• Train Conductor Job Description

    A train conductor is a railway train crew member who manages a train and its passengers. Train conductors perform tasks such as collecting fares or checking tickets, making announcements and attending to passengers’ needs. Train conductors are also known as railroad conductors, train attendants, train managers or train guards.

    A train conductor should be positive, tactful, friendly, smiley, polite and helpful, and have the ability to stay calm and manage difficult situations in a calm and reassuring manner. They should good at communicating to get a message across as intended.

  • What does a Train Conductor do?

    Train conductors may do some or all of the following:

    • check to ensure that the train brakes and coupling are in good order
    • check, clip, and sale tickets to rail passengers
    • make announcements to rail passengers
    • answer questions from rail passengers
    • open and close train doors
    • apply brakes to stop train, if there is an emergency
    • load and unload luggage
    • help passengers get in and out of the train safely
    • inspect cargo for safety and security
    • use two way radios, lambs and flags to signal train drivers to start or stop moving
    • keep record of waybills and delivery notes
    • write reports about the train journey
  • Where does a Train Conductor work?
  • Working Conditions

    Train conductors may work shifts including early mornings, late nights, weekends and public holidays. They may work in cramped spaces and in conditions that are noisy and fumy. They may be required to climb ladders and work on top of locomotives and other equipment. They may also travel and be away from home for days or weeks at a time.

  • What is Required to Become a Train Conductor ?

    To be employed as a train conductor, employers will require you to have at least completed your secondary school education and pass a medical test. Employers provide on the job training for new recruits.

  • Modules
  • Specializations
  • Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

    Train conductors need to have:

    • patience
    • adaptability
    • courteousness
    • stamina
    • carefulness
    • honesty and integrity
    • confidence and humility
    • manual dexterity
    • good memory
    • good eyesight, hearing and color vision
    • good personal hygiene and neat appearance
    • numerical skills
    • observational skills
    • time management and organizational skills
    • problem solving skills
    • persuasion and negotiating skills
    • the ability to communicate effectively
    • the ability to keep calm under pressure
    • the ability to work in confined spaces
    • the ability to keep composure when dealing with disrespectful and abusive passengers
    • the ability to relate with people from different cultures and background
    • knowledge of radio and hand signaling
    • knowledge of the train routes in their territory
    • knowledge of train timetable interpretation
    • knowledge and experience dealing with the public
    • knowledge of first aid and other emergency procedures
    • knowledge of railway rules and regulations

References

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