Should I go for conductor position?

[Beartrain]

Hello,

I currently work on Gateline but it can become quite tedious and I have applied for a Conductor position and passed the assesment day.
But I have some doubts, namely..

I currently have 1 in 3 weekends off and do enjoy them, the local roster is 1 in 4 at best.
Night shifts, not many but I have not worked nights before. Do people ever get used to nights?
Disruptive passengers.. being on gateline I already deal with occasional arses and ticketless travellers but they are soon gone. If I have a couple of disruptive passengers on my train who refuse to leave what should I do? I could call ahead to notify BTP, anything else?

I enjoy customer service and get on with people, I have passed the assesments for concentration, ticket issue, ticket validity and the roleplay. I would like more variety than gateline and more money is good but not a prime incentive.

Advice?

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Hello,

Disruptive passengers.. being on gateline I already deal with occasional arses and ticketless travellers but they are soon gone. If I have a couple of disruptive passengers on my train who refuse to leave what should I do? I could call ahead to notify BTP, anything else? Advice?

This, and many other scenarios could be asked at your interview to see if you can think on your feet and make quick on-the-spot decisions. Try and think what you would do and then come back and post your answers.

 

[Beartrain]

I would engage with them, ask them where they are going, then point out why there behaviour might be disturbing people. I am not worried about the odd case of course just experience of the job. Plus my rolepay was dealing with a disruptive passenger. I just want to know more about peoples experience in the role.

 

[craigybagel]

Didn't do gateline but did work on platforms before I got my conductors job. I got way more abuse, threats and so forth on platforms than on trains. Best move I ever made

 

[TJD]

I would for sure go for the conductors position. I'm not one, but from what i'm aware of, you get trained and informed about how to deal with difficult people. In cases where you feel that things could get physical TOC's express personal safety comes way before getting someone to pay for a ticket (which is probably the main reason people are confrontational). I'm sure actual conductors can correct me on that if im wrong

I don't know how often you have to deal with these people, but im sure it's alot less than you think.

As for night shifts, it depends what kind of person you are really, some hate it, some enjoy the variety of working day and night shifts.

And if train driving is a goal, i think the knowledge you gain from being a conductor will help alot with that application.

Good luck with whatever you decide

 

[Spankthemonkey]

Didn't do gateline but did work on platforms before I got my conductors job. I got way more abuse, threats and so forth on platforms than on trains. Best move I ever made

^^^This. In Spades. The only difference with the threat of violence and hassle on board is of course is that you are on your own. On the platform/gate there is safety in numbers.

 

[12guard4]

As a current guard you do get some abuse but it's it on train you just have to have the mentality to not respond walk away back to your cab, then as you suggest phone BTP and get them to come and deal with it. I know some people who are constantly battling everyone and making the job a lot harder for themselves, nobody thanks them for it.

 

[387star]

when I was a guard I never had any problems

worst was drunks preventing doors from being closed and being a bit rude etc but it is how you deal with it and always call BTP if you feel threatened