YOU WERE LOOKING FOR: Mta Subway Conductor Exam
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Block signaling[ edit ] The New York City Subway system has, for the most part, used block signaling since its opening. As of May [update] , the system consists of about 14, signal blocks, 3, mainline switches, major track junctions, 10, automatic...
The signals involve the operation of an automatic stop with an automatic or manual release, then a procedure with caution, with preparations to stop in case of debris or other obstructions on the track. The train operator would pause at the red signal and then got out of the cab, descended to the tracks' level, and cranked down the track trip with a key-like device.
After a series of accidents, including a crash north of the Hoyt Street station in in which train operators keyed by and crashed into trains in front, the procedure was banned unless permission was granted by the train dispatchers. A timer, counting up, is started as soon as the train passes a certain point and will clear the signal ahead as soon as the predefined time elapsed. The minimum time is calculated from the speed limit and the distance between start of timer and signal. The first type, "two-shot timers", are generally used on down grades where the train must be under a set speed for a longer length of track. They are so named because a train operator would have two chances, or "shots", to pass the signal within the posted speed limit.
These signals repeat the indication of a signal up ahead around a curve, and are located on the opposite side of the track from the signals they repeat. These are sensors that can determine how fast a train is moving based on how quickly the axles of a given car are moving. First introduced in at interlockings, they further enforce the speed at which a train is traveling through an interlocking, and they are only active when a switch is set to the divergent route. When the indication is flashing, the train is too fast and is about to be tripped. At these stops, gap fillers extend out from the platforms to bridge the space between the platform and the car body and door at the curved stations.
The signal consists of a single red lamp and a "GF" indicator underneath. When the signal is red, the gap fillers are extended, and when the red light is no longer lit up, the gap fillers have been retracted, and the train operator can increase the speed of the train and leave the station. They are arranged in a specific way, with switches and signals that prevent conflicting movements once one route is set up.
Interlocking signals are fixed signals within an interlocking, containing two separate green-yellow-red signal heads and often other indications. Most interlockings only have one controlled signal on each track. These signals allow the train operator to press a lever near the signal to lower the trip arm, allowing the train to pass the signal at slow speed even if the signal is displaying a red light. The three aspects on these signals, when all displaying yellow, allow the train operator to go past the signal at a slow speed without stopping the train. A train operator must use a punch box , which is located besides the cab window in the station closest to the interlocking, to notify the switch operator of which track the train needs to go to.
The switch operator has a switchboard in their tower that allows them to change the switches. The top part of an interlocking signal indicates the condition of the block ahead, while the lower part indicates the route selected. As there were three possible options, a special blue signal was used. Controlled manually from a tower, they are not part of ordinary operations, and they generally do not include trip arms. The NYSTC ordered the Interborough Rapid Transit Company to install automatic signals and automatic tripping devices on all miles km of unsignalled local tracks on June 29, Byford stated that "I don't think that safety and speed are incompatible. In addition, 68 locations had been approved for increases in speed limits. It measures distances from a fixed point, called chaining zero, following the path of the track, so that the distance described is understood to be the "railroad distance," not the distance by the most direct route " as the crow flies ".
This chaining system differs from the milepost or mileage system. The New York City Subway system differs from other railroad chaining systems in that it uses the engineer's chain of feet Chaining is used in the New York City Subway system in conjunction with train radios, in order to ascertain a train's location on a given line. ATS allows dispatchers in the Operations Control Center OCC to see where trains are in real time, and whether each individual train is running early or late. Dispatchers can hold trains for connections, re-route trains, or short-turn trains to provide better service when a disruption causes delays. Its completion was delayed by five years, and it ultimately took 14 years to implement ATS-A.
The unique specifications of New York City Subway's equipment, the MTA's choice to use its own workers rather than outside contractors, and the inadequate training of contractors all contributed to delays. The single biggest issue during the project, though, was the fact that MTA and the contractors did not cooperate well, which was attributed mostly to poor communication.
The simpler ISIM-B system, started in , would essentially combine all of the data from track circuits and unify them into digital databases; the only upgrades that were needed were to be performed on signal towers. Trains using CBTC locate themselves based on measuring their distance in relation to fixed transponders installed between the rails. Trains equipped with CBTC have a transponder interrogator antenna beneath each carriage, which communicates with the fixed trackside transponders and report the trains' location to a wayside Zone Controller via radio.
Then, the Controller issues Movement Authority to the trains. This technology upgrade will allow trains to be operated at closer distances, slightly increasing capacity; will allow the MTA to keep track of trains in real time and provide more information to the public regarding train arrivals and delays; and will eliminate the need for complex interlocking towers. Recorded at Times Square—42nd Street. The block system handles all control and supervision of routes through interlockings including switch point control and switch status, for broken rail protection, and tracking of trains that are not operating using CBTC.
Lines equipped with CBTC are fully track-circuited with power frequency, single-rail track circuits. However, broken-rail protection is only guaranteed on one of the two rails of a track. Once the Zone Controller has determined, based on track circuit information and train localization, that the CBTC train is a single discrete train, they use this information to grant movement authorities based on conditions ahead. The CBTC Zone Controller functions then as an overlay which only provides safe separation of trains and cannot do so without interaction from the Wayside Legacy Signaling system.
With the new system, signals and interlockings are still required, their job being done better by relay interlockings or Solid State Interlocking controllers. The location of the train is also used to inform passengers of arrival times. These rolling stock include the Rs , [43] [44] Rs , [45] [43] and 68 Rs fleet numbers — The R is the system's second automated rolling stock. The R is the system's third automated rolling stock and second fully automated fleet. Therefore, transit planners are viewing the installation of CBTC as a way to free up track capacity for more trains to run, and have shorter headways between trains.
The men and women at the front of the train are the eyes and ears of the subway system, and they often act as the only line of communication between passengers and the greater transit authority. Aspiring transit employees often have to be patient. Candidates must first complete a written exam, and if they pass, their name is added to a list of people waiting to fill whatever jobs open up. Tramell Thompson, a New York City subway conductor since , says he waited nearly four years after taking his civil service exam to secure the job.
Once hired, subway conductors must undergo a training process that can take two to three months. This involves riding real trains in the yards, and learning the various signals, regulations, and procedures. That language includes a lot of numbers, like track numbers, platform numbers, and train IDs. But other bits of lingo are more colorful—and could potentially cause panic if they were ever broadcast over the wrong intercom. As an example, Thompson notes they sometimes might say "the railroad blew up. The gesture is also a good indicator that your conductor is paying attention. According to WNYC , signal problems account for 36 percent of extended subway delays eight minutes or more in New York City, followed by mechanical problems at 31 percent, and rail and track issues at 19 percent.
Staying on schedule is a priority for most subway systems. That means employees might rush through jobs where they would ideally take their time—like cleaning a subway car that a passenger has been sick in, for instance. Thompson says the lax sanitation procedures he sees up-close have convinced him to never let his son ride the subway. If you want your commute to go smoothly, subway employees will tell you the best thing to do is plan ahead. This means finding out how delays or construction might impact your preferred route before stepping outside the house.
Almodovar recommends downloading a navigation app called Citymapper , which integrates the latest data from city transit systems into one spot. Official transit system websites and Twitter accounts are also good places to go for service updates.
So I've spent many hours today searching for an answer, so I thought I would ask. I plan on signing up and possibly taking both exams coming up Fall and Winter signup. I won't get into specifics, but I want to do everything I can to score very well. I was at a bookstore the other day and decided to pick up a general Civil Service study guide. I opened it up and took some practice exams, they were not easy. My math skills are strong, however, I wouldn't consider myself a grammar expert. I didn't score all that well on the grammar usage section.
I had my wife, who is a Harvard Law Grad and is currently a contract attorney, take a look. She didn't score as bad as me, but she did get some wrong and mentioned the tests were very difficult. A sample question that I found quite hard is : Select the sentence that represents the best example of English grammar: A. In Europe, scientists have found that the drastic changes in weather is in direct correlation to the increase in car use. There is a water shortage therefore waiters should only serve water to patrons on request instead of bringing water glasses to everyone at every table. After years of serving the community, the local library will be shut down due to lack of funds. I also found some spelling sections difficult as well. Before I go overboard and spend time studying material that isn't relevant to the exams, I want to ask what should I expect on these tests?
Do the type of questions I mentioned above exist on the test? What kind of math questions multiplying fractions? What kind of questions and topics should I look into? I've read that the exam is very easy and is basic math and trip situation questions. Can anyone confirm this? If I'm going to give these exams a shot, I want to do everything humanly possible to do well. Hopefully that will help you. Also, if I was you, just be patient. This way, the information stays fresh in your mind and you don't forget it. I don't know about you or anybody else - but that's what I found most useful during my college career except during finals.
How do I become a MTA train conductor? Click to see full answer Also, how long is MTA conductor training? Tramell Thompson, a New York City subway conductor since , says he waited nearly four years after taking his civil service exam to secure the job. Once hired, subway conductors must undergo a training process that can take two to three months. Additionally, is MTA train operator a good job? It is a great place to work , management can be unreasonable especially labor relations with their guilty first mind set but if you can avoid that pitfall if dealing with Labor relations you will be fine Management is the worst at this job.
Furthermore, how much do subway conductors make? There is time-and-a-half overtime once you work more than 8 hours a day, and there is LOTS of overtime opportunities for those who want it. What does a MTA conductor do? Conductors, under supervision, are responsible for the safe, timely and proper operation of the Transit Authority's trains in customer, yard and work train service. In customer service, they open and close doors, make proper announcements to customers and set up the automatic announcement system.
The men and women at the front of the train are the eyes and ears of the subway system, and they often act as the only line of communication between passengers and the greater transit authority. Aspiring transit employees often have to be patient. Candidates must first complete a written exam, and if they pass, their name is added to a list of people waiting to fill whatever jobs open up. Tramell Thompson, a New York City subway conductor since , says he waited nearly four years after taking his civil service exam to secure the job. Once hired, subway conductors must undergo a training process that can take two to three months. This involves riding real trains in the yards, and learning the various signals, regulations, and procedures. That language includes a lot of numbers, like track numbers, platform numbers, and train IDs. But other bits of lingo are more colorful—and could potentially cause panic if they were ever broadcast over the wrong intercom. As an example, Thompson notes they sometimes might say "the railroad blew up.
The gesture is also a good indicator that your conductor is paying attention. According to WNYC , signal problems account for 36 percent of extended subway delays eight minutes or more in New York City, followed by mechanical problems at 31 percent, and rail and track issues at 19 percent. Staying on schedule is a priority for most subway systems. That means employees might rush through jobs where they would ideally take their time—like cleaning a subway car that a passenger has been sick in, for instance.
Thompson says the lax sanitation procedures he sees up-close have convinced him to never let his son ride the subway. If you want your commute to go smoothly, subway employees will tell you the best thing to do is plan ahead. This means finding out how delays or construction might impact your preferred route before stepping outside the house. Almodovar recommends downloading a navigation app called Citymapper , which integrates the latest data from city transit systems into one spot. Official transit system websites and Twitter accounts are also good places to go for service updates.
How do I become a MTA train conductor? Click to see full answer In respect to this, how long is MTA conductor training? Tramell Thompson, a New York City subway conductor since , says he waited nearly four years after taking his civil service exam to secure the job. Once hired, subway conductors must undergo a training process that can take two to three months.
Additionally, is MTA train operator a good job? It is a great place to work , management can be unreasonable especially labor relations with their guilty first mind set but if you can avoid that pitfall if dealing with Labor relations you will be fine Management is the worst at this job. Keeping this in consideration, how much do subway conductors make? There is time-and-a-half overtime once you work more than 8 hours a day, and there is LOTS of overtime opportunities for those who want it. What does a MTA conductor do? Conductors, under supervision, are responsible for the safe, timely and proper operation of the Transit Authority's trains in customer, yard and work train service.
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