What is the primary responsibility of a conductor in the MTA?

The primary responsibility of a conductor in the MTA is to oversee train operations and ensure passenger safety. This role encompasses a variety of critical functions, such as managing the train crew, making safety announcements, and responding to emergency situations. The conductor also ensures that all protocols regarding safety and operations are followed during the journey, which is vital for maintaining a safe environment for both passengers and staff.

While other responsibilities listed may be relevant in a broader context of train operations, they do not encompass the central focus of a conductor's role. For instance, ticket sales and maximizing revenue are typically the responsibilities of ticket agents or revenue management staff, while service maintenance and repairs fall under the domain of maintenance teams. Likewise, controlling train schedules and routes is usually the responsibility of dispatchers or train controllers, which is distinct from the conductor's key obligations. Thus, overseeing train operations and ensuring passenger safety is the most accurate reflection of a conductor's primary function within the MTA.