What does a Train Operator do?

Train Operators are responsible for getting subway riders safely to their destination. Find out more about what they do.

[@collectivelyimprovingtrans2460]

I’m no expert, but I think they operate the trains

[@R160BExpress44]

they do-

[@adriancooper78]

Yes, you drive a bus, you operator the train.

[@captainkeyboard1007]

You are right! Even in the old days when motormen operated subway trains before women came aboard as train operatresses, they did more than just control the brake valves and the motor controllers in the cab or cabin. They do a good job at it.

[@Skibidislicers63]

nah they operate cars

[@collectivelyimprovingtrans2460]

@@Skibidislicers63 that’s what a car operator does

[@Burnout3D]

I'd love to see a more in-depth video of what train operators do and the stuff they deal with on a daily basis. This video doesn't do it justice. It would be cool to see how they deal with delays, switching lines due to issues at stations, and how they deal with passengers of all sorts. Plus, I'd like to know what it takes to be a operator. I know it's not always a great job, but it looks like one that would be enjoyable most of the time.

[@BigRedBK]

An modern-day version of "Working the "A" Train (1981)", which is available on this channel, would be nice.

[@kennysa3586]

I think it's for safety. . Last thingTransit wants is to be liable for teenagers stealing train operator keys and go joy riding

[@stevegn02]

@@kennysa3586 you are correct but also there are things that that mta do not want train operators to talk about such as operation of a train procedures in an event of an emergency or when they hit someone an their the ones that go down to find the person reported in and wait for emergency Teams to retrieve and treat or recover the body

[@sushles]

@@stevegn02 There's a COPS episode on that, and there's a 12-9 documentary on YT.

[@stevegn02]

@@sushles right but in the 12-9 documentary they don't mention the procedure on how they recover the body

[@adrianj.monroe]

I Just started as a train operator since this past Christmas. I can’t speak for everybody, but so far being a train operator has been such a thrill and outstanding opportunity for myself and I’m enjoying every moment of it. When I was a kid I’d always wanted to look out the window on the (2) train of an R33 redbird, going to manhattan, and always dreamed of operating a train. Now I get to live my childhood and have the career of operating equipment with 1000s of passengers in the transit system. Proud to call myself a train operator.

[@flocabulary3540]

What train do you operate

[@flocabulary3540]

Number or letter train

[@tonitigrrxo2765]

❤

[@Mieczu_DRUMS]

Is it hard to get the job?

[@keyboardwarria]

if you're not a good test taker, it'll be a long wait time. I took the test in 2017, scored a 96.67 which was 2 questions wrong out of 60, and i only waited 1 year to be called in 2018. I have 2 friends who scored 85 each and they had to wait 4 years@@Mieczu_DRUMS

[@mood4eva98]

Keyshia Cole went from having HITS to selling FISH PLATES to being a TRAIN OPERATOR a versatile QUEEN 😮‍💨‼️

[@adriancooper78]

You'll fine many Transit Worker to be or have been quite versatile in their careers.

[@TheRodeoo]

I’m so proud to be a train operator.. I Love my job.

[@crmay72]

How long have you been at it? Is the training a long, difficult process?

[@Papichoochoo1969]

I have been with NYCT for almost 30 years; first as a conductor and currently as a Train Operator. It was my boyhood dream since I was 3 to operate trains. The job is like going to the circus; there is never a dull moment and you have to stay focus and not get distracted or else this job isn’t for you. I have accumulated a large size pension for the sacrifices I made not going to family events so that when I get to the finish line I can finally enjoy the fruits of my labor. I would encourage those who love trains, interaction with the public (when they behave) as well as great under pressure situation; to take the exam and stay drug free while awaiting to get called. I promise you your life will change for the better as long as you do follow the rules.

[@carlosmontalvo2922]

Hello Omar can you please refer me I want to work for the MTA but I never can get a call back

[@Papichoochoo1969]

@@carlosmontalvo2922 have you taken a exam and are waiting?

[@zycklacon9588]

What a beautiful comment, thank you for serving this city

[@aatkinson102193]

@Omar Velez, is MTA still actively recruiting for train operator? Been sitting on the list for awhile

[@mikec.8556]

@@aatkinson102193 check open data nyc or call dcas

[@Osha1]

I am embarking on my train operator journey this month. I always dreamed being able to operate a train since I was a kid. Now it’s coming to fruition. I am so excited.

[@crmay72]

Good luck! How's it going so far? Do you live in the Big Apple?

[@nycthoro]

How did it go? I’m going in next week for my medical. I passed the drug test .

[@lashanacombs535]

Congratulations 🎊

[@Osha1]

@@nycthoro it's not as easy as it looks. You'll be in school car for 6 months , and it's a lot of information in a short period of time.

[@nycthoro]

@@Osha1 congratulations u got this! Any tips or insight that you can prepare me with?

[@DK_718]

Been a train operator for nearly two years. It’s a great job.

[@beenthevibestv5891]

How did you get the job

[@timothyroman1129]

@@beenthevibestv5891test is out now

[@stephensnetwork]

Exciting career and life changing. Cant wait to take the exam. Dispute the negative comments, its what YOU make of the job. Just put in your time than your seniority goes up the ranks. Its an honest living and plenty room for growth within Transit. LIRR, Metro-Norh, etc... 2024 a lot of people of retiring so there's going to be a hire bloom in bus operators and every department. TAKE THE EXAM NOW BEFORE ITS TOO LATE. BEST OF LUCK to all my fellow NEW YORKERS! God Bless~ Lets hit the ground running hard for next year!

[@EddieTorres-gz9vx]

Just took mine on Sunday 5/19 hopefully I score high

[@stephensnetwork]

@@EddieTorres-gz9vx thats awesome. Best of luck. Need to renew my CDL so in the process at the moment.

[@Cain-x]

Respect to these operators. More of this behind the scenes content, please.

[@NTStudios]

Been waiting years for this one.

[@nojeansv]

fax

[@Kitsune9063]

It's been a dream of mine to operate trains for a while. Hope I get to do it someday.

[@KingofGamingAndTrains456]

Same here. It would be pretty awesome if we end up seeing each other IRL and operate an R211 train together or something!

[@joesmith-md2kt]

I WAS A CONDUCTOR IN 1967, THEN A MOTORMAN IN 1968. I OPERATED ALL CARS ON THE "B" DIVISION (CARS WITH LETTERS) FROM THE "Q" CARS ON MYRTLE AVE TO THE R44 & R46 CARS. THE R44 CARS WERE SPACE AGE GARBAGE. NOBODY KNEW ANYTHING ABOUT THEM AND THEY BROKE DOWN ALL THE TIME. THEN THERE WERE SO MANY CRACKS ON THE UNDER CARRIAGES, THE TA HAD TO REPLACE ALL OF THEM WITH THE R9 CARS WHICH THE TA SOLD TO A SCRAP DEALER. THE WORD WAS HE RENTED THEM TO THE TA WHILE THE R44 UNDER CARRIAGES WERE REPLACED. THEN THE TA HAD TO GUT THE "P" WIRE BRAKES WHICH NEVER WORKED RIGHT AND HAD TO REPLACE THE NEW COUPLERS WITH THE OLD ONES. WHAT A MESS. I WAS PROMOTED TO MOTORMAN INSTRUCTOR IN 1979 AND SENT TO THE IRT FOR THE NEXT 19 YEARS. R44 CARS WERE THE WORST. THE R32 CARS WERE THE ABSOLUTE BEST IN THE SYSTEM. THE R10 CARS WERE 2ND BEST. ALL THE BEST IN POWER AND BRAKING. TRANSIT SHOULD KEEP THEM RUNNING TODAY. JUST ADD A/C. SIGNED OLD TIME C/R, M/M, M/M/I

[@mikepignatelli273]

You were a Tier 1 employee??

[@carlos.a.sanchez201]

One of my favorite subway lines is the (7) Line growing up as a child riding the R33 Redbird. I love trains, I just recently rode the brand new R211A Train on the (A) Line, and as a PATH Employee I'm excited for you all. I look forward to riding The system for many years to come 😁👏👌

[@shanan1124]

Just don’t let your girlfriend operate a train…🤷🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️🙄

[@TrainsurfingMayhem]

*flashbacks intensifies*

[@savionmjallyeiither42luvr]

If you know you know

[@7dirty72]

@@savionmjallyeiither42luvr i don't need context

[@nah_144]

An anticipated video indeed!

[@SkyeonX]

I always wanted to work for the MTA and be a train operator since I was 6. It was like a future dream job for me. I always liked the MTA trains and buses as a kid, so that's probably why I wanna work for the MTA after I'm done with college.

[@adriancooper78]

Good move, I've done both operating a bus, and operatoring a train.

[@savionmjallyeiither42luvr]

Same

[@LostRails]

Nice plan u got there g

[@captainkeyboard1007]

As for me a railroad buff, the subway has been my favorite place while I was a child.

[@captainkeyboard1007]

@@adriancooper78 Now is the time to watch what you have reaped, even though people have drastically changed for the bad.

[@Bkqueenz]

I just got called after waiting 6 years I’m so excited to have this opportunity

[@michaelrivera2680]

Congratulations🎉 I was just contacted by the MTA for day one of processing. It took me 7yrs to receive a call and I'm super excited myself🎉

[@savionmjallyeiither42luvr]

Yall really got me wanting to be a train operator I mean it looks fun.

[@captainkeyboard1007]

Transit workers are The Best People Around who roll the big wheels abound.

[@adriancooper78]

And the least appreciated amongst municipal workers.

[@captainkeyboard1007]

@@adriancooper78 I am a railroad buff and I approve this statement. Thank you for tapping or typing to me.

[@adriancooper78]

@@captainkeyboard1007 🤣 I have to laugh. I'm glad it meets your approval, but as an employee working in transportation for some 20 years .....on top of working 20 years in other city agencies I can speak with some authority.

[@captainkeyboard1007]

@@adriancooper78 Did you work during the era of the old New York City Transit Authority? Were all of your passengers courteous, considerate, and civilized? I am sure that these quality traits would have made your job easier to manage. I know that I type like a subway buff or train fan that I am. During those old days, there was hardly any attacks against the transit workers from the riding public. That turns me off more than anything else. Thank you for tapping or typing to me. 🙂

[@adriancooper78]

@@captainkeyboard1007 I was a little boy when it was the New York City Transit Authority. When I was a bus operator, you quickly learn to be tactful to avoid confrontations!!! Even when some one was continually rude, I always gave them 2 choices: (1) they can keep cool and we can keep moving or (2) they can continue to be rude and the vehicle stops 😃 85% of the time they'd curse up a storm but eventually calm down and we'd keep moving. Trains are different, if it gets too difficult you radio for police assistance.

[@sushles]

When I'm operating over the Rockaways and the sun is setting in the summer time

[@BrokenBonesRBLX]

you operate which line?

[@sushles]

@@BrokenBonesRBLX Eastern div and Northern lines.

[@this51man]

And then the random seagull that bounces off the front of the train lol

[@javitsalston3028]

Finally I’ve been waiting on this 💯💯😂

[@danielwrynn4707]

An excellent video. I am a Conductor for New York City Transit.

[@theblife.]

I love you guys ❤️one day I’ll be an operator

[@Mr_yummy1]

Very deep answers. I like it

[@sheldonhchambliss1385]

Beautiful

[@Optim40]

Who says train driver ?! Lemme get my gill !!

[@prayerstogod8218]

This is my dream job I lived right next to a train stations my whole life can’t wait to apply .

[@uflministriesintl1411]

wow. I cant wait to experience this one day!

[@mikelehman4229]

You two would really like to work in Chicago everything's elevated pretty much you're outdoors in the elements with a great view the whole trip not many subways

[@subwayjoefrombrooklyn4471]

I worked for the NYC Transit Subway System 38 years (35 as a manager or supervisor). I didn’t always enjoy it, especially working nights, weekends and holidays, and walking on tracks with a live 3rd rail under train traffic, or doing investigations and reports when a person died after being hit by a train … but it was decent-paying, steady work. In the last few years of my career I also disliked the politics that put someone like me (an older while male, even though I have a doctorate and two masters degrees) at a disadvantage for further promotions when I was told that they wanted to go “in a different direction.” … But I am grateful for my pension and benefits.

[@mauricepeck1450]

I understand everything you have written. I did 37 years ( 13 years Motorman 24 years Train Service Supervisor.) I too was held back 4 times because THEY wanted to go in a DIFFERENT direction.

[@crmay72]

Thank you for your service, sir!

[@acebreaker4283]

I love this job

[@silverskyscraper1179]

Hey Keyshia Cole… You work for the New York City Transit!!! Say it with pride!! You won’t hear a Long Island Rail Road engineer say they work for the MTA so and so years. They say they work for the Long Island Rail Road so and so years. For the public that don’t know. The MTA is the parent company of New York City Transit, Metro north and Long Island Rail Road.

[@nathe_b9939]

I love the transit system too, I wish to work for them one day

[@mtar211boi6]

each mta vid encourage me to be a bus and train operator including the r46 and xd40!

[@R160BExpress44]

by the time ur an adult the 46s will be gone so

[@jaydottt_transitfanner]

@@R160BExpress44 lmao you can tell he's like 9

[@ryanfigueroa2058]

Ive always wanted to become a NYC train operator, it has been my dream job since i grew up in Brooklyn ny.

[@TheLIRRFrenchie...]

Woah, to see the Manhattan bridge swaying and sagging because of the weight of the trains at 2:34 is pretty cool.

[@kay1229]

also a little scary cause it shows what condition its in..

[@this51man]

​@@kay1229 suspension bridges are built to flex like that

[@W.L.Customs]

Three years later following COVID-19, and the MTA still lets its crew availability issues get out of hand without taking actual control of it. Wonder when exactly will all this be over

[@rafaelalas7679]

Thank you. Great content. This here is a reminder. ☀️Remember exhale. ☀️Remember drinking water can maintain healthy weights.

[@Waltaere]

Liked and subscribed 😘

[@kleve_1143]

Can't wait...

[@beenthevibestv5891]

Question, so if I apply to mta for the conductor position, how to I then become a train operator? Or does the mta have exams for train operators as well?

[@GNik91]

They have exams for both

[@BillyFromNYC]

We need more info 😂

[@DANNYN224]

Nice being train operator but em 12-9 is insane that is the down side people on tracks

[@Thamsdwolfnycofficial_8420]

Nice video, MTA.

[@lightning77125]

Keisha if you work on the 7 you have for sure the most beautiful views.

[@monstermix7134]

Coney Island baby !!!

[@robelabiy]

do train operators choose a route or are they assigned a route they are given?

[@CameronJP]

Sure they are assigned and they are routes you get with seniority.

[@miketee1348]

In the beginning, you’re assigned. As you build seniority, you get to choose.

[@DGNYY27]

Once you get the train keys you can drive it anywhere you want. My grandmother took us to Disney world but Castro deport her to Cuba and she never come back

[@kevinmoose3756]

When are the next applications open?

[@Ron_Delle]

Probably 5 years from now. It's usually every 5-6 years depending on availability

[@BeyondFacts25]

I want this job so bad..

[@danieltransit7677]

How much trips and hours do the operators work ?

[@jackman2001]

What are the requirements to become a train operator

[@BrownSkinHoneyy]

When is the. Next exam ?

[@markraby1665]

I'm confused on the timing. The guy says it takes him an hour to go end-to-end, and that he's done for the day after he does one round-trip? How is that an 8-hour workday?? Does it take 6 hours to get the train from the yard to the terminal?

[@BillyFromNYC]

you said exactly what i was thinking

[@najthesavior4286]

Usually 2/3 trips but I have heard operators finishing up on 1 round trip, must be part time workers.🤷🏾‍♂️

[@BillyFromNYC]

@@najthesavior4286 Are you a train operator?

[@brandonayala4274]

How do you become a train operator?

[@BenjiZhao]

I see James all the time on the Q

[@mohamad-ms2pb]

What does a train operator do when suddenly he gets the bubble guts and has to go right then and there?

[@trainman8812]

Calls in an emergency comfort

[@zlionunderground6380]

I’m no expert, but I think MTA is in NYC.

[@MikeTv_212]

Do you need Cdl to be a train operator I take my test Sunday

[@AlvisWuNewYorkCity]

I just love MTA

[@bandohamza1371]

Do you guys know that there’s a game called Openbve where you can play as a train operator

[@bandohamza1371]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5XHm2Cedpp5nLM

[@Mysteryman1500]

Do they take permit?

[@notme123]

😊How many years of instruction is required to qualify for your job?

[@RailBet]

How old do I have to be to do this job?

[@thedriver4038]

How hard is their licensing procedure?

[@GNik91]

6 month training course. You need to pass various exams including perfect score on the signal exam

[@Aaronhchisholm2]

The Guy Driving the R46 your a great R46 Operator for the Q train The Lady driving the R188/142A Conversion if u Manage to Pick up 7501-7510 with the LED that would make my day

[@osagiee.guobadia-secondytc4624]

Looks like everyone is waiting for the people who are train operators of the MTA.

[@themechanic4222]

They all make good $$$$ 😂❤

[@mekai6050]

Dream job

[@mikesully6647]

So what do they do? Lol. I thought it was going to show the room they were in and the controls and all that

[@jadegung]

Video does not mention the realities of train operators experiencing 12-9s, transit workers getting assaulted, etc. I was sitting at the MAC years ago, and hearing what T/Os went through after their 12-9s. They go through a lot. All part of the position and in a day's work.

[@queenzpimpkid]

Yea I seen a documentary where some operators are in therapy for years before returning to work because of a 12-9.

[@walkerd2997]

I loved trains as a kid, so this would be an ideal job for me. 12-9s are the only thing stopping me from applying. I have only just got a grip on my mental health recently after going through lots of trauma. One event like that would reset me back years.

[@jadegung]

@@walkerd2997 Perhaps consider another position within the transit system. There are so many other positions that are available if you really want a transit career. All the best and take care.

[@phsycopiano]

How do I get a job there?

[@AnthonyP2A]

I was raised by using the term "motorman". I'll stick with that.

[@TheDopamine998]

Still waiting on my call back 🙄🙄

[@miguelsaavedra4361]

I am surprised that the MTA gives credit to the SIF. The MTA should consider connecting Brooklyn to Staten via any train line

[@adriancooper78]

That was thought about many years ago. There are tracks or an area for tracks just past the 59th Street Station in Brooklyn going toward 95th Street. City Planner Robert Moses and many Staten lslanders did not want the borough to be connected by rail to the city. The Varrazanno Narrows bridge road deck was built in such a steep angle that a subway train can not travel acrossed it

[@Kitsune9063]

Eventually, Staten Island will have to recieve subway service. They can't keep using buses forever and the SIR is just not as dependable as it should be.

[@adriancooper78]

@@Kitsune9063 You might want to do some homework regarding the history of the NYC Subway system and the history of politics around NYC and in regards to the MTA. Also, do you have any idea how much that would cost to tunnel or lay track to Staten Island? Not to mention the cost of setting up of the rail signaling system and the electrification of said nentioned rail lines. And I didn't even mention how this rail line would disrupt the existing surface infrastructure to construct this line...

[@collectivelyimprovingtrans2460]

It is quite possible to do. Even if the Verrazano bridge was not built to carry Trains, I’m pretty sure that any modifications to make it possible, would not be as expensive as a new tunnel. An extension of the R train to Grasmere would make the Staten Island railway so much more useful and a feeder bus network, connecting the entire island to the train

[@adriancooper78]

@@collectivelyimprovingtrans2460 Yep, it will only cost about several billion dollars to build a tunnel, and it will take an act of God followed by an act of Congress to get it done. As someone who worked as a bus operator in Staten Island for nearly 2 decades, and having knowledge of the political situation regarding public transit it may happen.🤣🤣🤣 But not in this lifetime.

[@juniors2sexy]

Three round trips lord 😮

[@Thelowkeyjayy._.]

When is the next exam coming out

[@jordannigel5108]

Just opened up dec 1st

[@sheldonhchambliss1385]

I know them as the motor man

[@TheLordAI]

This is the job i for the life of me dont understand why i never went for.....no9 i had to get a CDL & join Star Fleet (trucking)

[@nyc90]

How much money do they make?

[@Lemon-zw7cb]

about 80k a year

[@aidlow9160]

I’m gonna miss the R62A 1 trains in 2028😢

[@RollerSCoaster17]

I want to be a motorman so bad!!!!

[@BillyFromNYC]

same! I’m not old enough 😂

[@r62aguy85]

@@BillyFromNYC18 and up right

[@jasminehyman2671]

Why people do this to the subway it breaks my heart KEEP THE SUBWAY CLEAN AND STOP CALLING DIRTY:(

[@mohamad-ms2pb]

In my day train operators were known as motormen.

[@kevinle6433]

Until motorwoman came into the picture

[@roachtoasties]

A train operator operates a train. Next question...

[@AaronJrBrundidge]

Sign me up, I want that position for 50 years

[@savionmjallyeiither42luvr]

80 for me

[@Bobby_Duku]

@@savionmjallyeiither42luvr Nah I'm going for a lifetime for that position

[@Lemon-zw7cb]

@@Bobby_Duku you would probably get called for retirement, and u prob cant back out of it

[@Bobby_Duku]

@@Lemon-zw7cb so I'll be forced to retire... 🤣🤣🤣 lol

[@Lemon-zw7cb]

@@Bobby_Duku yes

[@highmunchies]

Majority of time time dont you guys see tunnels 😭😭

[@flocabulary3540]

Unless you operate on the 7 line

[@flocabulary3540]

The 7 line is mostly above ground

[@flocabulary3540]

If you work on the 2 line in the Bronx, it is all above ground except for 2 stops

[@aidlow9160]

Rip R62A 9 trains and 7 trains

[@robertyoung7823]

NYC greatest city in the 🌍

[@mygins5820]

Why not call you engineer?

[@Papichoochoo1969]

We are not a railroad like Metro-North or the Long Island Railroad

[@mygins5820]

@@Papichoochoo1969wow that's actually very interesting

[@jamesdavis6036]

They don't call us engineers because then they'd have to pay us engineers wages. Even though we work twice as hard as any engineer on LIRR, Jersey Transit or Metro North.

[@nojeansv]

and you get assigned lines? well i hope im a 7 train. if not, D train

[@BillyFromNYC]

You can only apply for either the 7 or D since they’re different channels. The numbers & 42nd Street shuttle are a different channel than the letters

[@sheepbay3]

The singer ??????? 🙃🙃🙃

[@jaydottt_transitfanner]

what

[@davidmitchell6873]

Such heroes. I mean isn't everybody considered a hero for some reason these days?

[@maestromecanico597]

Huh. Sounds like the same job as a motorman.

[@videonut1988]

To the opto fans, sorry, but they DO NOT operate the doors and operate the trains.

[@jamesstpatrick8493]

Just reduce the fare to $1

[@Jaytherailfan]

nah, Inflation homie

[@sennpowerhv6922]

The Q train operator probably hated 2020 not only because of the pandemic but the Q losing its R160s to the R and getting R46s from the R and R68s from the G

[@shafialanower3820]

What does that mean?

[@sennpowerhv6922]

@@shafialanower3820 I made a mistake. That conductor wasn’t there for that. This is about the Q train trading in new cars for old cars in 2019

[@Futuristbillpicone]

DO NOT RAISE THE FARE!! YOU ARE SLOWLY BECOMING MORE OF AN ENEMY THAN A FRIEND OF NYC

[@morecheeseplz23]

Then tell your friends to stop hopping turnstiles

[@Futuristbillpicone]

I don't know what you mean, sorry

[@jaydottt_transitfanner]

@@Futuristbillpicone they saying that people need to stop evading fare

[@Futuristbillpicone]

​@@jaydottt_transitfanner what does that have to do with the middle class dying in NYC. Raise the price for the tourist not residents. That's GREED.

[@ryandarko2115]

Maybe the mta should make it easier to get a job with them because their hiring process is horrible

[@SamAceRothstein]

What does a Train Operator do? Simple, they bust their asses everyday aboard these trains in filthy and unsafe conditions while having to take it up the ass from TA and their own union. That's the life of a NYC Train Operator.