MTA Train Operator Exam 2026

MTA New York City Transit is accepting applications for Train Operator, Exam No. 7603. Train Operators have direct responsibility for the safe, timely, and proper operation of NYC Transit multi-unit subway cars, subway service cars, and trains — in revenue service, non-revenue service, and yard/terminal operations. This is one of the most in-demand transit roles in New York, offering strong hourly pay from day one with benefits including differentials, medical, and a pension.

Unlike the Conductor title, Train Operator requires a valid NYS driver’s license and one year of continuous full-time work experience — both must be met by the application deadline of July 28, 2026. No NYC residency is required.

Train Operator pay starts high and steps up quickly — this is one of the strongest starting hourly rates in the NYC transit system for a position that doesn’t require a college degree.

MTA NYC Transit also posted the Conductor exam (Exam No. 6626) recently. Here’s how the two roles compare for candidates deciding which to pursue — or both:

• ✓Operate multi-unit subway cars and trains safely and on schedule over assigned routes
• ✓Convey passengers over assigned routes; may open and close doors at stations and terminals
• ✓Make announcements as required

• ✓Operate work trains and revenue collection trains in non-revenue road service
• ✓Switch cars, prepare trains for road service, and operate trains between yards and terminals
• ✓Convey trains into facilities for inspection and repair, and through car washes for cleaning
• ✓Prepare trains for road service and switch cars in yards

• !Climbing and descending ladders on and off tracks; ascending and descending from trains and catwalks to roadbeds
• !Walking along elevated sections of track
• !Responding to audible signals (alarm bells, train whistles, horns, radio) and visual signals including colored lights
• !Remaining in a seated position for extended periods; using manual equipment; lifting heavy equipment
• !Various shifts including nights, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays; must be available for overtime as required

All three requirements below must be met. Experience and license requirements must be met by July 28, 2026 (last day of the application period). The education requirement must be met by July 28, 2027.

• ✓Education: A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a State’s Department of Education or recognized accrediting organization.
• ✓Driver’s License: A Motor Vehicle Driver License valid in the State of New York. Serious moving violations, license suspensions, or an accident record may result in disqualification.
• ✓Work Experience: One year of full-time satisfactory work experience that has been continuous with one employer. Part-time experience is credited on a prorated basis (see formula below).

• !Medical examination: Medical guidelines have been established for this position. You will be examined to determine whether you can perform the essential functions. Reasonable accommodations provided for qualifying disabilities.
• !Drug screening: Required before appointment. Once appointed, you are subject to random drug and alcohol testing for the duration of your employment. Candidates with a prior positive DOT test or refusal must have completed the required SAP process before appointment to this safety-sensitive role.
• !Training: A formalized training course may be required during the probationary period. Failure to complete it successfully may result in termination.
• !Probationary period: You must complete a probationary period. Failure to do so successfully may result in termination.
• +Promotion list: A promotion exam (No. 7703) is being held for eligible NYC Transit employees. Names on the promotion list will be considered first when filling vacancies — open competitive candidates follow.

The competitive multiple-choice test may be given at a computer terminal or using paper and pencil/pen. A score of at least 70% is required to pass. Your score — plus veterans’ credits if applicable — determines your place on the eligible list. You’ll be assigned a test date and location; you cannot request changes unless you qualify for a special accommodation or make-up.

Apply through the MTA Online Application System (OASys) at a856-mtaexams.nyc.gov — this is a separate MTA portal, not the NYC DCAS system. New accounts require email verification; most are instant, but allow up to 5 business days if manual review is needed.

The $91 fee may be waived for veterans and candidates receiving or participating in certain public assistance programs. Fee waiver requests must be mailed with supporting documentation by August 11, 2026:

• !Prohibited devices: No cellular phones, smart watches, smart glasses, beepers, pagers, cameras, portable media players, or other electronic devices. No devices with alphabetic keyboards or word processing/data recording capabilities.
• ✓Calculators allowed — hand-held, battery or solar powered, numeric only. No functions beyond addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• !Medical assistive devices that alert, notify, or vibrate require prior written authorization — email examsmakeups@nyct.com before the test.
• !ID required: One valid, non-expired photo ID with signature. Name must match your application. Accepted: state driver’s license, state ID card, US passport, military ID, Alien Registration Card, IDNYC, employer photo ID, student photo ID.
• !No companions, no re-entry: No one may accompany you or wait inside the test site. Leaving after fingerprinting means you cannot re-enter — attempting to do so may result in score nullification and fee forfeiture.