Conductor (rail)

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A conductor (North American 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/locomotive. The role is common worldwide under various job titles, although on many railroads the role has been discontinued. The conductor title is most common in North America. In Commonwealth countries, the conductor (also sometimes known as train manager) is someone who sells and/or inspects tickets.^[1]

The responsibilities of the role typically include the following:

• ensuring that the train follows applicable safety rules and practices
• making sure that the train stays on schedule starting from the stations
• opening and closing power operated doors
• selling and checking tickets, and other customer service duties
• ensuring that any cars and cargo are picked up and dropped off properly
• completing en-route paperwork
• directing the train's movement while operating in reverse
• coupling or uncoupling cars
• assisting with setting out or picking up rolling stock.

Some rapid transit systems employ conductors to make announcements and open and close doors, duties otherwise performed by train engineers. The conductor often stays in the center of the train where they can best view the platform. While advances in automation allow most transit systems to use one person train operation (OPTO), a few, such as the New York City Subway, Toronto Transit Commission and Sydney Trains, continue to employ guards.