On many of today's passenger trains and as one of the worker jobs, the conductor's most important task is to see to the comfort and safety of the passengers. At first, for the conductor this is not a simple task. Recalling that the earliest trains had seats bolted to the platforms that looked much like today's flat cars. There were no roofs over those cars and consequently passengers were exposed to the elements and flying sparks from the tender boxes of locomotives. More often than not, the conductor had to extinguish fires started by flying sparks on the train and in passengers' clothing. Likewise, by the late1830s as trains crossed our western territories, the conductor's job became far more difficult and dangerous. Indians and outlaws frequently attacked trains or tore up tracks and damaged bridges. As the nation became more settled, the railroads increased, the conductor came to assume many of the duties that we see performed today. Because railroads carry freight from state to state, the federal government passed many laws concerning them. Accordingly, this increased the importance of the conductor's general labor jobs. For many years railroads have been important to the economy and survival of our nation. This was especially true during the world wars. Though decreasing somewhat in volume of activity, railroads are still an important means of transportation. The conductor is a key worker in this field.
The conductor 's career has a direct impact to the success of the train driver's career. The conductor can be considered the 'captain' of the train. It is the conductor's responsibility to see that railroad trains are moved according to orders and instructions issued by a railroad dispatcher. Before a freight or passenger train departs from the terminal, the conductor receives orders from the dispatcher. He or she then confers with other members of the train crew such as the engineer, firer, brakers, porters, and dining room employees to see that they understand the orders. Prior to, as well as during, the trip the conductor for repairs whenever necessary. The conductor sees to that passenger cars are clean or that freight cars are properly sealed and that passengers are seated and comfortable. During the trip, the conductor collects tickets and cash fares from passengers. When passengers or freight arrives at a designated destination, it is the conductor's responsibility to supervise debarking or unloading. If a freight car is to be set out or added to the train along its route, the conductor sees that it is done. The conductor signals the engineer a the proper time for departure from stops along the run. At the conclusion of the trip, he or she is responsible for reporting to company officials about relevant events of the trip. Reports include information about the number of passengers carried, the condition of freight upon its arrival, and the time the train arrived and departed from various stations along the route. In the event of an emergency during the trip, the conductor is responsible for whatever course of action is taken. The conductor should be well-versed on the procedures in many different types of emergencies, including evacuating the train. All persons employed on the train's labor employment are subject to the conductor's authority.
Likewise, the conductor has also a crucial labor jobs. On freight trains, the conductor primarily supervises the activities of the crew. Before the start of the trip, he or she obtains bills of lading and written orders from the station agent. The conductor also supervises the make-up of trains before departure, and throughout the course of the trip periodically he or she checks the condition of the train's cargo. The conductor also supervises the removal of freight at its proper destination. Yard conductors seldom travel great distances on trains. They are usually stationed at a switching point or terminal where they signal the engineer and direct the work of switching crews who make up or withdraw cars from a train. Based on a knowledge of train schedules, the yard conductor or yard foreman is responsible for seeing that cars destined to arrive at various points along one of many routes are put together and ready to leave on time. Today, many yards are mechanized. In this case, yard conductors supervise the movement of cars through electronic devices.
Like a driver job, many conductors acquire the knowledge to assume their positions through years of practical experience gained, for instance, as brakers. Although some high-school education is required, a college education is not a necessity. Conductors are usually brakers who have had several years of experience and have passed examinations, testing their knowledge of signals, timetables, air brakes, operating rules, and related subjects. He has to pass all these tests until his competence has manifested.
