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Subway and Streetcar Operators

Operate subway or elevated suburban trains with no separate locomotive, or electric-powered streetcar, to transport passengers. May handle fares.

What you’d do

  • Monitor lights indicating obstructions or other trains ahead and watch for car and truck traffic at crossings to stay alert to potential hazards.
  • 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.
  • Report delays, mechanical problems, and emergencies to supervisors or dispatchers, using radios.
  • Regulate vehicle speed and the time spent at each stop to maintain schedules.
  • Make announcements to passengers, such as notifications of upcoming stops or schedule delays.
  • Direct emergency evacuation procedures.
  • Complete reports, including shift summaries and incident or accident reports.

Skills that matter

  • Operation and Control
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
  • Judgment and Decision Making

How to get there

Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

Also called

  • Light Rail Operator
  • Rail Operator
  • Rapid Transit Operator (RTO)
  • Train Operator
  • Combined Rail Operator
  • Light Rail Train Operator

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