Train engineers and train operators ensure that freight trains and passenger trains stay on time and travel safely. Train engineers drive trains. Train operators work the brakes, signals, or switches.
Train engineers and operators typically do the following:
Freight trains move billions of tons of goods around the country to ports where they are shipped around the world. Passenger trains transport millions of passengers and commuters to destinations around the country. Train engineers and operators are essential to keeping freight and passenger trains running properly.
All railroad occupations work together closely. Locomotive engineers travel with conductors and, sometimes, brake operators. Locomotive engineers and conductors are in constant contact and keep each other informed of any changes in the condition of the train. For more information, see the profile on railroad conductors and yardmasters.
Signal and switch operators communicate with both locomotive and rail yard engineers to make sure that trains end up where they are supposed to. All occupations are in contact with dispatchers, who give them directions on where to go and what to do.
The following are types of train engineers and operators:
Locomotive engineers drive freight or passenger trains between stations. They drive long-distance trains and commuter trains, but not subway trains. For more information on those who drive subway trains, see the profile on subway and streetcar operators.
Most locomotive engineers drive diesel-electric engines, although some drive locomotives powered by battery or electricity.
Engineers must be aware of the goods their train is carrying because different types of freight require different types of driving, based on the conditions of the rails. For example, a train carrying hazardous material though a snowstorm is driven differently than a train carrying coal though a mountain region.
Locomotive engineers typically do the following:
Rail yard engineers operate train engines within the rail yard. They move locomotives between tracks to keep the trains organized and on schedule. Some operate small locomotives called dinkeys. Sometimes, rail yard engineers are called hostlers and drive small locomotives to and from maintenance shops.
Locomotive firers are part of a train crew and typically monitor tracks and train instruments. They look for equipment that is dragging, obstacles on the tracks, and other potential safety problems.
Firers also monitor oil, temperature, and pressure gauges on train dashboards to determine if engines are operating safely and efficiently. Firers relay traffic signals from yard workers to engineers in a railroad yard.
Few trains still use firers, because their work has been automated or is now done by a locomotive engineer or conductor.
Railroad brake, signal, or switch operators control equipment that keeps the trains running safely.
Brake operators help couple and decouple train cars. Some travel with the train as part of the crew.
Signal operators install and maintain the signals along tracks and in the rail yard. Signals are important in preventing accidents because they allow increased communication between trains and yards.
Switch operators control the track switches in rail yards. These switches allow trains to move between tracks.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition