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Subway & Streetcar Operators

Also called: Train Operator, Light Rail Operator, Rail Operator, Combined Rail Operator

What they do:
Operate subway or elevated suburban trains with no separate locomotive, or electric-powered streetcar, to transport passengers. May handle fares.
On the job, you would:
  • 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, in order to transport passengers.
  • Monitor lights indicating obstructions or other trains ahead and watch for car and truck traffic at crossings to stay alert to potential hazards.

Knowledge

Transportation
  • movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road
Safety and Government
  • public safety and security
Business
  • customer service
Arts and Humanities
  • English language

Skills

Basic Skills
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • talking to others
Problem Solving
  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Controlled Movement
  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
  • use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down
Hand and Finger Use
  • hold or move items with your hands
  • keep your arm or hand steady
Hearing and Speech
  • pay attention to one sound while there are other distracting sounds
  • speak clearly
Verbal
  • communicate by speaking

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Dependability
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Self Control
  • Attention to Detail
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others

Technology

Examples of the technology used in this career will be available soon.

Education

Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma or
some college
usually needed

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Average Outlook
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
Salary
$63,820
per year, on average
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Explore More

See more details at O*NET OnLine about subway and streetcar operators.