Train conductor - is there still this job? What course of study?

Question

I heard there are no longer train conductors cause there are not cabouses? Is this true?

If someone wanted to be a train conductor what course of study? What are the major rail companies that would be hiring?

Answer 1

There are no more cabooses, but there is still plenty of work that needs to be done that the engineer alone can't handle. While the train is in motion, the conductor has to keep track of the contents of the train, whether there are any hazardous chemical cars and such, and using the train's radio. When the train makes a stop, the conductor has to get out and line the switches (which sets the cars on their proper tracks), direct the engineer while moving the cars around, coordinating with the customer or yard personnel to make sure the right cars are moved, and more. Also, if something goes wrong with the train between the stations, the conductor has to walk back and find the problem while the engineer makes sure the train doesn't move and the brake system is working.

There are a few schools that have railroad courses of study, but I would not reccomend them. The major railroad companies have their own schools, so going somewhere else is a waste of time. You have to go through conductor's school, nicknamed "Handbrake High," for several weeks of study and hands-on training to learn railroad operations and signals and stuff, and then you work for a few years as a conductor. After that, you go back to shool for engineer training (Choo-Choo U) for another several weeks, then it's on-the-job training for a few months, and then you get to drive.

Railroads are hiring now, as there are a lot of guys due to retire over the next 10-15 years. They say that, after a while, there will be "multi-purpose" employees - you will be a conductor one day, and engineer the next day, and so on. If you want to join the railroad, watch the local trains near you to see which railroad is operating near you. Also, go to a few road crossings and see if there is an information sign up, telling people where to call in case of emergency - it will show who owns that railroad track. Each major railroad has a website with job oportunities on it.

Answer 2

Don't. If the gates are closed against the road, that means a train is coming. You may think you have time to dodge around the gates, but trains move quicker than your car does. They also take a long time to stop. You may not hear the train coming until it's too late. If you are driving and there is a sudden obstruction ahead, you can do an emergency brake and come to a stand in a few yards. Not so the train, which can take up to 1 mile to stop even in an emergency. Sadly there are a number of people every year who disregard these facts and try to run the gates. You can read about them in the obituary columns of the newspapers. Also please think of the engineer, who is responsible for the safety of the train and has to deal with it if there is a fatal accident. Many engineers suffer nervous breakdown as a result and some never go back to the job.

Answer 3

Conductors and engineers are all that's left of a train crew, but with "Positive Train Control" on the way, conductors will also go the way of the steam engine.

The last of those who hire out as a trainee for a conductor's position will be the first to go.

If anyone is contemplating hiring out with any carrier for employment as a conductor, the time to do so is yesterday. Best not go right out and buy a house.........

Answer 4

Yes I am a conductor for a major rail system in the US. Dont worry about PTC as it is not working as the carriers want it. Nor will the FRA sign off on it until all the bugs are out of it ( which as we all know with computers will be NEVER lol)

Some carriers make you go to Choo Choo U as we call it.but then some hire right off the street.

Heres the deal. if you want to do something in life, what the heck give it a shot, you wont know if youll be happy till you try.

Answer 5

Yes there are conductors on most RR companies. And I think there will be for some time to come. Traijning is all "in house" or on the job training. Most locomotive engineers come from the rank of conductors or trainmen.

Answer 6

yes were still around however our roles have been somewhat underpinned

some companies have even gone as far as having driver only operated trains with a conductor on now and again merely to check tickets

I work at central trains where fortunatley we still have safety critical work

dont think you need to study anything to be a conductor however befor you have your interview you have psychometric tests which were an english comprehension test featuring some railway terminology a timetable & fares understanding and maths test and a concentration test called the dots test

Answer 7

There are actually train conductors in the world. And of course there are cabooses (if there were no cabooses then trains would have no end). As far as courses go I don't know if there are any maybe it is a blue collar job? And as far as hiring goes you should consult various train companies.

Answer 8

There are many train conductors on commuter rail lines. They sell and collect tickets, and make sure that the doors don't close on the passengers, and announce stops.