Job Description of a BART Train Operator
BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) train operators work for the public transit authority of San Francisco, California. They transport passengers inside tunnels and along outdoor commuter train routes. They communicate with dispatchers, engineers, managers, security guards and passengers. Communication skills, good eyesight, responsiveness and passenger focus are essential qualities for this mass transit profession.
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Duties
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Passenger safety is integral. BART train operators transport passengers safely and efficiently from boarding stations to desired destinations. Train operators communicate with dispatchers and other transit authorities by radio. They watch passengers boarding and exiting train doors. They use public address devices to instruct passengers about delays, hazards, emergency situations and routine travel information.
BART train operators must alert authorities of any illegal passenger activities or potentially harmful track conditions. They maintain daily scheduling and transportation logs.
Requirements
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BART has rigid requirements for train operators. A high school diploma or GED is required. BART train operators must have at least three years of customer service experience and possess a California driver's license without any infractions. They must work in cramped, noisy and stressful environments.
According to the BART website, train operators must meet the following criteria: "Must be able to obtain and maintain District certification as a Train Operator. Must be physically able to step over high voltage third rail, walk to trains along tracks, and climb into train cab. Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment medical exam that uses the standards of the California Commercial driver's license."
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Key Traits
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BART train operators need a broad skill set. BART train operators must be flexible to work irregular hours and shifts. They must have excellent customer service skills and remain calm during potentially dangerous situations. Assertive yet diplomatic, English language communication skills are integral to interact with a diverse population of daily passengers and tourists.
Subway trains have computerized automated train control systems. BART train operators must respond quickly when transit management or natural events force them to drive trains manually.
Anticipated Salaries
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The mean yearly salary was $49,330 in 2008. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, subway operators earned a mean hourly wage of $23.72 and a mean annual salary of $49,330, as of May 2008. Subway operators earned median salaries ranging from $33,140 for the lowest 10 percent to $63,450 for the highest 10 percent.
Prospects
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The future is very bright for subway operators. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a job growth rate of 19 percent for subway operators between 2008 and 2018. This figure represents a much faster-than-average rate compared to all other occupations. Retiring subway operators contribute to the positive growth scenario, according to the BLS.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit train désaturation image by Jerome Dancette from Fotolia.com trolley, subway, tram, germany berlin image by Charlie Rosenberg from Fotolia.com night subway image by Lucy Cherniak from Fotolia.com man in railway/train station standing beside train image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com keyboard with -salary- button image by air from Fotolia.com binocular image by bright from Fotolia.com
