A
conductor (
American and
Canadian English) or
guard (
Commonwealth English) is a
train crew member responsible for operational and safety duties that do not involve actual operation of the train. The
conductor title is most common in
North American railway operations, but the role is common worldwide under various job titles. Conductor job responsibilities typically include:
- Making sure the train stays on schedule
- Ensuring that any cars and cargo are picked up and dropped off properly
- Completing en-route paperwork
- Ensuring the train follows applicable safety rules and practices
- Controlling the train's movement while operating in reverse
- Coupling or uncoupling cars
- Assisting with setting out or picking up of rolling stock
- Carrying out running repairs
- Ticket collection and other customer service duties
- Opening and closing train doors