If a commuter train is being pushed by a locomotive at the back of the train, does anyone sit in that locomotive to run it?

Question

Plenty of commuter trains are pushed by locomotives at the rear of the train.  At the front of the train, there is either a small cabin where someone can sit to drive the train or another locomotive.

I see the employee at the front of the train, but is there also a railroad employee in the locomotive at the rear of the train?  Or if a locomotive is pushing the train, is the rear locomotive operated by remote control without a person in it?

Thanks.

? · Accepted Answer

The driver controls the train from the front. It’s vital for safety for the driver to see what’s in front of the train.

If anyone’s sitting in the cab at the rear then it’s just for the ride. Although for safety at long or curved platforms a guard has to ride at the back to signal the driver when it is safe to pull out of stations. But those guards usually ride in the rearmost passenger carriage.

? · Answer

Both ends of the train have complete controls, so it can be operated either way.

StephenWeinstein · Answer

No.  The rear locomotive is operated from the front of the train.

If a commuter train is being pushed by a locomotive at the back of the train, does anyone sit in that locomotive to run it?

3 Answers