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How exposed to AI is a Railroad Conductors and Yardmaster?

Of the 22 tasks O*NET lists for railroad conductors and yardmasters, 0 could be done in half the time with a chat window today. 13 cannot be sped up at all. Here is which.

Exposure means published research judged an AI could halve the time a task takes, at the same quality. It does not mean the task stops needing a person. How to read this

Also called
ConductorFreight ConductorRailroad ConductorTrain MasterTrainmanYardmaster
Reachable today Needs software built first Cannot be sped up
22
tasks rated for this occupation
0%
hold a degree, from a survey of 24
48k
people do this job in the US
11 of 52
least protected in transport

Every task, and what AI can do with it

These are O*NET's task statements for this occupation, exactly as written, sorted into the three bands by the ratings behind this report. Nothing has been reworded.

Only with software built on top

9
  • Confer with engineers regarding train routes, timetables, and cargoes, and to discuss alternative routes when there are rail defects or obstructions
  • Direct and instruct workers engaged in yard activities, such as switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic
  • Keep records of the contents and destination of each train car, and make sure that cars are added or removed at proper points on routes
  • Direct engineers to move cars to fit planned train configurations, combining or separating cars to make up or break up trains
  • Review schedules, switching orders, way bills, and shipping records to obtain cargo loading and unloading information and to plan work
  • Document and prepare reports of accidents, unscheduled stops, or delays
  • Supervise and coordinate crew activities to transport freight and passengers and to provide boarding, porter, maid, and meal services to passengers
  • Record departure and arrival times, messages, tickets and revenue collected, and passenger accommodations and destinations
  • Inspect freight cars for compliance with sealing procedures, and record car numbers and seal numbers

Cannot be sped up

13
  • Signal engineers to begin train runs, stop trains, or change speed, using telecommunications equipment or hand signals
  • Receive information regarding train or rail problems from dispatchers or from electronic monitoring devices
  • Receive instructions from dispatchers regarding trains' routes, timetables, and cargoes
  • Operate controls to activate track switches and traffic signals
  • Arrange for the removal of defective cars from trains at stations or stops
  • Inspect each car periodically during runs
  • Confirm routes and destination information for freight cars
  • Verify accuracy of timekeeping instruments with engineers to ensure trains depart on time
  • Instruct workers to set warning signals in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops
  • Observe yard traffic to determine tracks available to accommodate inbound and outbound traffic
  • Supervise workers in the inspection and maintenance of mechanical equipment to ensure efficient and safe train operation
  • Collect tickets, fares, or passes from passengers
  • Instruct workers to regulate air conditioning, lighting, and heating in passenger cars to ensure passengers' comfort
What this does not say

This is not a prediction about your job

Nobody surveyed an employer. Tasks are counted equally, so a percentage here is a share of the list rather than a share of your week. And the ratings were made in 2023, which makes every figure a floor rather than a ceiling.

It must never be used to select anyone for redundancy. The full limits are here.

Where to go next

This is the standard task list for the title. The useful next question is which of the tasks you actually do should go near AI, and which should not.

Sort your own tasks Read the full report

Exposure ratings from Eloundou, Manning, Mishkin and Rock, GPTs are GPTs: Labor market impact potential of LLMs, Science 384, 1306–1308, 2024, used under the MIT licence. This page includes information from the O*NET Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. People Team AI has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Employment figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.