Commuter Train Operator Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a Commuter Train Operator

Best Schools to become a Commuter Train Operator in U.S. 2024

Universal Technical Institute-Auto Motorcycle & Marine Mechanics Institute Division-Orlando

Orlando, FL

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:47%
Total Enrollment:943

Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc

Avondale, AZ

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:50%
Total Enrollment:1,972

University of Northwestern Ohio

Lima, OH

In-State Tuition:$10,659
Out-of-State Tuition:$10,659
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:59%
Total Enrollment:2,615

Universal Technical Institute-Dallas Fort Worth

Irving, TX

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:59%
Total Enrollment:1,727

Universal Technical Institute of Texas Inc.

Houston, TX

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:49%
Total Enrollment:1,845

WyoTech

Laramie, WY

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:81%
Total Enrollment:993
Commuter Train Operator Job Description:
  • Drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport passengers or freight.
  • Interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a Commuter Train Operator

Job Duties for Commuter Train Operators

  • Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.

  • Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.

  • Receive starting signals from conductors and use controls such as throttles or air brakes to drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas turbine-electric locomotives.

Technologies and Skills Used by Commuter Train Operators

Expert system software

  • Electronic train management systems ETMS

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Word processing software

  • Microsoft Word

Basic Skills

  • Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a Commuter Train Operator

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Commuter Train Operator

FAQs About Becoming a Commuter Train Operator