Do locomotive engineers drive the train?

Locomotive engineers drive freight or passenger trains between stations. They drive long-distance trains and commuter trains, but not subway trains. Most locomotive engineers drive diesel-electric engines, although some drive locomotives powered by battery or electricity.



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Train operators and conductors play distinct and important roles: Operators drive the train, while conductors make announcements, stick their heads out of the cab to give the operator the all clear, open and close the train doors, and interact with passengers directly.

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Locomotive engineers drive passenger and freight trains, while conductors manage the activities of the crew and passengers on the train. Conductors may take payments or tickets from passengers and assist them when they have any difficulties. They may also oversee the loading and unloading of cargo.

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Because train engineers receive additional training and typically have more experience than conductors, they may earn a higher salary. Consider your budget and cost of living to decide whether a lower salary is enough for your needs if you're considering becoming a conductor.

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Conductors and engineers sleep at home or at a hotel at their away terminal. The operating crew of a train in the US can only be on duty for 12 hours and then must be relieved.

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Each train is assigned one locomotive engineer, except on certain segments of some long-distance routes where crew changes are too far apart and/or there are relatively long stretches of overnight running.

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The distance traveled by freight train engineers during a day shift can vary depending on several factors, including the length of the train, the speed at which it is traveling, and the number of stops or destinations along the route. On average, freight trains can travel between 500 and 700 miles per day shift.

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Training is extensive for all rail employees and is especially rigorous for the conductors and engineers operating freight trains. Years of experience as a conductor are typically required to become a freight rail engineer.

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A train driver, engine driver, engineman or locomotive driver, commonly known as an engineer or railroad engineer in the United States and Canada, and also as a locomotive handler, locomotive engineer, locomotive operator, train operator, or motorman, is a person who operates a train, railcar, or other rail transport ...

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The conductor is the “manager” of the train. It is his job to be in charge of the other train crew, and supervise the operation of the train. As the boss, the conductor is also in charge of making sure the train departs and arrives on time.

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