Conductor (rail)

A conductor (North American English) or guard (Commonwealth English) is a train crew member responsible for operational and safety duties that do not involve actual operation of the train/locomotive. The conductor title is most common in North American railway operations, but the role is common worldwide under various job titles. In Commonwealth English, a conductor is also known as guard or train manager. The responsibilities of a conductor or guard typically include the following: Ensuring that the train follows applicable safety rules and practices Making sure that the train stays on schedule starting from the stations Opening and closing power operated doors Selling and checking tickets, and other customer service duties Ensuring that any cars and cargo are picked up and dropped off properly Completing en-route paperwork Directing the train's movement while operating in reverse Coupling or uncoupling cars Assisting with the setting out or picking up of rolling stock Some rapid transit systems employ conductors to make announcements and open and close doors, duties otherwise performed by engineers. The conductor often stays in the center of the train where they can best view the platform. While advances in automation allow most transit systems to use one person train operation (OPTO), a few, such as the New York City Subway, Toronto Transit Commission and Sydney Trains continue to employ conductors. Conductor is also a crew member in some bus, trolleybus or tram operations. In North America, the Conductor manages a freight, passenger, or other type of train, and directly supervises the train crew, which can include a brakeman, flagman, ticket collector, assistant conductor, and on board service personnel, and is responsible for the movement of the train. The engineer (driver) takes direction from the Conductor. The portman (station master), and additional engine crew members (fireman, pilot engineer) share responsibility for safe and efficient train operation and adherence to railway rules and procedures.