PLAN No. 1004. PART II. URBAN TRANSPORTATION—ELECTRIC RAILWAYS
Street railway operation furnishes rather regular employment to men on the regular force. From this standpoint it is desirable for the disabled soldier or sailor. It is not seasonal to any marked degree, nor is it greatly affected by industrial depressions; and bad weather only increases the need for employees instead of lessening it as in many out-of-doors occupations. Few of the street railway employees are exposed to bad weather conditions, although the work is not so protected as in an indoor occupation. They are, however, exposed to dust from the streets and contagious diseases. All of the positions on street railways carry with them a high degree of responsibility, but the position of motorman is probably the one of greatest responsibility.
PLAN No. 1005. THE MOTORMAN
The occupation of the street car motorman is one that can be taken up by disabled soldiers and sailors. Those who have suffered merely the loss of part of the fingers on one or both hands, or of a leg, can operate a street car. A car can be operated by those who are physically unfit for heavy work, especially if the car is equipped with air brakes and the working hours are not too long. But those who have defective eyesight, poor hearing, or are subject to nervous trouble should not undertake this work. Those who have suffered from shell shock should not attempt to operate a car until they have fully recovered.
The work is light, but requires constant attention, especially under conditions of heavy traffic. The motorman must constantly watch the track to prevent collisions with automobiles or other vehicles whose drivers take hazardous chances in crossing the track. Men, women and children must likewise be watched and warned. The motorman must acquire skill in operating the controller so that he can start the car off rapidly without causing the circuit breaker to break the current. He must learn to apply the air gradually so the car will not stop with a jerk or the wheels slide on the track. He must learn to estimate distances so that he can stop his car at the proper point. He must form the habit of never starting without a signal from the conductor.
The working conditions are suitable for disabled men. Stools are usually provided for the motorman, which he can use outside the congested district. Most of the cars have closed vestibules for bad weather. The working hours are irregular, but usually not over 10 in 24. Usually there are two work periods in a day, with a rest period of two or three hours between—the work periods come with the morning and evening rush of people to and from their work.
PLAN No. 1006. THE CONDUCTOR
The conductor’s position makes fewer physical requirements upon him than that of the motorman. His position is, however, one of responsibility, and honesty is a prime essential. His duty is to collect fares, give proper change to passengers, and issue transfers. All his receipts must be turned over to the company. He must see that passengers are not endangered in any way, especially by the car starting too soon or the passenger attempting to alight before the car has stopped. Accordingly the conductor must have good eyesight and hearing. He may, however, have suffered some dismemberments, and he need not be physically strong. Courteous conductors are much in demand by street railways.