MTA Conductor KEY Exam EXAM Questions
And CORRECT Answers
ABSOLUTE BLOCK - CORRECT ANSWER a block established between block limit signals or
controlled signals in which no train is permitted to enter while it is occupied by another train or
equipment.
BLOCK - CORRECT ANSWER a length of track of defined limits, the use of which is governed by
block limit signals, cab signals, or Form M.
CONTROLLED BLOCK - CORRECT ANSWER the block, or series of consecutive blocks, between
successive controlled signals in Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) territory.
MANUAL BLOCK - CORRECT ANSWER a length of main track between two successive block limit
signals.
DEADHEAD TRAIN - CORRECT ANSWER a passenger train on which no revenue passengers are
carried.
ENGINE - CORRECT ANSWER a unit, other than a track car, propelled by any form of energy, or
a combination of such units operated from a single control, used in train or yard service. Engines
include diesel and electric multiple unit cars.
EQUIPMENT - CORRECT ANSWER railroad cars, engines, or track cars.
EXTRA TRAIN - CORRECT ANSWER a train not designated by operating schedule or bulletin
order. It may be designated either "Extra" or "Passenger Extra". The direction of travel must be
included in the designation; for example: "Extra 2024 East".
FREIGHT TRAIN - CORRECT ANSWER any train that is not a passenger train.
LIGHT ENGINE - CORRECT ANSWER an engine consisting of one or more units without cars.
Does not apply to multiple-unit cars.
, M-SERIES EQUIPMENT - CORRECT ANSWER MU passenger cars of the M-3, M-7, or M-8 series.
NON-SHUNTING EQUIPMENT - CORRECT ANSWER equipment that may not shunt track
circuits, including a single light engine, a single MU car or a single pair of MU cars, track cars, and
equipment indicated in the Special Instructions.
TRACK CAR - CORRECT ANSWER specialized equipment, including highway rail vehicles,
operated on track for inspection or maintenance purposes.
TRAIN - CORRECT ANSWER multiple-unit cars coupled, or an engine, with or without cars,
displaying a marker.
BLOCKING DEVICE REMOVED (BDR) CODE - CORRECT ANSWER a computer generated, unique,
random number transmitted from the Operations Control Center (OCC) to a Roadway Worker-in-
Charge (RWIC) before fouling a track or beginning work where CTC or Interlocking Rules apply.
INTERLOCKING - CORRECT ANSWER an arrangement of signals and appliances so
interconnected that their movements must succeed each other in proper sequence and for which
interlocking rules are in effect.
INTERLOCKING APPLIANCE - CORRECT ANSWER a movable apparatus within an interlocking
that either allows or prevents movements over designated routes, including switches, movable frogs,
mitre rails, and derails. An interlocking appliance is blocked when an approved device is applied to
the control console that prevents the control for that appliance from being operated. An interlocking
appliance is secured when a qualified employee either applies an approved device to the appliance
that prevents it from operating, or electrically disables the appliance and mechanically locks it in the
required position.
INTERLOCKING LIMITS - CORRECT ANSWER the tracks between the extreme opposing signals
of an interlocking.
BLOCK LIMIT SIGNAL - CORRECT ANSWER a fixed signal indicating the limit of a block under
Manual Block System (MBS) rules.
CAB SIGNAL - CORRECT ANSWER a signal located in the engine control compartment indicating
a permissible speed.
And CORRECT Answers
ABSOLUTE BLOCK - CORRECT ANSWER a block established between block limit signals or
controlled signals in which no train is permitted to enter while it is occupied by another train or
equipment.
BLOCK - CORRECT ANSWER a length of track of defined limits, the use of which is governed by
block limit signals, cab signals, or Form M.
CONTROLLED BLOCK - CORRECT ANSWER the block, or series of consecutive blocks, between
successive controlled signals in Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) territory.
MANUAL BLOCK - CORRECT ANSWER a length of main track between two successive block limit
signals.
DEADHEAD TRAIN - CORRECT ANSWER a passenger train on which no revenue passengers are
carried.
ENGINE - CORRECT ANSWER a unit, other than a track car, propelled by any form of energy, or
a combination of such units operated from a single control, used in train or yard service. Engines
include diesel and electric multiple unit cars.
EQUIPMENT - CORRECT ANSWER railroad cars, engines, or track cars.
EXTRA TRAIN - CORRECT ANSWER a train not designated by operating schedule or bulletin
order. It may be designated either "Extra" or "Passenger Extra". The direction of travel must be
included in the designation; for example: "Extra 2024 East".
FREIGHT TRAIN - CORRECT ANSWER any train that is not a passenger train.
LIGHT ENGINE - CORRECT ANSWER an engine consisting of one or more units without cars.
Does not apply to multiple-unit cars.
, M-SERIES EQUIPMENT - CORRECT ANSWER MU passenger cars of the M-3, M-7, or M-8 series.
NON-SHUNTING EQUIPMENT - CORRECT ANSWER equipment that may not shunt track
circuits, including a single light engine, a single MU car or a single pair of MU cars, track cars, and
equipment indicated in the Special Instructions.
TRACK CAR - CORRECT ANSWER specialized equipment, including highway rail vehicles,
operated on track for inspection or maintenance purposes.
TRAIN - CORRECT ANSWER multiple-unit cars coupled, or an engine, with or without cars,
displaying a marker.
BLOCKING DEVICE REMOVED (BDR) CODE - CORRECT ANSWER a computer generated, unique,
random number transmitted from the Operations Control Center (OCC) to a Roadway Worker-in-
Charge (RWIC) before fouling a track or beginning work where CTC or Interlocking Rules apply.
INTERLOCKING - CORRECT ANSWER an arrangement of signals and appliances so
interconnected that their movements must succeed each other in proper sequence and for which
interlocking rules are in effect.
INTERLOCKING APPLIANCE - CORRECT ANSWER a movable apparatus within an interlocking
that either allows or prevents movements over designated routes, including switches, movable frogs,
mitre rails, and derails. An interlocking appliance is blocked when an approved device is applied to
the control console that prevents the control for that appliance from being operated. An interlocking
appliance is secured when a qualified employee either applies an approved device to the appliance
that prevents it from operating, or electrically disables the appliance and mechanically locks it in the
required position.
INTERLOCKING LIMITS - CORRECT ANSWER the tracks between the extreme opposing signals
of an interlocking.
BLOCK LIMIT SIGNAL - CORRECT ANSWER a fixed signal indicating the limit of a block under
Manual Block System (MBS) rules.
CAB SIGNAL - CORRECT ANSWER a signal located in the engine control compartment indicating
a permissible speed.
