Tram controller

Tram controllers assign and manage tram vehicles and drivers for the transport of passengers, including records of distances covered and of repairs made.

The following job titles also refer to tram controller:

tram system supervisor
tram supervisor and controller
tram supervisor
tram dispatcher
traffic supervisor
tram controller and supervisor
tram system controller

A high school diploma or equivalent is generally required to work as tram controller.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Tram controller is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to tram controller.

tram driver
automated cable vehicle controller
dangerous goods driver
trolley bus driver
bus route supervisor

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of tram controller. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of tram controller with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

air traffic controller
aviation safety officer
railway infrastructure inspector
chemical plant control room operator
hand luggage inspector

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of tram controller.

• Tramway regulations: Know the regulations governing tramways and apply these regulations in the daily operations of tram transportation. Ensure that standards are met in relation to safeguarding the well-being of passengers and the tramway company.
• Tram network: Know the tram system in order to determine how to maintain tram services while causing minimal disruption to customers in the event of incidents.
• Types of trams: Know different types of trams and their technical operating requirements. There are various forms of tram, such as cable-hauled, hybrid funicular electric, electric (trolley cars), gas trams, and trams powered by other means.
• Health and safety measures in transportation: The body of rules, procedures and regulations related to health and safety measures intended to prevent accidents or incidents in transportation.
• Mechanical composition of trams: Understand the mechanical composition of trams; have the ability to identify and report any damage or malfunction to central operations.

These skills are necessary for the role of tram controller.

• Communicate verbal instructions: Communicate transparent instructions. Ensure that messages are understood and followed correctly.
• Ensure public safety and security: Implement the relevant procedures, strategies and use the proper equipment to promote local or national security activities for the protection of data, people, institutions, and property.
• Coordinate with tram maintenance department: Cooperate with tram maintenance department to ensure that tram operations and inspections take place as scheduled.
• Ensure steady circulation of trams: Ensure that a sufficient number of trams and lines are operational and schedules are executed as planned.
• Use communication equipment: Set up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.
• Stay alert: Stay focused and alert at all times; react quickly in the case of unexpected events. Concentrate and do not get distracted performing a task over a long period of time.
• Ensure tram system power supply: Ensure that the power supply to the overhead electric wires is maintained; report faults or malfunctions.
• Operate tram controls: Operate tram controls and power switches with different operating systems. Manipulate forward and reverse motion by smooth application of power and braking.
• Maintain concentration for long periods: Stay concentrated over a long period of time in order to make correct judgements and appropriate decisions.
• Follow work procedures: Adhere to procedures at work in a structured and systematic manner.
• Analyse ways to reduce travel time: Analyse prospective improvements in journey efficiency through reduction of travel time by modifying itineraries and outlining alternatives.
• Handle stressful situations: Deal with and manage highly stressful situations in the workplace by following adequate procedures, communicating in a quiet and effective manner, and remaining level-headed when taking decisions.
• Communicate with customer service department: Communicate with customer service in a transparent and collaborative manner; monitor how service is operating; relay real-time information to customers.
• Operate tram system monitoring equipment: Monitor tram services, ensuring that trams are running safely and at the scheduled frequency.
• Match vehicles with routes: Match types of vehicles to transport routes, taking into consideration service frequency, peak transport times, service area covered, and road conditions.
• Deal with changing operational demand: Deal with changing operational demands; respond with effective solutions.

4323 – Transport clerks

References

1. Tram controller – ESCO