Typically, train conductors work onboard passenger trains to ensure that the journey of passengers is safe and comfortable.
They make sure that passengers find their seats as they are boarding, help them dock their hand luggage while ensuring that they are properly seated.
In addition to this, they also issue tickets, check tickets to see the traveling eligibility of passengers, and make sure that any passengers who have boarded without tickets are dealt with according to set rules.
Skills & Abilities
To be able to do this job perfectly, you will need exceptional customer service skills, as you will be dealing with passengers on a daily basis.
Additionally, you will need to possess a great memory as you will be answering questions regarding routes and destinations. As far as eligibility goes, you will need to possess a high school diploma or equivalent if you want to work as a train conductor.
A train conductor is usually the only person (apart from stewards) that passengers meet while they are commuting on a train. This is the primary reason for them to be especially nice to passengers and to be able to help them out in every manner possible.
Some of the important duties of a train conductor are provided in the list below:
Train Conductor Duties and Responsibilities
• Greet passengers as they embark on the train and assist them in locating their cars or seats
• Check passengers’ tickets to ensure that they are on the right train and issue “on the go” tickets when required
• Assist passengers with their luggage and provide them with information on where and how to dock their hand luggage
• Ensure that all cars/carriages are cleaned prior to passengers embarking and that any trash is properly disposed of
• Walkthrough cars during the course of the journey to check travel documents and to ensure passengers’ wellbeing and safety
• Respond to passengers’ questions and queries regarding routes, destinations, and services
• Make destination announcements over the public address systems and answer questions regarding arrival timings and delays
• Handle onboard emergencies such as passenger illnesses or injuries according to set protocols
• Supervise and coordinate train crew activities to ensure appropriate cleaning and food delivery
• Halt trains by pulling emergency chains in the event of an emergency such as robbery or illness
• Inform authorities of any untoward incidents or personnel aboard the train and ensure that no passenger comes to harm because of them
• Collect tickets and fares from passengers and check train passes for children and the elderly
• Assist passengers in embarking and disembarking from the train in a safe manner