Will “Gang Rider” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

83% Chance of Automation

“Gang Rider” will probably be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #458 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

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Job Description

Operate railroad track switches. Couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Signal engineers by hand or flagging. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 53-4021.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 55,320.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 26.00
Currently, there are 19,860 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Gang Rider”

Ride atop cars that have been shunted, and turn handwheels to control speeds or stop cars at specified positions.
Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
Watch for and relay traffic signals to start and stop cars during shunting.
Adjust controls to regulate air-conditioning, heating, and lighting on trains for comfort of passengers.
Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.
Provide passengers with assistance entering and exiting trains.
Monitor oil, air, and steam pressure gauges, and make sure water levels are adequate.
Observe signals from other crew members so that work activities can be coordinated.
Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains.
Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.
Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites.
Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools.
Refuel and lubricate engines.
Connect air hoses to cars, using wrenches.
Answer questions from passengers concerning train rules, stations, and timetable information.
Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.
Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.

Related Technology & Tools

Air pressure gauges
Signaling lanterns
Diesel freight engines
Locomotive wheel chocks
Buffer stops
Safety gloves
Safety air horns
Mobile radios
Dock boards
Railroad track switches
Hand brakes
Steel-toes boots
Signal flares
Oil pressure gauges
Diesel switch engines
Automatic track switching systems
Mobile scaffolding
Remote control locomotives
Equipment couplers
Steam pressure gauges
Protective glasses
Specialty wrench sets
Signal flags
Dinky engines
Electric freight engines
Switch handles
Car pullers
Derailers
Ground throw switches

Electronic train management systems ETMS
Data entry software
Route mapping software
Time tracking software