How many people does it take to run a train?

Answer 1

2 The conductor and the Engineer.

Answer 2

While it only takes the engineer to run the engine, the conductor is still needed for any problems with the train itself, and also to be sure the engineer complies with rules , laws and train orders- not to mention stop the train and call an ambulance if the engineer falls ill.
The railroads are trying to move toward 1 person crews, which would be a total safety nightmare, but even scarier than that, they eventually want NO ONE on the train, and to have a centralized dispatch center controling all trains by computer.

Answer 3

There is only one engineers compartment and one set of controls on a train, whether it is freight or passenger.
That is not an efficient or safe way to run a train but strictly speaking that is all that is absolutely required.
It takes more if there is any on-line work such as setting out cars to industries of course.
Most major railroads in the U.S. operate with two person crews, some places have tried one person crews but for the most part it is too inefficient and unsafe.
When I started railroading in the 1970s we had 5 on each crew.

Answer 4

It depends on the train model and the railroad company. Here Metro North's M7 train takes 3 people to run it. The brakeman, conductor and engineer.

Answer 5

This depends on the sort of rail vehicle you are running.

London Underground's policy is 1 operator per train unless the train has a persisting fault.

This is the same with Chiltern Railways who run intercity services.

Answer 6

up here in NY I believe its only 3 Engineer actually runs the train, Conductor is in charge of the train, and a Brakeman who does the brake tests. Then there are ticket collectors.

Answer 7

This depends entirely on the country of operation, the length and type of journey (express inter city service, local commuter service etc), and the facilities on board. If food and drink is available more staff will be required. In Britain some local and commuter services are operated by the driver with no other staff on board. Conversely a Virgin service from London to Scotland will carry a staff level of up to 10 including catering staff.

Answer 8

It only takes an engineer to run a train.

It takes all kinds to run a railroad. The train doesn't run without tracks, the equipment doesn't run without service, etc. We all need each other.

Answer 9

It used to be four. Fireman, Brakeman, Engineer and Conductor. In the late 80's (don't remember) the railways introduced the ETD or end of train device. They then were able to remove the caboose and they reduced the crew it to just two. Conductor and Engineer.

Answer 10

i AM ALOCOMOTIVE ENGINEER AND I CAN TELL YOU THAT IT TAKES ONE PERSON TO OPERATE A TRAIN ,BUT IN A STEAM LOCOMOTIVE IT IS A DIFFERNT STORY, U NEED ATLEAST TWO IF NOT THREE