Commuter trains gliding between stations…
freight trains chugging across the heartland….
Every kind of train needs a steady,
experienced locomotive engineer at the controls,
and railroad conductors and yardmasters
to keep track of passengers and cargo.
Locomotive engineers drive freight
or passenger trains between stations.
They alter their methods and speed
based on the type of freight they carry,
weather conditions, and the quality
of the rails themselves.
These engineers monitor speed,
air pressure, battery use, and other instruments
to ensure that the locomotive runs smoothly.
Keeping in contact with dispatchers
over the radio helps them stay informed
of delays and schedule changes.
Railroad conductors help travelers
onto the train, take tickets,
make announcements, and stand by while
the train is in the station.
It’s their job to make sure people are safely aboard
before signaling to the engineer to proceed.
Conductors also coordinate the activities
of the train’s crew, and on freight trains,
if a yardmaster is not available,
they oversee loading and unloading of cargo.
Yardmasters stay at the station to oversee
the activities of workers in the rail yard;
moving cars for the right configuration of a train,
loading freight, and making sure
all equipment is safe.
Especially before they gain seniority,
these railroad workers work
nights, weekends, and holidays.
Most jobs require a high school diploma,
along with several months of
simulations and on-the-job training
to get “on track” for a career on the rails.