Train Operation Light-Rail Rules Exam
Questions and Answers
RESPONSIBILITY FOR TRAIN MOVEMENT - Answer-The person operating the train
has full responsibility for its safe operation. Operators must question and/or refuse any
unsafe instruction.
EMERGENCY STOP "MUSHROOM" TEST - Answer-Do not exceed 1 mph while
testing Emergency Stop mushroom.
OPERATOR RELIEF - Answer-Prior to being relieved, the Operator shall ensure that a
copy of the "current" Train Orders, Special Instructions, a signed and updated defect
card, and other required equipment are in the cab from which the train will be first
operated by the relief Operator. The Operator being relieved shall advise the relief
Operator of any Train Orders, defects, unusual sounds, or any other condition which
may affect train operations. This rule also applies to fall back procedures.
ADHERENCE TO SCHEDULE - Answer-When late leaving a terminal, Train Operators
shall notify OCC no more than two (2) minutes after their scheduled departure time to
advise of the delay and of the anticipated duration of the delay. Train Operators shall
also notify OCC when their train becomes four (4) minutes late from intermediate time
point times.
ONBOARD CAMERAS - Answer-VTA employees shall not obstruct or tamper with
onboard cameras.
CROSSING GATES CONTROLLED BY TWC - Answer-When a train is stopped at a
station and has not yet passed beyond the TWC loop, and emergency vehicles are
approaching the crossing with lights and sirens, the Operator shall cancel the request
for the crossing gates, then place the inverser in neutral until it is safe to proceed. Once
the emergency vehicle(s) have crossed the tracks, the Operator may then re-enter the
required TWC request for their route.
FOLLOWING DISTANCE - Answer-When authorized to CLOSE-UP, the train speed
shall not exceed 10 mph when trains are less than three car lengths apart. If it is
necessary to get closer, trains shall make a complete stop with at least 10 feet
separating couplers and then proceed at no more than 3 mph. Trains shall stop no
closer than 2 feet between couplers.
ACCESS TO THE CAB - Answer-Unauthorized individuals are not allowed in the cab.
With OCC approval, only the following personnel may ride in the cab while on
authorized VTA business: VTA Supervisors and Managers, Instructors, Light Rail
Maintenance Staff, Light Rail Joint Workforce (JWI) Mentors and Operators in Pre-
Questions and Answers
RESPONSIBILITY FOR TRAIN MOVEMENT - Answer-The person operating the train
has full responsibility for its safe operation. Operators must question and/or refuse any
unsafe instruction.
EMERGENCY STOP "MUSHROOM" TEST - Answer-Do not exceed 1 mph while
testing Emergency Stop mushroom.
OPERATOR RELIEF - Answer-Prior to being relieved, the Operator shall ensure that a
copy of the "current" Train Orders, Special Instructions, a signed and updated defect
card, and other required equipment are in the cab from which the train will be first
operated by the relief Operator. The Operator being relieved shall advise the relief
Operator of any Train Orders, defects, unusual sounds, or any other condition which
may affect train operations. This rule also applies to fall back procedures.
ADHERENCE TO SCHEDULE - Answer-When late leaving a terminal, Train Operators
shall notify OCC no more than two (2) minutes after their scheduled departure time to
advise of the delay and of the anticipated duration of the delay. Train Operators shall
also notify OCC when their train becomes four (4) minutes late from intermediate time
point times.
ONBOARD CAMERAS - Answer-VTA employees shall not obstruct or tamper with
onboard cameras.
CROSSING GATES CONTROLLED BY TWC - Answer-When a train is stopped at a
station and has not yet passed beyond the TWC loop, and emergency vehicles are
approaching the crossing with lights and sirens, the Operator shall cancel the request
for the crossing gates, then place the inverser in neutral until it is safe to proceed. Once
the emergency vehicle(s) have crossed the tracks, the Operator may then re-enter the
required TWC request for their route.
FOLLOWING DISTANCE - Answer-When authorized to CLOSE-UP, the train speed
shall not exceed 10 mph when trains are less than three car lengths apart. If it is
necessary to get closer, trains shall make a complete stop with at least 10 feet
separating couplers and then proceed at no more than 3 mph. Trains shall stop no
closer than 2 feet between couplers.
ACCESS TO THE CAB - Answer-Unauthorized individuals are not allowed in the cab.
With OCC approval, only the following personnel may ride in the cab while on
authorized VTA business: VTA Supervisors and Managers, Instructors, Light Rail
Maintenance Staff, Light Rail Joint Workforce (JWI) Mentors and Operators in Pre-
