How old have you got to be to become a conductor on a train?

Question

can you just become a conductor and not a train driver

Answer 1

becoming a conductor is relatively easy. you need to ask yourself if you want to work with the mass public (caltrain/amtrak) or work with freight cars.

check the websites to see who's hiring and for what and send in your application.

18 seems to be the lowest age hired.

start off as an assistant conductor (caltrain/amtrak) and very quickly get conductor qualified.

if the idea of running the train doesn't interest you, stay a conductor and build up that seniority.

you soon learn just how important your seniority number is.

Answer 2

Yes, there are people that choose to stay in train service (conductor) and not go into engine service (engineer).

You can hire on at 18, that will be as a switchman/brakeman.

Theroetically you could promote to conductor almost immediately, there is no minimum age requirement other than for employment.

Usually you would be offered a chance to promote either to conductor and/or engineer within two or three years depending on staffing requirments at the location you are working.

That can vary from terminal to terminal.

Answer 3

I'm unsure but I think the minimun age would be 19.

Answer 4

18 or 19

Answer 5

18 and get hired as quick as you can and start building your seniority now...

Answer 6

Here on the UPRR the youngest guy we have working is 21.The UPRR requires new hires to take promotion to engineer if they have classes starting.The jobs are bid on in seniority order.You can pass it up as long as there are younger guys who bid on it.If not you can be force assigned to fill the class.

Answer 7

I was 18 when I hired out for the Sacramento Northern, 19 when I went braking for the SP and I went into engine service with the SP at age 20.

But that's ancient history.  It may have changed.