Railway Conductors and Brakemen/Women

Nature of work

Railway conductors coordinate and supervise the activities of passenger and freight train crew members. Brakemen check train brakes and other systems and equipment prior to train run and assist railway conductors in activities in transit. They work for railway transport companies.

Job duties

Railway conductors:

• Supervise and coordinate the activities of passenger and freight train crew members.
• Receive train orders and explain orders to brakemen/women, locomotive engineer and other crew members.
• Communicate with train crew members by radio, signals or by other means to give and receive train operation information.
• Collect fees on board passenger trains, announce approaching train stops and answer passenger questions.
• Prepare train run reports.

Brakemen:

• Check train systems and equipment like air conditioning and heating systems, brakes and brake hoses prior to train run.
• Communicate with train crew members by radio, signals or by other means to help in the movement and operation of train.
• Receive orders from traffic controllers, watch signals and track conditions and open and close track switches.
• Set and release hand brakes and connect air brake hoses to couple and switch passenger or freight cars, making minor repairs to couplings, air hoses and wheel-bearing boxes as needed.
• Help in collecting fees and helping passengers on and off train.

Sample job titles

• brakeman/woman
• conductor - switching yard
• freight train conductor
• front-end brakeman/woman
• passenger train conductor
• railway conductor
• road freight brakeman/woman
• tail-end brakeman/woman

Skills

You should be responsible, reliable, and in good physical health. You must also be able to work on your own and carry out instructions given by your employer. Physical strength, stamina, and attention to detail are also assets.

Job requirements

• High school is usually required.
• Experience as a brakeman is necessary for conductors.
• Experience as a railway worker is usually necessary for brakemen/women.
• Railway conductors need a Canadian Rail Operating Rules certificate.
• Brakemen need a Canadian Rail Operating Rules certificate.

Other considerations

Brakemen/women may move to railway conductors with experience. Railway conductors may move to locomotive engineers with experience.

Regulations

Contacts