‘It’s Like a Brand New Job Every Day’
Keepers of the City. Regular Q train riders often recognize Angel Rivera’s voice over the speakers — and thank him for getting them to their destinations safely.
| 18 Nov 2025 | 11:35
Angel Rivera. Photo: Marie Pohl
Angel Rivera has been working as a train conductor for the MTA for thirteen years. He loves the interaction with the subway riders. “It’s enjoyable on a daily basis,” he said. “You really don’t know what to expect.”
Rivera was sitting on a bench on 96th Street after he had finished his shift. “You’re gonna have individuals that are gonna ask questions, interact with you, and because you don’t know what to expect, it’s like a brand new job every day.”
MTA train conductors are responsible for the safety of the passengers and the crew, and for the operation of the trains, including opening and closing doors, making announcements, and coordinating with the train operator to ensure passengers board and exit safely. They also handle communication with the control center and perform duties on the platform.
Subway riders often thank Rivera for his work. “I get thank-yous a lot.” Rivera said. “But periodically, if I’m held in a station or as I’m walking down the platform, people will take the time to give me a little bit, you know, a touch of their personal experiences with the train.”
When Rivera applied to the MTA, he took the examinations for three positions, train operator, station agent and train conductor. He passed all three and ended up working as a train conductor.
Some of the passengers recognize his voice from the announcements. On the Q-line conductors get to make their own announcements. Other lines that operate the newer trains, such as the A-line, use pre-recorded, automated announcements. “I don’t really like that,” Rivera said and smiled. “I don’t have the opportunity to make my announcements and show off.”
Rivera is 45 or 46 years old. He said he doesn’t “keep track” of his age. In his free time he likes to cook. “I just made this Portuguese stew that I saw on America’s Test Kitchen,” he said.
The funniest objects Rivera ever saw someone carry onto the train were four car wheels and tires. “That was years ago,” he said, “I think I was on an A train on the midnights.” He said when he saw those he thought to himself, “You’re riding the train to get the tires to your car so that you could transport yourself in the car. It was very funny. I can’t figure that one out.”