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.
Training
The training for the position either of motorman or conductor is generally conducted on the job. New men are placed on a car with an experienced motorman and operate the car under his direction until they are able to operate a car independently. The period of training is usually short—a week to two weeks. Men so learning rarely receive pay. A number of companies make charges for the training, but refund amounts paid if the employee remains with the company a certain length of time.
Wages
Wages for motormen and conductors are approximately the same, and in 1917 ranged from 15 to 45 cents per hour, with average between 25 and 30 cents for the entire country.[20] Advances in the past year have probably raised this average to 30 cents or above.
[20] Bulletin of the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics No. 204.