MTA Tower Operator Practice Exam

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• What is an indicator that confirms the operating state of signals in a tower?
• What is prohibited for tower operators without proper authority?
• A device used in connection with a Signal Lever to delay the placing of the lever into its Normal position is called?
• What does the signal represented by GREEN OVER YELLOW indicate?
• What must a train do when following a Signal Yellow over Green?
• Which signal automatically displays the same aspect and helps define limits of interlocking?
• In the context of the machine operation, what does a master lever represent?
• Which of the following is NOT an electrical failure type indicated?
• The 858N train service operates between which two terminals?
• When is it appropriate to use a spare switch in operations?
• What must tower operators observe while operating?
• What color is associated with the master lever on a switch?
• What does an illuminated indication light in a track circuit signify?
• One important reason for implementing "GAPPING" service is to achieve what?
• What does the letter "L" indicate in train operations?
• What does Rule 9.05 (n) state about diverting a train from its regular route?
• What should be done when there is a disruption in service during the specified time frame?
• How are Revenue Trains defined?
• Which component is associated with the indication of the direction of traffic?
• Which document describes how to manipulate interlocking machines?
• What is the maximum allowable speed when passing over a switch?
• How many "W" trains operate in an hour between 0806 hrs and 0854 hrs?
• What is the correct military time for going to bed at a quarter to eleven at night?
• How long does a train need to be late upon arrival at a terminal for it to be counted as late statistically?
• What does an illuminated "S" signal signify?
• What is the military time for 8:45 PM?
• What does a signal at a fixed location indicate concerning train movement?
• The traffic lever is identified by which color?
• Which of the following actions is essential for tower operators when managing train movements?
• What should a operator do upon seeing a YELLOW OVER YELLOW signal?
• What does the bottom of a standard home signal indicate?
• If train 0753 W leaves STL on time, what is the scheduled arrival time at Pacific 86th?
• When can outdoor announcements in Brighton Beach be made?
• What is the military time for 10:03 PM?
• What type of signal controls the movement of trains when approaching a Home Signal?
• How far apart are the signal survey plates A4-327 and A4-338?
• What is a critical safety measure for a Tower Operator before engaging in Hand Cranking operations?
• On a route that is NOT fleeted, each signal in the route will?
• What military time corresponds to 10:00 PM?
• When presented with a RED OVER RED OVER YELLOW signal, what action should be taken?
• How long is the scheduled run if a train starts at 00:50 hrs and arrives at 02:47 hrs?
• What does a GREEN OVER GREEN (IRT) signal signify?
• What is a necessary action if an armed passenger is reported on the train?
• What is necessary to ensure signals are clear within the tower operation area?
• How is a Home Signal typically presented?
• A "Call-On" should NOT be given for?
• What function is performed by a lever locking feature in a tower operation?
• Which action is prohibited until permission is granted from RCC?
• What is the correct sequence for moving a switch?
• What lever position indicates S/B (Southbound) traffic?
• What is the military time for 6:34 PM?
• Which of the following is a feature of a lever that indicates N/B traffic is established?
• What must employees do to identify the tower correctly?
• Who is responsible for making train service delay announcements when D.A. are not available?
• What should a tower operator not do without proper authorization?
• If a train is routed from express to local track, will additional running time be added?
• What is the purpose of Marker Signals in train operations?
• A Tower Operator operating an Interlocking Machine with a Traffic Control feature can normally change the direction of traffic ONLY when?
• If a train's scheduled arrival is at 02:47 hrs, what time must it leave if the run is 1 hour, 57 minutes?
• What does one long and one short horn signal indicate?
• On a push button machine, where are the call-on buttons located?
• What must a tower operator do when expediting service?
• Who do tower operators collaborate with to ensure smooth operations?
• How do you write 6:45 AM in military time?
• In case of an emergency, how many horn signals are typically used to request police assistance?
• What does the signal of one long, one short, one long, and one short indicate?
• Which feature in tower operations allows for ensuring that signals can be sent and received safely?
• What is the headway between the 0838N and the 0908N trains?
• What is the primary characteristic of a Relay Track?
• What should be done if a train is running ahead of schedule?
• For which scenario is a CALL-ON signal applicable?
• Which signal indicates that a train must stop?
• What is the first action to take when ascertaining the exact location of a train?
• When the switch lever on a GRS machine is positioned all the way out, what direction is it set to?
• On a Push-button Control Panel, an Auxiliary Switch operating key is used to move and lock a switch when?
• While under a YARD INDICATION signal, what is the operator allowed to do?
• What should the holding lights indicate during non-commission hours?
• Which station is represented by the GAP sheet?
• If a train arrives at Chambers Street at 0750 hours, at what time is it scheduled to leave?
• For statistical purposes, what timing is relevant when tracking train arrivals?
• What action should be taken if the desired route cannot be established on a push button machine?
• When conducting a signal survey, what is a critical factor to note regarding spacing?
• What should a tower operator do when they identify unusual conditions?
• What does the aspect of a Time Controlled Signal typically include?
• What equipment consists of a group of manually operated levers used for switch control?
• What action should be taken regarding signal malfunctions?
• What is the primary function of a conventional machine in the IND division?
• If confronted with a RED/YELLOW signal, what should the operator do?
• In the event of a fire or smoke condition, what is the first priority?
• What action should an operator take upon a YELLOW OVER RED (IRT) signal?
• During commission hours, when should holding lights be displayed?
• What is one of the duties of a tower operator regarding flagging trains?
• What should a Tower Operator do if they detect an error in an order from the Train Dispatcher?
• How should a train approach a Subdivision "A" signal displaying Yellow over Red with an illuminated "S"?
• What does three short horn signals indicate?
• How many types of home signals are recognized in Tower Operations?
• What plays a role in changing the state of signals in tower systems?
• What does a STOP signal indicate in train operations?
• Which condition would trigger a standard emergency protocol alert?
• What are three short horn signals used to indicate?
• In the event of a track circuit failure, what operational status may the Switch indicate?
• What does a RED OVER RED signal instruct an operator to do?
• What action is crucial during a derailment situation?
• From whom may tower operators take instructions?
• What does a yellow over green signal represent?
• What reflects the condition of the switch in operational signaling systems?
• What is the role of Grade Time Signals in train operation?
• What should an operator be prepared to do when seeing a RED/RED/YELLOW signal?
• What is a crucial component for verifying that the lever is functioning properly in a tower operation?
• What is considered an act of vandalism in this context?
• Which mechanism provides feedback on the current status of the signal light?
• When are trains prohibited from being delayed for connections during non-commission hours?
• What should the tower operator do in case of a customer under the train?
• Which type of signal is described as a "black X" and is an absolute stop indication?
• In a tower operation system, what is the purpose of the model board?
• What is the protocol for holding back a preceding train service?
• Which of the following is an indication of a malfunction in the Switch according to Tower Operator protocols?
• What feature helps indicate the setup or status of the signal in a tower operation?
• If you wake up at half past six in the morning, how should you write this in military time?
• What information is provided by a Timetable?
• What does a Dwarf Signal displaying red over red indicate?
• What does the term Rerouting refer to in train operations?
• What does the radio code 12-10 signify?
• To establish a route, the Tower Operator should?
• What general principle applies when operating an interlocking machine?
• What action should a train crew take if a Dwarf Signal is illuminated red?
• In the case of an emergency, who should be immediately informed?
• What is the defined time for morning commission hours?
• What is the time frame for evening commission hours?
• What must be done when Signal Maintainers are working on a switch?
• A dark signal with no aspect indicates what action for a train?
• What is the implication of a YELLOW signal with respect to the next steps?
• What type of track circuit is indicated when the light is not illuminated?
• Which signal specification ensures a train's safe approach to a Home Signal?
• What action should be taken when the lever is positioned completely to the right for N/B traffic?
• What is the preferred action regarding Stop Arms in the direction of traffic when dealing with Hand Cranking Switches?
• Which type of indication shows track switch and controllable signal locations?
• What should not be displayed for other reasons during commission hours?
• A green over green signal indicates what for the train?
• What is the common distance between signal survey plates along a railway?
• In rail operations, what is the primary function of a master lever?
• What does a headway of 10 minutes indicate in train scheduling?
• What are Dwarf Signals primarily used for?
• What does the radio code 12-4 indicate?
• What should a tower operator do if they encounter a stalled train?
• What is prohibited regarding outdoor messages between 2100 and 0600?
• What type of signals are defined as being controlled by time factors?
• Which feature represents a release function in signaling systems?
• What is a primary responsibility of tower operators regarding train schedules?
• The Emergency Screw Release feature is primarily used to overcome?
• What is the total running time from 242 Station Van Pk to South Ferry Station between 0028 hrs and 0118 hrs?
• What does a Yellow over Green signal indicate in train operations?
• Which color represents a Signal Lever?
• What characterizes an Automatic Signal in train operations?
• To establish a route on a push button machine, the Tower Operator should do which of the following?
• What is the correct military time for lunch at 11:15 AM?
• What error should a Tower Operator look for when operating a Switch?
• What is the consequence of not adhering to the schedule of a train arrival at Chambers Street?
• What is a Relay Track?
• When a train unexpectedly stops while passing over a switch, the Tower Operator should FIRST?
• What is the military time when a train departs at 7:00 AM?
• Upon leaving South Ferry Station at 1012, what time will you arrive back at Dyckman if the journey takes 51 minutes?
• What is the typical abbreviation for a train that is scheduled to stop for an extended period before proceeding?
• Which aspect is important for the physical alignment of components in tower operations?
• What is essential for checking the time release mechanism in a signaling operation?
• What is the primary role of a switch detector light in tower operations?
• When is it essential to operate the manual release lever?
• What type of failure is indicated by a non-lit light on an electrical failure type?
• What is the definition of Absolute Block in train operation?
• When cancelling a route on a push button machine, which button should the Tower Operator pull?
• When is the earliest a train listed as "W" can depart based on the provided schedule?
• A flashing white light in the Switch segment of the Push Button Control Panel indicates?
• What does "proceed with restricted speed" typically mean in rail operations?
• When is a tower operator required to notify the RCC?
• In case of a flood or serious water condition, what action should be taken?
• What does an illuminated "S" at a Subdivision "A" signal indicate?
• A miniature lever field control panel does NOT have?
• How many days do you have to report an address change or telephone number to the authorities?
• What indicates an Approach Signal's identity in an interlocking system?
• What is a primary function of a Gap Station?
• What is required of the operator when a signal exhibits YELLOW OVER YELLOW OVER YELLOW?
• Which signal aspect typically signifies to a train to STOP?
• What does an illuminated light signify in a track circuit?
• What does the term "ghost circuit" refer to in this operational context?
• What action must a tower operator take when there is an obstruction on the track?