Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Assistant Conductor Practice Test

At what signal is stopping necessary according to Working Limits Stop Sign?

1. Only at the first station

2. After receiving permission from the employee in charge

3. Whenever the signal is yellow

4. Only if instructed by a dispatcher

The correct answer is: After receiving permission from the employee in charge

When it comes to adhering to the Working Limits Stop Sign, stopping is necessary after receiving permission from the employee in charge. This is a critical safety protocol designed to ensure that train movement is properly coordinated and that all personnel are aware of each other's actions to prevent accidents. In any work zone, it is crucial that safety procedures are followed rigorously, and the authority of the employee in charge is paramount for ensuring those procedures are correctly enacted. The other choices do not align with this safety protocol. For instance, stopping only at the first station does not reflect the need for communication and coordination required in working limits. Similarly, a yellow signal typically indicates caution but does not automatically necessitate a stop unless otherwise instructed by the established rules or in the context of the situation at hand. The notion of stopping only if instructed by a dispatcher also misses the immediate directive from the employee in charge, who is responsible for the safety and operation in the working limits. Thus, the requirement to stop only after receiving that specific permission is what underlines the importance of clear communication in maintaining safety in these scenarios.