The person who punches tickets on a train is known as the conductor or ticket inspector. Their main role is to check passenger tickets and ensure everyone on board has paid for their journey. Let’s take a closer look at what a train conductor does:
Checking tickets
One of the core duties of a train conductor is to check the tickets of all passengers before or shortly after departure. They will walk through the train carriages and ask to visually inspect each ticket. This allows them to:
- Verify each passenger has a valid ticket for the journey
- Check the date, time and destination on the ticket matches the train’s schedule
- Make sure the ticket has not already been used
- Ensure any discounts or passes (e.g. senior tickets) are appropriate
For passengers without a valid ticket, the conductor may charge them for a new ticket on board or issue a fine depending on company policy.
Punching or clipping tickets
In the days before digital ticketing, conductors would literally punch or clip paper tickets to show they had been used. While modern systems are now digital, the name has stuck and “punching tickets” remains part of a conductor’s job. When inspecting tickets, conductors will:
- Punch holes in paper tickets or mark them with a pen to indicate the journey date
- Clip off a corner of the ticket if it allows multiple journeys
- Scan digital tickets using a handheld device that updates the ticket’s status
This prevents the tickets from being reused and provides a record that they have been checked and approved.
Dealing with fare evasion
Conductors are also there to identify and deal with fare evasion – i.e. passengers trying to travel without a valid ticket. If someone tries to do this, the conductor can:
- Ask to see proof of concession/discount entitlement
- Request additional ID if suspicious of a ticket’s validity
- Sell a ticket to the destination at full price
- Issue a fine or penalty fare for traveling without a ticket
- Call ahead and request police to meet the train if the passenger refuses to cooperate
The amount of authority and enforcement options available will depend on the train company’s conditions of carriage.
Customer service
In addition to ticket checks, conductors provide an important customer service role including:
- Answering passenger questions about stops, connections, amenities etc
- Making station announcements about the journey and next stops
- Assisting passengers with getting on and off the train
- Helping with luggage or special needs
- Directing people to seats, dining cars etc
- Dealing with complaints or issues from passengers
Experienced conductors build extensive route knowledge so they can provide accurate information and advice.
Safety responsibilities
Conductors are also responsible for onboard safety by:
- Checking platform areas before departure
- Ensuring people do not board dangerously overcrowded trains
- Making sure passengers are safely aboard before giving the right-of-way to depart
- Staying alert and dealing with emergencies or medical situations if they arise
If an emergency evacuation is required, conductors will coordinate the evacuation and assist passengers to safely exit the train.
Operational duties
Conductors complete various operational tasks including:
- Reporting any faults, issues or damage to the driver
- Refilling toilet supplies and tidying carriages during the journey
- Updating train signage if the service does not follow the scheduled route
- Processing cash fares and payments to balance against tickets sold
- Completing paperwork to record journeys, passenger numbers, incidents etc
Qualifications and training
To become a train conductor requires:
- A high school diploma
- Customer service skills
- Ability to stay calm under pressure
- Physical fitness and ability to stand for long periods
- Completion of a conductor training program
- Certification for safety procedures and emergency management
- Detailed route knowledge training
Ongoing training is also necessary to keep up to date with new regulations, equipment and routes.
Conclusion
In summary, train conductors have a varied and demanding job that goes far beyond just punching tickets. They play an essential role in customer service, safety, security and the smooth operation of the train system. It requires extensive training but can be a rewarding career for those who enjoy working with the public and keeping busy on the move.