What exactly is the breakdown of responsibility between the engineer and the conductor? I get it that the conductor is in charge of everything relating to passengers, but does he or she also have to be qualified on the line? Who communicates with the dispatcher? If it's the conductor who gets the train in and out of the station fast, do dispatchers care more about working with a good engineer or a good conductor to give them a good move? What exactly is under the engineer's control?
(These questions are all about Amtrak, but to the extent it's different on other railroads, that's also interesting).
Conductor is, by definition and rule, in charge of the entire train. Not only the passengers, but to keep the train on time, operate safely, etc. The Engineer is responsible for operating the locomotive consist. Both can talk to the dispatcher and copy mandatory directives, track authority, etc and relay to the other. Not sure how Amtrak breaks down their responsibilities, so don't know if one usually handles it vs the other. Traditionally, the Conductor on a freight train would handle most of the communication, allowing the engineer to focus on operating the train.
Both Conductors and Engineers have to be qualified on the segment of track they are operating on. If you sit in the cafe near the Conductor (where I have usually seen them hanging out) you'll here him responding to the Engineers signal calls (i.e. Clear Nahunta Main 1, Medium aproach Medium South Charleson etc. They will also communicate the results of any defect detector they pass over and other important information) By knowing the signals and locations of them, the Conductor can back up the Engineer to help ensure nothing is missed, and know what to expect at the next signal, or generally follow what's going on ahead of their train. Not sure how effective that really is though, since the Conductor is in the back and can't see the signals himself obviously, and I suspect probably are just mindlessly repeating the calls without a lot of thought, until something sounds unusual-Maybe someone who operates passenger could answer that better.
If you're interested, here's what the General Code has to say about breakdown of crew responsibility. GCOR is the primary operating rules system in the West. It differs somwhat in the East, where CSX and NS have their own, separate operating rules. And of course, Amtrak may (and probably does) have their own breakdown in their System Special Instructions or other publication.
1.47 Duties of Crew Members
The conductor and the engineer are responsible for the safety and protection of their train and
observance of the rules. They must ensure that their subordinates are familiar with their duties, determine
the extent of their experience and knowledge of the rules. They must instruct them, when necessary, how
to perform their work properly and safely. If any conditions are not covered by the rules, they must take
precautions to provide protection.
A. Conductor Responsibilities
1. The conductor supervises the operation and administration of the train (if trains are combined
with more than one conductor on board, the conductor with the most seniority takes charge). All
persons employed on the train must obey the conductor’s instructions, unless the instructions
endanger the train’s safety or violate the rules. If any doubts arise concerning the authority
for proceeding or safety, the conductor must consult with the engineer who will be equally
responsible for the safety and proper handling of the train.
2. The conductor must advise the engineer and train dispatcher of any restriction placed on
equipment being handled.
3. The conductor must remind the engineer that the train is approaching an area restricted by:
• Limits of authority.
• Track warrant.
• Track bulletin.
or
• Radio speed restriction.
The conductor must inform the engineer after the train passes the last station, but at least 2 miles
from the restriction.
4. When the conductor is not present, other crew members must obey the instructions of the
engineer concerning rules, safety, and protection of the train.
5. Freight conductors are responsible for the freight carried by their train. They are also responsible
for ensuring that the freight is delivered with any accompanying documents to its destination or
terminals. Freight conductors must maintain any required records.
1-16 GCOR—Sixth Edition—April 7, 2010
B. Engineer Responsibilities
1. The engineer is responsible for safely and efficiently operating the engine. Crew members
must obey the engineer’s instructions that concern operating the engine. A student engineer or
other qualified employee may operate the engine under close supervision of the engineer. Any
employee that operates an engine must have a current certificate in their possession.
2. The engineer must check with the conductor to determine if any cars or units in the train require
special handling.
C. All Crew Members’ Responsibilities
1. To ensure the train is operated safely and rules are observed, all crew members must act
responsibly to prevent accidents or rule violations. Crew members in the engine control
compartment must communicate to each other any restrictions or other known conditions that
affect the safe operation of their train sufficiently in advance of such condition to allow the
engineer to take proper action. If proper action is not being taken, crew members must remind
engineer of such condition and required action.
2. Crew members in the engine control compartment must be alert for signals. As soon as signals
become visible or audible, crew members must communicate clearly to each other the name of
signals affecting their train. They must continue to observe signals and announce any change of
aspect until the train passes the signal. If the signal is not complied with promptly, crew members
must remind the engineer and/or conductor of the rule requirement. If crew members do not
agree on the signal indication, regard the signal as the most restrictive indication observed.
3. When the engineer and/or conductor fail to comply with a signal indication or take proper action
to comply with a restriction or rule, crew members must immediately take action to ensure safety,
using the emergency brake valve to stop the train, if necessary.