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Subway train and light rail transit operators

OaSIS code 73301.03

Subway train and light rail transit operators transport passengers on established routes.

Overview

Also known as

  • Light rail transit operator
  • Subway train operator
  • Urban transit operator

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Operate subway or rail transit vehicles as part of two-person crew
  • Observe signals at crossings and arrival and departure points
  • Operate controls to open and close transit vehicle doors
  • Report delays, malfunctions and accidents to control unit
  • Ensure passenger safety and welfare in emergencies, and direct passengers during evacuation procedures.

Additional information

  • Progression to transit supervisory positions, inspector or training instructor positions is possible with experience.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators (72024)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

7 – Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations

TEER

3 – Occupations usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of less than two years; or more than six months of on-the-job training

Major group

73 – General trades

Sub-major group

733 – Transportation occupations

Minor group

7330 – Transport truck and transit drivers

Unit group

73301 – Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators

Occupational profile

73301.03 – Subway train and light rail transit operators

Work characteristics

Work characteristics gathers the various components describing the work environment of each occupation, such as employers, work activities, and the work context. Each category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of complexity (for Work Activities) or other measurement dimensions (for Work Context), and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Work Activities

Proficiency or complexity level
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
5 - Highest Level
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
4 - High Level
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
4 - High Level
Communicating with Coworkers
3 - Moderate Level
Controlling Machines and Processes
3 - Moderate Level

Work Context

Structural Job Characteristics

Structured versus Unstructured Work
Degree of freedom to determine tasks and priorities
1 - Very low amount of freedom
Work Week Duration
Worked hours in a typical week
3 - More than 40 hours

Physical Work Environment

Physical Proximity
Physical distance from others
4 - Close (at arm’s length)

Physical Demands

Sitting
Duration
4 - More than half the time
Standing
Duration
2 - Less than half the time
Bending or Twisting the Body
Duration
2 - Less than half the time

Interpersonal Relations

Contact with Others
Frequency
4 - Every day, a few times per day
Duration
3 - About half the time
Work with Work Group or Team
Importance
2 - Somewhat important
Frequency
5 - Every day, almost continuously

Workplaces/employers

  • Urban transit systems

Skills and abilities

This section displays the various competencies required for an occupation. Each category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of proficiency (for Skills and Abilities) or importance (for Personal Attributes) and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Abilities

Proficiency or complexity level
Auditory Attention
5 - Highest Level
Far Vision
5 - Highest Level
Glare Tolerance
5 - Highest Level
Multi-Signal Response
5 - Highest Level
Night Vision
5 - Highest Level

Skills

Proficiency or complexity level
Operation Monitoring of Machinery and Equipment
5 - Highest Level
Operation and Control
4 - High Level
Coordinating
2 - Low Level
Critical Thinking
2 - Low Level
Decision Making
2 - Low Level

Personal Attributes

Importance
Stress Tolerance
5 - Extremely important
Attention to Detail
4 - Highly important
Independence
4 - Highly important
Active Learning
3 - Important
Adaptability
3 - Important

Interests

The OaSIS uses the Holland Codes to describe the work-related interests. According to the Holland model, people work best in work environments that match their preferences, which means that people and work environments can be matched for a best fit. Occupational environments in Holland’s theory are described according to a combination of main interests and the activities they represent. There are six interests in the Holland typology: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional. All occupations in OaSIS have up to three interests assigned to them.

Interests

Preferences for work environments and outcomes.

Interests profile: RC

Realistic (R)

Realistic occupations are characterized by the dominance of activities that entail the explicit, ordered or systematic manipulation of objects, tools, machines and animals. Many of these occupations do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Conventional (C)

Conventional occupations are characterized by the dominance of activities that entail following sets of procedures and routines. These activities may include systematic manipulation of data, such as keeping records, filing materials, reproducing materials, organizing written and numerical data according to a prescribed plan, and operating business and data processing. They often require following a clear line of authority and usually involve working with data and details more than with ideas.

Employment requirements

Employment requirements includes the education, training, certifications and the knowledge required to work in each occupation. The Knowledge category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of proficiency, and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of Knowledge descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Education, certification and licensing

  • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
  • Up to three months of on-the-job training, including classroom instruction, is usually provided for all occupations in this unit group.
  • A minimum of one year of safe driving experience is required.
  • An air brakes endorsement and first aid certificate may be required.
  • Experience as a public transit bus driver is usually required for subway and light rail transit operators.

Knowledge

Knowledge level
Vehicle, Machinery and Equipment Operations
3 - Advanced Level
Public Safety and Security
2 - Intermediate Level
Clerical
1 - Basic Level
Languages
1 - Basic Level
Logistics
1 - Basic Level

Skills for success

 
Skills for Success Model
 
Skills for Success are skills that help you in a quickly changing world. Everyone benefits from having these skills. They can help you to get a job, progress at your current job or even change jobs. The skills also help you become an active member of your community and succeed in learning.
 
 
Linkages Between ESDC Skills Models and Frameworks
 
ESDC makes available a dictionary of over 300 terms (or descriptors) and definitions, known as the Skills and Competencies Taxonomy (SCT). Descriptor information from the Taxonomy is used in the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).
 
While there is general commonality of meaning between the descriptors in the SCT and the Skills for Success model, there are some differences in their definitions due to their distinct purposes. The Skills for Success Model [9 broadly defined skills] identifies the skills that are universally applicable. The SCT displays specific skills and competency requirements for 900 occupations. Users of the Skills for Success Model and Essential Skills content may find competency information from the Taxonomy and the OaSIS to be complementary.
 
Stay tuned to this section for more information and updates regarding linkages between the Skills for Success model and the OaSIS.

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

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