ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Light Rail Train Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fourans

Help Desk Analyst

Newark, NJ

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

Act as the primary point of contact for NJ TRANSIT s(NJT) Light Rail Operations on service ... board train announcements, and NJTpublic information/customer service/social media. Review ...

New

Parsons

Sr. Systems Engineering Manager

Austin, TX · On-site

In this position, you will be the technical lead for major Light Rail Transit (LRT), commuter rail, and conventional train control projects, serving as the Systems Engineering Lead, Systems ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLight Rail Train Driver Jobs

Light Rail Train Driver information

See salary details

$8

$16

$23

How much do light rail train driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for light rail train driver in the United States is $16.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Light Rail Train Driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Light Rail Train Driver, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, a clean driving record, and completion of employer-provided training or certification programs in rail operations and safety. Familiarity with train control systems, signaling technology, and radio communication devices is typically required. Strong attention to detail, calmness under pressure, and effective communication skills help drivers respond to emergencies and interact with passengers. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring passenger safety, operational efficiency, and reliable public transportation service.

Is 55 too old to become a train driver?

Light rail train driver positions typically require a valid driver's license, good health, and the ability to pass background and medical checks. Age limits vary by employer and region, but many transit agencies consider experienced candidates of 55 or older if they meet health and qualification requirements. Physical fitness and a clean driving record are important factors regardless of age.

What are some common challenges faced by Light Rail Train Drivers, and how can they be managed?

Light Rail Train Drivers often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to schedules, ensuring passenger safety during peak hours, and remaining alert during long shifts. Managing these challenges requires strong focus, effective communication with control centers and platform staff, and adherence to safety procedures. Many organizations provide ongoing training and support to help drivers handle unexpected situations, such as technical malfunctions or passenger emergencies, ensuring a safe and smooth operation.

What does a Light Rail Train Driver do?

A Light Rail Train Driver operates light rail vehicles, ensuring the safe and timely transportation of passengers along designated routes. Their responsibilities include monitoring train systems, adhering to schedules, handling emergencies, and communicating with passengers and control centers. They also perform safety checks before and after shifts and are trained to respond to various operational situations. Light Rail Train Drivers play a crucial role in public transportation, contributing to efficient and reliable urban mobility.

How much do train drivers get paid?

Light rail train drivers typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $45,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often require a commercial driver's license and safety certifications, and may work irregular hours including nights and weekends.

Do light rail trains have drivers?

Yes, light rail train drivers are responsible for operating and controlling the trains, ensuring passenger safety and adherence to schedules. They typically need a valid driver's license, specialized training, and sometimes certification to operate light rail vehicles in a safe and efficient manner.

How to be a light rail driver?

To become a light rail train driver, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and a commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger and air brake endorsements. They must complete specialized training on train operation, safety procedures, and local regulations, often provided by the transit agency, and pass written and practical exams. Experience in driving large vehicles and good communication skills are also important for this role.

What is the difference between Light Rail Train Driver vs Subway Train Operator?

AspectLight Rail Train DriverSubway Train Operator
CredentialsDriver's license, sometimes specific light rail certificationsCommercial driver's license (CDL) or subway-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentUrban street-level tracks, often at-grade or elevatedUnderground tunnels or dedicated subway tracks
Industry UsagePublic transit agencies in cities with light rail systemsMajor metro subway systems in large cities
Common Search IntentComparing roles in urban transitUnderstanding differences in urban rail jobs

The main difference between a Light Rail Train Driver and a Subway Train Operator lies in their work environment and certifications. Light Rail Train Drivers operate on street-level or elevated tracks within city areas, often requiring specific light rail licenses. Subway Train Operators work underground in tunnels, typically needing additional certifications like a CDL. Both roles are essential for urban transit systems but differ mainly in their operating environments and certification requirements.

What cities are hiring for Light Rail Train Driver jobs? Cities with the most Light Rail Train Driver job openings:
What states have the most Light Rail Train Driver jobs? States with the most job openings for Light Rail Train Driver jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Light Rail Train Driver jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Light Rail Train Driver jobs are:
Light Rail Train Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Light Rail Train Driver job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,232 per year, or $16.9 per hour.
Help Desk Analyst

Help Desk Analyst

Fourans

Newark, NJ

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

PrincipleResponsibilities:

Act as the primary point of contact for NJ TRANSIT s(NJT) Light Rail Operations on service reporting and customer service data andmatters for the River LINE (RL), Hudson Bergen Light Rail (HBLR), and theNewark Light Rail (NLR).

Coordinate the dissemination of messages related tothe status of service on the three light rail systems and the impacts anyservice disruptions may have to ensure this information is delivered to NJTcustomers through various channels including travel alerts, NJT Website,station public address announcements, on-board train announcements, and NJTpublic information/customer service/social media.

Review, investigate and address customer issuesentered in Salesforce CRM, in addition to generating ad hoc reports andanalyzing customer trends to assist with each LR system s operability.Investigations into customer cases will often require interaction with LightRail managers/superintendents and regular coordination with NJT Customer Service.

Regularly collect, maintain, analyze, and reportdata regarding Light Rail Operations key performance indicators (KPIs), forboth internal, state, and federal use, including National TransportationDatabase (NTD) annual reporting.

Develop reports and narratives as needed by LightRail Operations or other NJT departments, providing information into ongoingoperations, incidents, and other related matters.

Attend regular meetings with NJT Customer Service,Public Information, and Social Media personnel to confirm planned maintenance,special events, or other events impacting Light Rail and develop communicationsas necessary.

Coordinate with NJT Public Information for messagedevelopment in relation to sudden service adjustments or outages. Periodicallyvisit each Light Rail system and participate in the Light Rail business car (no customers) ride along to observe safety and managerial inspections ofeach NJT Light Rail system and document as necessary.

Periodically travel as an Eyes and Ears employeeto observe timetables/schedules to ensure on time efficiency. This should alsoinclude random station/platform walk throughs and observation of postings andcustomer information to ensure accuracy and effectiveness of signage, as wellas assisting customers as necessary.

Report to and assist the Deputy Chief of Light RailOperations and assist him/her with various duties as assigned.

During major service events or disruptions, act asthe primary Light Rail and Contract Services designee at the EmergencyOperations Center (EOC).

Participate in necessary training related to NJTEmergency Operations Center and incident management.

On call 24/7 unless otherwise directed.

Other Light Rail duties as assigned.

Education,Experience and Qualifications

Bachelor s degree in communications, business administration, computerscience or related field from a US Department of Education accredited collegeor university or (4) years of applied experience in passenger communicationsystems, corporate communications, public relations, customer service orrelated field.

2 years of passenger/business communications, public relations, orcustomer communications required. At least 1 year of experience in a dataanalytics or similar role required. At least 1 year of customer serviceexperience in a public facing role good to have.

Skills

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint,SharePoint)

Intermediate to advanced Excel skills (datavisualization, formulas, pivot tables, macros, etc.)

At least one year of Salesforce or similar CRMexperience (report generation, list creation, case management)

Power BI experience good to have

Knowledge of or experience with extensiveenterprise/public transportation/rail logistics systems good to have

Knowledge of National Incident Management System(NIMS) and/or willingness to learn

Excellentorganizational, interpersonal,written, and verbal communication skills are required

FOURANS logo

About FOURANS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Bridgewater, NJ, US

Year founded

2008

View All FOURANS Jobs

Apply