By Alicia Cruz
The Black Urban Times
Finally, we get to recognize the individuals who transport us through the five boroughs by iron horse: Train Conductors. The New York Daily News interviewed veteran MTA train operator Alex Bowen Sr whose been with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for 18 years. The 42-year-old father of three began his career with MTA at the tender age of 22.
He's driven everything from a trash train to a vac trains, de-icers and even the A train. For a brief moment, the Dutchess County native thought he wanted to ditch his subway gig. Everything from the dust to the overabundance of rats that call the subway tunnels home gave Bowen the willy's. The steel dust and smell of the rats makes it tough to breathe. The fearless rats have been known to crawl up your arm and pants legs.
"The rat feces and urine was so potent that I felt like I needed a gas mask. That was the one time when I thought that maybe this job wasn't for me," said Bowen.
Despite the long work days which can last for an eight hour shift, six days a week, but can include weekends once in awhile, and maybe even a double shift, or 14 straight hours, Bowen says he loves his job.
"My job has certainly helped support my family, but at the same time, it also makes it difficult to have a normal family life with children," he says.
Difficult or not, Bowen says the best part of his job is being in the outdoors.
"Some guys like being underground, especially during winter time when it can be really cold, but I don't care what season it is, I love being outdoors. It's just healthier." Read the entire article here
MTA TRAIN OPERATOR NEWS
1st experience as a NYC Subway Train Operator Trainee
Direct link to obtain study guides for MTA civil service exams
**MTA NYCTA Bus operator study guide (TA only as this is not needed for MTA Bus or MaBSTOA)
Direct link to obtain study guides for MTA civil service exams
**MTA NYCTA Bus operator study guide (TA only as this is not needed for MTA Bus or MaBSTOA)
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