MTA Conductor Study Guide

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Questions and Answers

What is an Absolute Block?

A block where no train is permitted to enter while it is occupied (correct)

A block for maintenance purposes

A block where trains can enter freely

A block with uncontrolled signals

What does BLOCK refer to in rail terminology?

A length of track with defined limits, governed by signals.

What is a Controlled Block?

The block between successive controlled signals in CTC territory.

Define a Manual Block.

A length of main track between two successive block limit signals. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Deadhead Train?

A passenger train with no revenue passengers. Signup and view all the answers

What does ENGINE refer to?

A unit propelled by energy used in train or yard service. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by Equipment in rail terminology?

Railroad cars, engines, or track cars. Signup and view all the answers

What is an Extra Train?

A train not designated by operating schedule. Signup and view all the answers

Define a Freight Train.

Any train that is not a passenger train. Signup and view all the answers

What does Light Engine refer to?

An engine without cars. Signup and view all the answers

What is M-Series Equipment?

MU passenger cars of the M-3, M-7, or M-8 series. Signup and view all the answers

What does Non-Shunting Equipment mean?

Equipment that may not shunt track circuits. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Track Car?

Specialized equipment operated on track for inspection or maintenance. Signup and view all the answers

Define a Train.

Multiple-unit cars or an engine coupled with or without cars. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Blocking Device Removed (BDR) Code?

A unique number transmitted to a worker before fouling a track. Signup and view all the answers

What are Interlocking Signals?

The fixed signals of an interlocking. Signup and view all the answers

What does Maximum Authorized Speed (MAS) refer to?

The maximum speed authorized by Operating Rules. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Passenger Station?

A place designated for receiving and discharging passengers. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Clearance Point?

The location beyond which it is unsafe for passage on an adjacent track. Signup and view all the answers

What does a Derail do?

A device affixed to the rail to prevent trains from entering unsafe tracks. Signup and view all the answers

Define a Switch.

Movable rails designed to allow different track routes. Signup and view all the answers

What is an Automatic Train Control (ATC)?

A system that applies brakes if speed limits are not followed. Signup and view all the answers

What does CTC stand for?

Centralized Traffic Control Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Train Operations Terminology

Absolute Block: A protected block where no train may enter while occupied.
Block: Defined track length with limits governed by signals or rules.
Controlled Block: Blocks between controlled signals in Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) areas.
Manual Block: Main track section limited by two block limit signals.

Train Types and Operations

Deadhead Train: Passenger train operating without revenue passengers.
Engine: Any propulsion unit used in train or yard service, which can include diesel and electric units.
Equipment: Refers to railroad cars, engines, or track vehicles.
Extra Train: A train not listed in schedules, designated by direction.
Freight Train: Any train that carries goods rather than passengers.
Light Engine: An engine operating without cars; excludes multiple units.
M-Series Equipment: Refers to specific MU passenger car types (M-3, M-7, M-8).

Track Adjustments and Safety

Non-Shunting Equipment: Equipment that cannot shunt track circuits, such as single MU cars or track cars.
Track Car: Specialized vehicles for track maintenance or inspections.
Train: A coupled unit with engines or cars, also indicating the presence of a marker.

Signal and Control Definitions

Blocking Device Removed (BDR) Code: Unique code transmitted to workers prior to fouling a track.
Interlocking: Signals and devices that require correct sequence operations according to interlocking rules.
Interlocking Signal: Fixed signals that regulate movement at interlocking points.
Maximum Authorized Speed (MAS): Speed limit established by operating rules.
Controlled Signal: Fixed signals under the authority of a Rail Traffic Controller (RTC).
Distant Signal: Indicator used to govern the approach toward interlocking signals.
Cab Signal: In-cab signal conveying the permissible speed for the train.

Speed Regulations

Limited Speed: Maximum speed of 45 MPH for passenger trains; 25 MPH for others.
Medium Speed: Maximum speed of 30 MPH for passenger trains; 15 MPH for others.
Slow Speed: Maximum speed capped at 15 MPH.

Infrastructure and Control Locations

Controlled Point (CP): A station where signal control is remote from the Operations Control Center.
Passenger Station: Designated locations for boarding and disembarking passengers.
Yard: Area with yard tracks managed by a Yardmaster for various train operations.
Operations Control Center (OCC): Central location where RTCs manage train movements.

Rules and Notices

Bulletin Order (BO): A temporary order affecting train movements issued by senior operations authority.
Daily Train Operations Bulletin Order (DTOBO): Order containing critical operational information issued daily.
General Notice (GN): Operational instructions not affecting trains' movement.
General Order (GO): Permanent changes to operational guidelines.
Employee Special Instructions (SI): Documentation outlining movement-affecting rules.

Specialized Signal Restrictions

Speed Limit Sign: Indicates maximum speed until the entire train has passed the designated resume sign.
Working Limits Stop Sign: Designates a stopping point, requiring permission to pass under specified speed limits.
End of Block Sign: Denotes the conclusion of manual block rules, transitioning to non-controlled track.

This structured summary provides key details on train operation terminology and regulations for effective study and understanding of MTA conductor operations.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key terms such as 'absolute block' and 'controlled block' with this MTA Conductor Study Guide quiz. This quiz is perfect for aspiring conductors seeking to understand signaling concepts and vocabulary used in train operations. Challenge yourself and improve your understanding of railway systems.