HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A common path is to finish secondary school, then apply directly to a transit operator opening with a city or regional transit agency. Employers may prefer applicants with good communication skills, strong attention to safety, and the ability to follow directions and stay calm around the public. New hires often learn on the job and through employer training, which can cover vehicle controls, signals, emergency procedures, and customer service. Some people gain early experience in other public-facing or safety-focused work first. Requirements can vary by employer, province, and the type of transit system.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy 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
- Direct passengers during emergency evacuation procedures.
SKILLS TO BUILD
Skills used in this Career
Dealing with the PublicSafety ProceduresTaking Directions