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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.
Other titles employers use
Combined Rail Operator · Light Rail Operator · Light Rail Train Operator · Light Rail Vehicle Operator (LRV Operator) · Rail Operator · Rapid Transit Operator (RTO) · Streetcar Operator · Train Operator
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical and organizing work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
Subjects to know
- Transportation
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
Useful strengths
- Control Precision
- Multilimb Coordination
- Reaction Time
- Problem Sensitivity
- Rate Control
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.5 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 2.6 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 3.5 | Occasional |
| Working with your hands | 4.9 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a high school diploma. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- High school or less 87%
- A certificate or some college 13%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Office suite software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 1,700
- Job openings each year
- 170
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- —
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 1,700 | 170 | — |
| Maryland | 530 | 50 | 10.4% |
| Virginia | 410 | 40 | 5.1% |
| Arizona | 390 | 40 | 2.6% |
| Georgia | 380 | 40 | 15.2% |
| Massachusetts | 340 | 30 | 6.3% |
| Washington | 180 | 20 | 12.5% |
| Minnesota | 90 | 10 | — |
| New Jersey | 90 | 10 | — |
| Nebraska | 30 | 0 | — |
| Ohio | 20 | 0 | — |
Career to college
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