Occupation

Subway and Streetcar Operators

Human Advantage 68%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
4.8 / 10

Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.

Operate subway or elevated suburban trains with no separate locomotive, or electric-powered streetcar, to transport passengers. May handle fares.

Also Known As: Combined Rail Operator, Electric Motorman, Elevated Motorman, Light Rail Operator, Light Rail Train Operator, Light Rail Transit Operator, Light Rail Vehicle Operator (LRV Operator), Monorail Operator +22 more

Core Tasks

  1. Monitor lights indicating obstructions or other trains ahead and watch for car and truck traffic at crossings to stay alert to potential hazards.
  2. Operate controls to open and close transit vehicle doors.
  3. Drive and control rail-guided public transportation, such as subways, elevated trains, and electric-powered streetcars, trams, or trolleys, to transport passengers.
  4. Report delays, mechanical problems, and emergencies to supervisors or dispatchers, using radios.
  5. Regulate vehicle speed and the time spent at each stop to maintain schedules.
  6. Make announcements to passengers, such as notifications of upcoming stops or schedule delays.
  7. Direct emergency evacuation procedures.
  8. Complete reports, including shift summaries and incident or accident reports.
  9. Greet passengers, provide information, and answer questions concerning fares, schedules, transfers, and routings.
  10. Attend meetings on driver and passenger safety to learn ways in which job performance might be affected.

Education & Training

Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
87%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
9%
Some College Courses
5%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Microsoft Office software

Software (2)

  • Word processing software

Tools & Equipment (15)

  • Customer-to-operator two-way communication systems
  • Deadman pedals
  • Diesel powered train engines
  • Door opening controls
  • Electric train engines
  • In-train public address systems
  • Multipurpose fire extinguishers
  • Portable two way radios
  • Railcar defrosting systems
  • Streetcars
  • Track switches
  • Trolley bell foot pedals
  • Trolleys
  • Wheelchair exit or entrance ramps
  • Whistle pulls

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Ground & Rail Transportation Advanced Manufacturing

Zone 2
Subway and Streetcar Operators You are here
Zone 3
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers 74% match

Resume Builder

Select key tasks to generate action-oriented resume bullets for Subway and Streetcar Operators positions.

Related Occupations

Compare skills gap with any of these related roles.

Locomotive EngineersClosely Related Railroad Conductors and YardmastersClosely Related Bus Drivers, Transit and IntercityClosely Related Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive FirersClosely Related Taxi DriversClosely Related Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Show all 20 related occupations
Air Traffic Controllers Light Truck Drivers Transit and Railroad Police Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance Crossing Guards and Flaggers Passenger Attendants Commercial Pilots Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Traffic Technicians Airfield Operations Specialists Parking Attendants

Real Talk

Hear from real Subway and Streetcar Operatorss about their work:

Reddit Day-in-the-life discussions Reddit Salary discussions YouTube Video day-in-the-life Glassdoor Reviews & salaries