About

Railroad Brake Operators operate railroad track switches, brakes, and signals. Working either aboard trains or at depots, they're responsible for ensuring that passenger and freight trains run on time and travel safely.

Operators couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains, and inspect and maintain equipment such as couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes.

Specifically, brake operators help couple and uncouple train cars; signal operators install signals along tracks; and switch operators control the track switches in rail yards to allow trains to move between tracks.