the Transporation/Communication International Union. There are 8 campuses of this program nation wide. There are 2 in California, with a waiting list a mile long, two in Missouri, one in the boonies, one in St. Lious (be afraid), one in St. Paul, MN, (bring a jacket), one in Washington, DC, and 2 in New England, both, in the boonies.

After training with TCU, you then have a leg up with the train companies, CSX, CP, Amtrak. During your stay at Job Corps, you are provided education, meals, lodging, recration, and a biweekly stipe, which increases the longer you are in Job Corps.

Answer 3

First off, it's engineer. CSX & NS are still hiring conductors. In about 3 years, you'll get called to go to engineer school. School is 4-5 weeks, and 26 weeks in training. I've been an engineer for CSX in Pa. & Ohio for 6 years. It is mentally straining, and the hours suck. Pay is good, benefits are good. Company is heartless. Be careful what you wish for.

Answer 4

Most train engineers start as conductors and eventually upgrade. Both the CSX and Norfolk Southern work this way and both operate through PA. I would look up job openings on their websites and take it from there. Good luck.

Answer 5

hog head has a good look on things but to make it simiple and the main class 1 railroads in pennys are csx and norfolk southern i work for ns as an engineer the website is www.nscorp.com we have a video you can watch about becomming a railroad employee and yes good luck

Answer 6

my first suggestion would be to do a little research....trains do not require "drivers"...at least that's not what they're called....so, you wish to become an engineer? Good luck!!