Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Assistant Conductor Practice Test

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the MTA Assistant Conductor Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What is a deadhead train?

  1. A train carrying freight only

  2. A passenger train without any revenue passengers

  3. A train operating outside of scheduled hours

  4. A maintenance train used in yard service

The correct answer is: A passenger train without any revenue passengers

A deadhead train refers to a passenger train that is operating without any revenue passengers on board. This situation can occur for various reasons, such as when a train needs to return to its originating point after completing its schedule or when a train is being repositioned for service. The term "deadheading" typically signifies that the train is not actively generating fare income during that journey. Understanding the context of why the other options do not apply is helpful. A train carrying freight only does not align with the concept of a deadhead train, since deadheading specifically involves passenger trains. Likewise, operating outside of scheduled hours describes a different operational condition that does not inherently suggest the absence of passengers. Finally, a maintenance train used in yard service pertains to trains designated for track upkeep rather than passenger transport, making it distinct from the idea of deadheading.