Wanted: Trolley Car Operators

We need YOU to help keep our demonstration railway running. The annual trolley car operator training course will be given in February and March. This is your opportunity to join the ranks of the operating department of the Shore line Trolley Museum. Being an operator is challenging but rewarding work.

No prior experience is required, as the training course will provide complete rails-up, hands-on instruction in the safe and proper operation of a trolley car and how to interact with visitors. Volunteer operators come from all walks of life and work varied schedules. Some contribute dozens of days each year, others just a few, but either way the net contribution to the museum is significant, as can be the benefit to you as you learn new skills and meet new and interesting people.

To qualify as an operator, you must be at least 18 years old (those who will turn 18 during 2012 are also eligible to take the course) and successfully pass the training course, the written rules test and the practical road examination. Training dates are February 25^th, March 3^rd, 10^th, 17^th and 24^th, with the final exam on March 24^th. Each day of training runs from 9:30 AM to approximately 5:00 PM. There is a $50 training fee ($70.00 for non-members includes your first year of membership at the museum) which includes a personalized “Operator Conductor” name tag, a solid brass hat badge engraved with your pass number and all educational materials.

Daunting as it may seem, by the conclusion of the course, you will be able to start and stop a trolley car smoothly and accurately. You’ll be able to position 20 tons of wood and steel within a few inches of a similarly massive object. You’ll understand switches, overhead wires, signals, and the railway rulebook. And you’ll be able to guide and interact with a group of people and make an enjoyable presentation on the history of the trolley, and the impact it had on everyday living.