How does one become a Train Operator on LA Metro?

[seain dublin]

Originally Posted by 2Easy

Typically train operators start by driving buses, but if you have experience then you may get to the front of the line. With all the new lines opening, they need lots of new drivers.

Good advice.

OP, you need to do your own research. If you want to move here you need to motivate yourself more.

Keeping in mind that living here isn't going to be the like your vacation. The good news is that as already mentioned there are more and more lines opening up and you're already experienced.

But you need to do your own research.

[2Easy]

Originally Posted by CA4Now

It doesn't sound like totally different qualifications here.

Metro’s rail fleet is driven by a team of about 250 men and women, all of whom are former bus operators, so they understand the joys and challenges of working with the public. But learning to drive a massive train filled with hundreds of passengers during rush hour is a huge responsibility.

Potential train operators must pass a work history qualifications review, a physical agility test and a vision test to be considered for a position in rail. They then may be accepted for seven weeks of classroom and practical (operating trains) time.

Light rail and subway (heavy rail) operators begin with the same training and then branch out into knowledge needed for the type of rail they will operate and the line. New operators are assigned to lines when and where openings occur. The pay is the same for bus, light rail and subway and it is based on seniority.

There are some similarities between bus and train operation...

https://thesource.metro.net/2013/01/...ail-operators/

Metrolink and Metro have different qualifications. Not metro (bus) and metro (train). You have to be FRA certified to drive a railroad train. You don’t need that to drive a metro train.

[Freedumb Of Speech]

I met one at the courtyard in union station, seems you gotta 'move up' there, and originals stay put, that sorta thing. Looks like a fun job tho.

[55182]

Originally Posted by CA4Now

It doesn't sound like totally different qualifications here.


There are some similarities between bus and train operation...

But there is a big difference in the main form of propulsion. The Metrolink are full size diesel engines, just as you see on mainline railroads. In times of shortages Metrolink will even lease locomotives from Union Pacific and Burlington (Santa Fe).



Metro Rail locomotives are electric powered. They are also built specific to the line so you could not necessarily use a locomotive or cars from a system from back East.



Due to the propulsion differences each requires it own type of trained operator. Also operators and engineers rarely interact with passengers since the are working an a separate part of the train. This as opposed to bus drivers who share their operating position with the passenger sitting space.

[HarryKerryJr]

Always have to start as a bus driver first, and even then it is SENIORITY bus drivers who have years with the best records as bus operators. In other words, the MTA's system is designed for train operators to posses years of experience PROVING themselves as bus drivers on MTA routes in regards to safety, positive customer feedback, and how reliable you are as an employee. In other words, they promote the cream of the crop of bus drivers to rail operators, and it takes YEARS. A rail operator position is considered a "plum" position in that it represents the height of a drivers career at the MTA. If you are willing to put in the years as a bus driver and impress your supervisors and management, then you can obtain the rail operators position.


If you didn't know, (most likely you do), the LACMTA has WON SEVERAL years of Bus Rodeo and even beaten east cost rail operators in the Rail Rodeo over the years MANY times at FIRST place, and even the mechanics competition has been won as first place or second over the years. But the training goes back many decades that produce skilled, patient (so as to avoid accidents), drivers. But as society changes, so do the quality of the new generation of bus drivers, but since all is relative, LACMTA is still better than most. One thing I notice is unlike other transit operators in LA County, MTA bus drivers always WAIT for all cars to pass before entering a lane from a bus stop--NO CUTTING IN. All the other operators have atrocious training and cut in and do other maneuvers that are a big risk. And MTA drivers are trained NEVER to be a big rush and are incredibly patient in congested traffic. By that I mean they must have tested for a PERSONALITY who can handle being a bus driver and in congestion MTA would rather have you run a little late with no accidents than drive at a risk just to make schedule. Not necessarily the case at other transit operators in LA County.


Don't expect to be "laterally" positioned into any rail operator position. Expect to drive buses for years.

[CA4Now]

Originally Posted by 55182

But there is a big difference in the main form of propulsion. The Metrolink are full size diesel engines, just as you see on mainline railroads. In times of shortages Metrolink will even lease locomotives from Union Pacific and Burlington (Santa Fe)....

Interesting info; thanks for posting it.

[2Easy]

Originally Posted by 55182

But there is a big difference in the main form of propulsion. The Metrolink are full size diesel engines, just as you see on mainline railroads. In times of shortages Metrolink will even lease locomotives from Union Pacific and Burlington (Santa Fe).



Metro Rail locomotives are electric powered. They are also built specific to the line so you could not necessarily use a locomotive or cars from a system from back East.



Due to the propulsion differences each requires it own type of trained operator. Also operators and engineers rarely interact with passengers since the are working an a separate part of the train. This as opposed to bus drivers who share their operating position with the passenger sitting space.

Metrolink contracts train services to Amtrak, so if you want to drive trains for Metrolink then you apply to Amtrak. This requires special FRA licensing that would allow you to also drive trains for Union Pacific, BNSF, etc. That’s completely different than driving a Metro train, which is more similar to a bus in training. Makes sense as the large majority of Metro train operators started as bus operators (not that driving a train is necessarily a promotion).

Bus drivers are more exposed to passengers than train operators, but that is changing somewhat as they get the protection barriers installed. Also train conductors (Metrolink, Amtrak, etc) are actually in charge of the train (not the engineer) and they are exposed to the public. So the difference is that it’s a two person job with only one interacting with the public.

[beachlife9553]

Originally Posted by HarryKerryJr

Always have to start as a bus driver first, and even then it is SENIORITY bus drivers who have years with the best records as bus operators. In other words, the MTA's system is designed for train operators to posses years of experience PROVING themselves as bus drivers on MTA routes in regards to safety, positive customer feedback, and how reliable you are as an employee. In other words, they promote the cream of the crop of bus drivers to rail operators, and it takes YEARS. A rail operator position is considered a "plum" position in that it represents the height of a drivers career at the MTA. If you are willing to put in the years as a bus driver and impress your supervisors and management, then you can obtain the rail operators position.


If you didn't know, (most likely you do), the LACMTA has WON SEVERAL years of Bus Rodeo and even beaten east cost rail operators in the Rail Rodeo over the years MANY times at FIRST place, and even the mechanics competition has been won as first place or second over the years. But the training goes back many decades that produce skilled, patient (so as to avoid accidents), drivers. But as society changes, so do the quality of the new generation of bus drivers, but since all is relative, LACMTA is still better than most. One thing I notice is unlike other transit operators in LA County, MTA bus drivers always WAIT for all cars to pass before entering a lane from a bus stop--NO CUTTING IN. All the other operators have atrocious training and cut in and do other maneuvers that are a big risk. And MTA drivers are trained NEVER to be a big rush and are incredibly patient in congested traffic. By that I mean they must have tested for a PERSONALITY who can handle being a bus driver and in congestion MTA would rather have you run a little late with no accidents than drive at a risk just to make schedule. Not necessarily the case at other transit operators in LA County.


Don't expect to be "laterally" positioned into any rail operator position. Expect to drive buses for years.

Interesting! I've never driven a bus before. I was thinking about getting a CDL actually. The light rail back east where I work isn't like that. They'll hire Train Operators from the street.